THE ARMISTICE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16369, 14 November 1918, Page 8

THE ARMISTICE.

YESTERDAY'S HOLIDAY. A QUIET CITY. A close koiiday w.is observed in town yesterday in further celebration of the armistico arrived at with Germany. Practically all the shops and offices'and places of business were closed, also the hotels. The citizens gave themselves up to a quiet day of pleasure, and the celebrations, r.s compared with those of Tuesday were of a subdued nature. A great display of bunting was made from public and other p emises in the city, and decorated motor-cars and other vehicles lent ;ui iU r of'gaiety to the scene. Improvised processions were the order of tue arternoon, and the fairly laigo crowds that were in the streets tooi w gieat p.casure in watching them. tuavksgivixg service, Owinsr to tiiG mandate of tho Health JJL-ua! imeiu, (.no oii.v oinciai Joint ol cuieorai.oll iioia m Uhiistcumcji yesUuuuy was a o,g tiiawfogwing service m v ia at 'mere wcio sevoiai tuuuaund present, aaa t»iu auuieaa«.s, wiucn weie given tioiu tue lioiuaaa, received a veiy sv.i.pai.ieiic, aim at times enthusiastic, ii»e ikasseu carnation Army liauus, unuer liunamasDei- J. UaiK. l>i uviucu tne uiiisk, wuicn consisteu or wio suijiiny, oi Luc ixauoual Antnem anu scvoiai ..j.... U.s. ino ivi u yor, Air H. Holland, said ho was giaa mat tne oppoi lUaity j ia ct ol-ic-.c-u to cuaiiic J .-iaii.^,. ll .y iu a pui>11c way, tor tne" iVuiiu'ji iui victoiy iiau Cuiiio to tao Amos. lnauoutaiiv. Uc icmarked on n.s p.casure at setiJg in tao crowu peiijaps mousanus or people who were 1101 strict ciiUivii-gocis, uac who recoguiaod tue liocessuy ot tuunkuig tue .iim.guLy m sucu Limes as> tnese. ijio Rev. John Paterson, in the couiso ot a sLiriing aauicas, said tnui our tiiaiiKs were due, not, oxiiy to oui oUi.aiit sailors unci soldiers, to oui siatcsiiieu, and to our Allies, but to -•iiiuiguty God. Tne Jxaiscr had claiiL/jd God as his Ally,' but he iiaU taken tiio wrong Person into paitnd'sui2>, ior God was ever 011 the side of ri-iuteousiieos, justice, ana tiuili. Wncu lie cstaoiisiicd truth aud righteousness o'l tuo earth, lie did it by putting iove into tuo hearts of ins servants, and Ho put His words tnrouga human hps. He nad put lightoousuoss into ti.e near is of Britain, Belgium, and Prance; He iiad raised up .Lloyd George j he had stirred tuo hearts of Italy and America to holp us. In sireuuous times He had strongihened the hearts of the so.diei s, so tliat they had achieved almost tne impossible. He had turned back the German High Command when they weio marcning on Paris. What was it that had crumbled the might of Germany r 1 Every line of history proved that behind righteousness was the living God, and against it was His power, and the fall of our enemies had again proved that to the hilt. We must be worthy of our victory, of the sacrifices of our sai.ors and soldiers, now was our stupendous opportunity to show our thanks for God's righteousness and to carry out His will upon the earth. The Rev. P. N. Knight said that in the first six months of the war Germany with all her superiority in arms, men, and preparedness, should have won, but when she got to the Maine she turned back defeated. Three years later, in her progress against Russia, she again miscalculated the temper of the British

