THE MESSAGE OF THE BONFIRE

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 167, 15 July 1919, Page 7

THE MESSAGE OF THE BONFIRE

1 v'To the Editor.) ' Sir, —Let not the criticisms that have (fteen levelled against the bonfire on Mount Eden spoil its meaning and celebration. Why all this objection to the natural and age-long custom of a people who have a message to send abroad or a great event to commemorate? When all the city is gay with artificial illuminations, and the streets are thronged, and fit only for the strong to jostle in, and tramcare are packed, there are many who will not be able to share in the festivities. When on Mount Eden the great fire is lit, and the flames leap heavenward in a?l the glory and power of 'one of Nature's majestic forces, will not a people for miles round watch its glow with a thrill of fervour, and catch the spirit of rejoicing and thanksgiving of ■which the leaping flames are a lit emblem? Will not all Britishers fee! their imagination fired as they recall how much the beacon fires have meant in the history of Old England, and as they remember that in the Motherland, too," bonfires are blazing out their message of I victory and thanksgiving? There are • many who will witness the flames who will feel that, when all is over, the bonfire was perhaps the best and trueet message ,of all, and the one that gave the most ] satisfying and healthy pleasure. There |arc many homes where the little ones, rthe sick and the aged, who may not go to join the city throng, will look out of their windows'towards Mount Eden and join in the one celebration that is for all to share. Metliinks neither Sister Ether's good work, i.or any other, will 'he. a penny the poorer because on Mount Kden we light - a lire that shall bear aloft /a people's praise, and thanksgiving for I Victory and Peace. May 1 suggest that fthe hour at which the fire shall be lit be .made known through the Press?—l am, j etc., I JUST A WOMAN.