PEACE DAY AT HOME.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 January 1919, Page 7

PEACE DAY AT HOME.

SOME KTHIKIUCi 'FIGURES.

CHRONICLED BY EX-NEW PLY' MOUTHIT&

Extract from the letter of a lady who lived in New Plymouth some years ago: The news of the armistice will be quite when you receive this, but I should -like just to touch upon one or two of the outstanding facts of this time which struck us most at the moment.

First was the way in which the churches were thronged with worshippers, and it was all so spontaneous, for on the Monday before the King and Queen went there in State on Tuesday people were coming and going all day long, both for the regular services and for private worship, and from what ono could gather it was the same all over the country.

The second was the outburst of loyalty to the King and Queen. In an incredibly short space of time after the signing of the armistice came through people crowded in thousands to Buckingham Palace yard, asking for the King. It was all so spontaneous—no set plan, and the more valuable on that account. No sooner had one crowd dispersed than another gathered. "We want the King.'* Then in the afternoon both drove about the streets without any escort, and just rejoiced with their people, and were cheered to the echo everywhere. And well, they deserved it. Throughout the war they have conducted themselves with such quiet dignity and worked. Nobody in the kingdom did more—most of all in visiting the sick and wounded—not just walking through tho wards in a perfunctory manner, but going amongst the patients, talking to them, and showing practical sympathy. Contrast King George now witn the Kaiser skulking across the border into Holland, execrated by his own people. Ana what about all those dead and maimed millions which his insensate ambition sent to destruction? Our British Empire, which he set out to humiliate and destroy, has coma out stronger than ever. God forbid that we should boast! Over and over again it seemed as if God's Providence aione saved us from complete disaster. "Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness." But we can't help being proud of our men, whether from the Dominions, India, or Home; a:id does it not seem fitting that thev should make the final score and end where they began—at never-to-be-forgotten Mona?

Then that scene at the Houses of Parliament, when, with one consent, our statesmen should adjourn straightaway, as soon as the message had been read, to St. Margaret's, to give thanks for our deliverance.

We were at Portsmouth on 'Monday, and arrived at the Town Hall just after the news had come about 11.30 a.m., and already notices were being distributed by the Mayor inviting the inhabitants to meet him at noon for the formal announcement. A great many people were there already, and by noon there was a dense crowd filling every corner of the large square —thousands upon thou< sands. There were a few- rowdy groups here and there, but they made the exception. As a whole, though everybody looked happy and cheerful, there was a note of soberness —no "mafficking," 'just quiet thankfulness that the. nightmare of the last four years had lifted. The Mayor appeared punctually at noon in his robes, supported by the leading men of the town and by the Admiral and General in Command, also representatives of the local clergy. We could not hear a word, but could follow the proceedings quite easily. The Mayor read the announcement, then there was a short service of prayer and thanksgiving, followed by a few short speeches. Then the National Anthem, sung with great enthusiasm. Three, cheers for the King, and the aifair was over, only occupying a quarter of an hour. Oh, at about half-past 11, several hands of miipic appeared on the scene, military and naval, and played national sqrigs, in which the crowd joined in heartily. They played God Save the King, "The Marseillaise," "Land of Hope and Glory," and .others- Where the .flags came from I don't know, but there were thousands of Union Jacks, nearly everybody carrying one. There had been no time to think of decorations, but they hoisted the flags of the Allies in the Square, and the countless little flags carried by the people made the scene very gay. Each hour saw more and more bunting displayed, and by four the town was bright with flags and streamers, even the poorer parts. The bells were all pealing like mad and bands were parading in the streets.