and French armies and the purpose of Almighty God, and was" hurled back again, towards the doom that awaited her. Could anyone doubt the triumph of right over might? The speaker paid a high tribute to the Belgians and French for their great work for God. their native-lands, and humanity, and went on to speak of the sufferings of our own soldiers, for whom no words could express the admiration and wonderment we felt. Those who had given their lives, he said, had made their sacrifice bccause duty and God com* manded it. True men could never have lived in the atmosphere of brutality, arrogance, and bestiality which would have resulted had Germany won, but Germany was now sinking into the hell she ,had created for herself. Germany's crimes must, and could, never be forgotten, not because of any spirit of vengeance, but for justice, and it was for those crimes that we expected our plenipotentiaries to demand on account when the final settling came. The Rev. J. J. North said that in all the thousands of years of British history there were only two or three occasions in any way comparable with the present. A thousand years ago, Ring Alfred had whipped the Danes j and made England Saxon, had made her England. Three hundred years ago there had been the groat victory over the Spanish Armada, and one hundred I years ago, Napoleon had surrendered himself. It was a tremendous honour

to bo able to live in such days as these, days of such magnitude, splendour, glory, and beauty. The Bntisher's mind had always had as its great background tho belief that the great Unseen Power, which we called God, w.as on the side of justice, right, and truth, and Britain could always get a man to dio for truth and justice owing to that grand sentiment. In the late treat struggle, Britain and her Allies ad bet that God was on tho side of righteousness, and they were now collecting tho stakes. "That is the only kind of betting I 2m in sympathy with," said Mr North, "but you can bet your life on God. Having now come to the end of the campaign, he proceeded, there were certain conclusions to which we must come. There were no "common" people left. The "common" man had gone forever, and in future class and rank distinctions must be levelled. Jo-day there was a great social opportunity offering which we must take, and it would be to bur everlasting shame if we were to return to the old order of things. There must be no more grinding down of the working man, to further the affluence of the rich. The Sacred Blood would cry forever against us if that were permitted. What all must do was not to recriminate, but to meet and help one another; and if we ever, returned to the old crooked lines of life we would shame our victory. We must put ourselves into connexion with tho services of God, and then all would be well. The Rev. A. C. Lawry offered prayer at- the opening of tho meeting, which was brought to a conclusion by the Rev. H. A. Job pronouncing the Benediction and the singing of the National Anthem. On Tuesday evening a Nonconformist service was held on the river bank near tho City Council Chambers. Tho Salvation Army Band, under Bandmaster H. Walker, provided the music for the hymns, and the Rev. J. C. Paterson (Presbyterian) conducted the service. After "the National Anthem, svas suilg. Major Newby (Salvation

Army) offered prayer. The Doxology was then sung, and Psalm xxiii. was repeated. The Rev. E. P. Blamires (Methodist) then offered thanks for the Allies' great victory. The Rev. J. J. North (Baptist) said that the day was the greatest in history, and one that made all men brothers. Short prayers were offered by the Rev. W. Beckett and the Rev. S. I/awry, tho singing of the Anthem concluding tho service. NEW BRIGHTON REJOICES, According to arrangement and to permit of the residents taking part in tho rejoicings in tho city on Tuesday, New Brighton celebrated the signing of the armistice yesterday, and it is, safe to say that never before in tho history of the borough have the people so determinedly 'and whole-heartedly thrown dull care to the four winds and given vent to their fee'ings. At quite an early hour the residents were astir, each and every one being determined * that New Brighton shculd put forth an eff ;rt second only to the, city. And it is admitted by _ both visitors and burgesses that in this the borough succeeded beyond all expectation, duo in no small measure to the untiring efforts and) splendid organisation of the Mayor (Mr F. Kibblewnite), to whom great praise is due for the splendid showing made yesterday. Every house and tent was eaily decorated with bunting, while from innumerable flagstaffs floated the British Ensign. The procession formed up at 11 a.m., and when all the many organisations, lorries, motor-cars, ctc., got into line, the parade rcachea from the tramway bridge to the pier head. The route chosen, which practically embraced the whole of the township, was lined at all points with eightseers. The order of the j>roces& ; on was: Eire' Brigade; Marine Band... returned soldiers, Senior Carets, Territorials. Boy and Gfrl Scouts, Fife and Drum Band, sports clubs and municlppal bodies. N.Z. Farmers' turn-out (motor-cars, Dreadnought, and model tank), and many ojjher "hits" and, tableaux. A.liugo effigy of the Kaiser received much violent treatment from the crowd. To describe the big show in detail would be a difficult task, but it must be said that it was a magnificent display and a. decided success. The procession halted on the Esplanade in front of the pier where, from a x , loTr y. the Mayor, Cr. Owles, and others briefly addressed the crowd. The Mayor read a lengthy telegram from the member for the district, the Hon. G. W. Russell, regretting his inTi K present and rejoicing with all those assembled on the glorious termination of hostilities, and the victory obtained by the Allied forces. Cheers for our boys, the Mayor and Mayoress, the women workers,, and for i everybody else, together with the sing"i? ■ . National Anthem, closed the official part of the proceedings. Collectors were busy all day amongst tbe crowd collecting on behalf of tlie Naval Heroes' Fund, and a goodlv sum was raised. * • afternoon a concert party, including several artists from Fuller's, and 'Messrs Parlett, Wilson, Colin Campbell, Forbes, Blackmore, G. Laurence, O. Nathan, and others, amused the crowd by giving a most enjoyable entertainment in front of the i ,T"?y were heartily cheered for their kmdness and the excellence of the entertainment.

