PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 July 1919, Page 5

PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

AT HOME. j J A HEARTY AND REVEREND SERVICE, By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyrlsht. London, July 6. To-day witnessed the nation at prayer.* Congregations throughout the country of all sects and faiths joined in the public thanksgiving for peace. There were services in the little Bethels, Salvation Army barracks, Congregational chapels and parish churches. Fjflgs were flying over many of these places all over the land. St. Paul's Cathedral, the home oi Anglicanism, was thf centre of tlie universal worship. It was a stately, reverent function attended by the King, Queens Mary and Alexandra, many princes, statesmen, ambassadors, Americans, representatives of overseas Dominions, several Agents-General, admirals, soldiers, nurses, war workers, municipal authorities and citizens.

Everybody who possessed them wore medals, and honors on their uniforms. It was a great show, rendeusd the more spectacular by reason of the processional crosses, banners and splendid copes and vestments of the cathedral clergy.

To relieve the pressure within the building a short outdoor preliminary service was held on the cathedral steps where King George, Queen Mary, and the princes occupied a prominent position.

The procession moved through the west door to the dais, singing solemn hymns. The royalties occupied places under the dome. The Archbishop of Canterbury preached. He said that as churchmen and nonconformists tlieymet not alone to give thanks for victory in the mightiest of all wars, but recognising with gratitude God's mercies to the nation during five years of terrible anxiety.

The archbishop, in a casual reference to the doings of the armies at home and overseas, spoke of the Somme and Tigris and the torrid weeks of an Aegean July on Gallipoli which had enriched the record of the world's heroism. The service was on the highest plane of reverence and dignity. From the cathedral to Ludgate Hill a dense crowd cheered the royalties coming and going, and during the service sang popular hymns and the National Anthem.

The clergy and non-conformist Ministers conducted a hearty and reverent thanksgiving service in Trafalgar Square. The Salvationists'. celebrated silver band supplied the music.—Aus,N.Z. Cable Assn.

SERVICES IN SYDNEY, Sydney, July 7. There were impressive services in all the churches at yesterday's peace thanksgivings which, were attended by vast congregations. DOMINION CELEBRATIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, July 7. Th® peace celebration services in the Town Hall yesterday was very largely attended. There was a choir of 300 voiceß and several Ministers of the Crown were present. The address was delivered by Chaplain Taylor. The mayor and councillors attended St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral in the morning and St. John's Presbyterian Church in the evening. At all the churches special services were held. Carterton, July 7. Thanksgiving services were held at all the churches in Carterton yesterday with full congregations. Dunedin, July 7.

The thanksgiving services were held in all the churches yesterday. At the united service in Kensington Drill Ball over six thousand were present. Hundreds were turned away. There was a choir of eight hundred voices. Invercargill, Last Night.

The Peace Committee have decided to hold celebrations on Saturday, July 19, and the following Monday and Tuesday, wi,th a united church service on the Sunday. GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY FOE TWO DAYS. Wellington, July 7. Cabinet has decided, in connection with _thg peace celebrations, that Monday, July 21, be observed a 9 a public holiday, and has agreed to pay subsidies to local bodies for that day as well as for Saturday, July 19th. Christchurch, July 7.

In connection with the Peace Committee's protest against the Government's decision to pay subsidy on sums expended on celebrations held on July 19th only, the Hon. Russell asked for tjie amount of extra expenditure involved in July 21st arrangements for the purpose, submitting the matter to Cabinet. The chairman of the committee forwarded the information, stating the programme as arranged would be carried out. A TELEGRAPHIC HOLIDAY. Wellington, Last Night. It having been definitely decided to hold the peace celebrations on Saturday, July 19, that day will be a telegraphic holiday in the four cities. The offices will only be open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., and at other places from 9 to 10 a.m. There will be no evening attendance. Usual hours will be observed on Sunday.