PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 February 1919, Page 6

PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

PROPOSED LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS. The sub-committee set up to go into the matter of the programme in connection with the peace celebrations in New Plymouth has prepared a scheme, following largely the lines set forth in the Government proposals, which will be submitted to a general meeting of the committee to be held at an early date. The celebrations will be on .Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday after peace is declared. The two days will be declared public holidays by the Government. A further function for children will be provided on the Wenesday night. SUNDAY. On the Sunday appropriate services will be held in all the churches, and ill the afternoon combined open-air services will be held in Ptikekura Park. Should the weather be wet the latter will be held in the theatres. XIONDAY, Monday will be given up more to a demonstration, the programme being as follows: 10.30 a.m. —Procession to racecourse (the principal place in the processione to be given to returned soldiers). 12 noon.—Silent, bare-headed tribute for one minute to the brave and honored dead. 12.5 p.m. —Addresses (limited to five minutes each) by the Mayor, the M.P. for the district, and other selected speakers. 12,30 to 1.30. —Luncheon for returned soldiers. 12.30.—Gymkhana. 7.3o.—Torchlight procession. S.—Fireworks display in Pukekura Park. TUESDAY. II a.m. to 4 p.m.—Children's carnival in Pukekura Park. Presentation of Souvenir Peace Medals provided by the Government. Sweets and light refreshments to be provided for children. 8 p.m. —Plain and fancy dress citizens' bail in Coronation Hall. WEDNESDAY. 8 p.m. —Children's plain and fancy dress ball at Coronation Hall. GENERAL. All citizens, especially business firms, will be requested to suitably decorate and illuminate their premises on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. It is suggested that banners be hung across the streets at intervals recording the names of battles in which the New Zealanders participated. It is suggested that a triumphal arch be erected iu the central part of Devon Street, and that competitive designs he invited for such. The Borough Council is to be asked to order at once a large supply of colored electric globes for street and building illumination purposes. It is also suggested ( that arrangements be made whereby the public will be able to purchase refreshments at the day functions on Monday and Tuesday. It is recommended that returned soldiers bo admitted free to all functions. GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES. In a statement authorised by the Hon. G. W. Russell (Minister of Internal Affairs) it is announced that in connection with the celebrations the Government will grant subsidies as follows: To any local body which expends £IOOO or more, whether provided from ordinary funds or voluntary contributions, 10s in the £; £750, 12s Cd subsidy; £3OO, 15s subsidy; £2oo, 17s (id subsidy; £IOO or less, 20s subsidy. In addition to these subsidies the Government will provide for the railway fares of returned soldiers to the nearest city or town, and the railway fares of children from rural districts to the nearest city or town.