AT THE PORT. The unprecedented rejoicings which commenced at Lyttelton upon receipt of the welcome intelligence that Germany had signed the armistice showed no sicts of diminishing yesterday. A close holiday -was observed, both on the waterfront and in the business quarter. Ihe Health Officer's direction concerning the closing of hotels, billiard saloons, and places of entertainment released a large number of people, who joined in •k® demonstrations. A procession, held in the afternoon, was even more successful than that of the previous day, and consisted of the following:—Salvation Army Band, Lyttelton Red Cross workers, No. ll Company Senior Cadets under the chargo of Lieutenants Anderson and Patterson, pupils of the Lyttelton District High School, officers anci workers of the Seamen's Institute, Trinity Tennis* Club, Lyttelton Ladies' Swimming Club, and tho Lyttelton licensed carriers. McDonald's bakery, J. T. Norton and Co., Forbes, Ltd., N. C. Seaforth, A. Chalmers, and J. Loader, dairymen, each had. a good display- Anderson's. Ltd., was represented by what appeared to be an iron foundry on wheels, drawn by a trac-tion-eiigine. The Borough Council's staff manned a field-gun made of drain pipes, etc. A feature of the pageant was a squad of girl firemen, who looked quite business-liko in then; neat firefighting uniforms, crowned with shining brass helmets. Members of local benefit societies also participated in the pio* cession, which contained numerous Cnarlie Chaplins, grotesquely dressed in. diviauals, weird animals, and a comical Darktown band, of which the bass drum was the predominating feature. The procession finally came to a halt at the corner of Oxford and London streets, where addresses were delivered fcy Captain J. A. H. Marciel, Cr. J. T. Norton, and Mr S. Booth the lastnamed appealing for adequate recognition of the men of the merchant service. Before the gathering dispersed, the band played some patriotic airs, concluding with the National Anthem. There was a torchlight procession in the evening, music being provided by the Coast Defence Band, and a display of fireworks took place from the fire brigade station, under the direction of Superintendent W. Oarson. !

