ARMISTICE DAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 November 1919, Page 5

ARMISTICE DAY.

NEW PLYMOUTH CEREMONY.

A-TIME OF SOLEMN QUIET. When the siren at the New Plymouth Basil and Door Factory commenced to sound the signal for the observance of the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice, a quiet hush fell on the community, and it was gratifying to see that in the town the express wish of His Majesty the King for the observance of two minutes' solemn silence in memory of the honored dead was given effect to practically unanimously. Many business men closed the doors of their premises and stood before themwith bared heads in grateful tribute to the costly sacrifice made by the men of the Allied nations. In offices, shops and factories, work was suspended, and in many Government offices the staffs were assembled, and all stood for the two minutes, motionless and silent, to mark the occasion. In the schools studies were suspended and the children observed the time with due solemnity. Even the little ones, who were at play, were called together and stood for the time bareheaded and bowed, at the behest of teachers, in obedience to the King's wish, AT HAWERA. Armistice Day was commemorated on the lines laid down by the King's letter, two minutes' silent cessation of activity being generally observed. Mr Stracfe, headmaster of the Hawera main school, assembled the children in the central hall, and asked them to go to their rooms at 11 o'clock to bow their heads in solemn silence for two minutes in loving remembrance of the past heroes who fought our battles. This was observed by all, to the tolling of the bell. After that the children were all assembled in a hollow square around the flagpole. The new Union Jack was then hoisted and saluted by the scholars. The National Anthem was sung, and cheers given for the King and soldiers, after which the school was dismissed for half an hour's play, SPOUTS AT INGLEWOOD. A half-holiday was observed in Inglewood, following the ceremony at eleven oclodk in the morning. An enjoyable sports gathering was held at the Recreation Grounds, the large gathering of children being especially catered for. During the day £2§ was collected in the town to provide entertainment for the children. AT OPUNAKE. At Opunake, eleven o'clock wa9 signalised by the tolling of the firebell, and the meeting of the Egmont County Council, which had just commenced, was at once suspended, members sitting Jn silence for two minutes, the conclusion of which was notified by the tolling of the bell. IN WELLINGTON. COMRADES HONOR THE DEAD. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association passed the following resolutions: "In recording the first anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in the great European war, this Association honors the memory of those men who laid down their lives in the fight for freedom and reaffirms its determination to see that adequate provision is made for all dependents."

In accordance with the King's request, there was a total stoppage of work and traffic in the city for two minutes from 11 o'clock. The almost absolute silence following on the noises of the streets was startling and impressive. CHILDREN'S DAY AT WANGANUI. W'anganui, Last Night. Armistice Day was celebrated by a big gathering of children drawn from the schools in Wanganui and district, extending as far as Koroniti, up the Wanganui river, and to Mangamahu. Over four thousand children and four thousand adults were present. Drill and other expositions were given by various schools. The children were all entertained to lunch and tea. SCENE IN CHRISTCHURCH, Christehurch, Last Night. In accordance with the desire of His Majesty the King, the first, anniversary of the signing of the Armistice was observed in the manner prescribed. Five minutes before the hour the church bells I tolled, but promptly at 11 a.m. all business ceased. The scene in the Square, where the race crowds were congregated, was most impressive, trams and motors coming to a stop, and the concourse-, standing with bowed heads. IN AUSTRALIA. IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIES EVERYWHERE. Ay Telegraph —Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Nov. 11, 0.40 p.m. _ Sydney, Nov. 11. There were impressive commemoration'' ceremonies to-day. All activity ceased for two minutes at, eleven o'clock. Shipping in the harbour stopped, and the courts adjourned. There were special services in the churches. The Governor read the King's Message and the Last Post was sounded, There were similar solemn proceedings in all States.—Aim,N,Z, Cable Assn.