the celebration of peace. Mr A. C. Bowbyes, chairman of tho local Patriotic Committee, presided. A strong committee of prominent residents was set up, and it was decided to hold a procession on Saturday of school children, sports clubs, friendly societies, returned soldiers, and Red Cross workers. Residents, especially those who possess motors or other such vehicles, are also asked to take part. The services of a I band have been arranged for. Tho pro--1 cession will leave the school grounds at 1.30 p.m. and proceed via the Hornby I Junction and Main South roads to the i local recreation ground, where a varied 1 programme of sports will be held. During the afternoon, short speeches by several well-known local residents will be given. RANGIORA. The armistice demonstration and procession organised by the Rangiora Borough Council, Rangiora County Council, Patriotic Committee, and patriotic societies yesterday, was the most brilliant and impressive pageant ever seen in Rangiora. The procession extended for over three-quarters of a mile, and took twenty minutes to pass a given point. It reflected great credit on the committee and chicf organiser, Mr C. W. Bell, who also acted as marshal.. A striking feature of the procession was a lorry decorated to represent an aeroplane, and carrying fourteen young gills, _ who enlivened the proceedings by singing a number of national airs. A beautifully decorated lorry filled with the Farmers' Coop. lady employees, was very attractive. Two Darktown fire brigades and an elephant caused much amusement. The procession included some tastefully deoorated motor cars, carts, and bicycles. At 2.30 p.m. the procession moved off from the Bbrough Council Chambers, headed by two Boy Scouts, followed by a car. containing four New Zea- j land Maori.: War veterans. After: traversing several or the' leading; streets, "it brought up at Victoria Park, where a short service was hold, the several ministers of the; town taking part. Subsequently short patriotic addresses were given by the Mayor (Mr C. I. Jennings), and Mr F. Horrell (chairman of the County Council), and Captain Atwell.' Cheers were given for the King and Queen, sailors and soldiers, returned soldiers, and wives of soldiers. As the .people left the park each, child was given a packet of lollies, and a collection was taken up in aid of the Navy League In the evening there was a .fireworks display and bonfire in Victoria Park. DARFIEUX When the official news of the signing of the armistice was received, there was great rejoicing, and the post oince, : schools, and business places immediately closed. The engine whistles soon spread, ; the glad news, and owing to it being a beautiful, still morning, the whistles were heard over ten miles away. During the afternoon two large bonfires; were piled up at the rear of the stat on. | At 8 p.m. an open-air concert was held, . a piano being put on to an express waggon and run on to the station platfo.m. The proceedings were opened with the National Anthem, after which all present stood in silence out of respect to the fallen heroes. Songs were contributed by Mrs Dunnet, Misses .WiUsteed, I Avilliamson, Messrs Gibson, Te Rangi, Oreig. Masters Boland and Guntrijp. Speeches were made by Messrs Ellis, Nnrbey, P. Morrison, Willsteed, and P. McHugh. The bonfires were then lit, and "Kaiser Bill" and his villainous counterpart, the Crown Princel, were consigned to the fhmes. The display or j fireworks was spoilt through a kleptomaniac getting loose. The influenza, epidemic kept a number of prominent residents away. Owing to the epidemic, a meeting could not be held to make arrangements for the suitable celebration of peace, but it is intended to do so at a later date, and in a stylo befitting the occasion.

ASHBURTON. There was great rejoicing at Ashburton again yesterday, when the town ancS suburbs were gaily bedecked with, flags, and a groat oodcourse of people assembled and took part in a monster procession, composed of the Bth (South Canterbury) Regimental Band, the Scottish Pipe Band, the Salvation Army Band, a big muster of those entitled to the honour of wearing tlie King's uniform, the Fire Brigade, the friendly societies, and scores of gailydecorated motor-cars, lorries, and other vehicles and-thousands of'the generaL public. 'There was an infinite variety'or fancy oostumes in the procession, and the spectacle was a very bright and joyous one. The procession marched from the Ashburton biidge to the postoffice, back to Moor street, and then up West street to the Domain. I The Mayor vMr R. Galbraitli), in the course of a brief address, referred to the German atrocities and to their Navy's toast, "The Day," and heartily thanked all those brave lads who had fought so nobly for "Our Day," which they had gathered together to celebrate. TTie procession and the gathering generally was one which woula have reflected credit on anv large city in the Dominion, nnd he thanked one and all for having gathered together in 6uch largo numbers to show their loyalty and to make the occasion a success. The day was intended to be a children's day, and the afternoon would be devoted entirely to a programme of children's sports, under, the direction 1 of Mr G. Schneider, headmaster of the borough school. After the singing of the National Anthem, cheers for the King, Mr X/loyd George, the commanders of the forces and those who had fought under them, tho sports were commenced and continued till late in tho afternoon. _ A collection taken up at the united; thanksgiving service on Tuesday afternoon ill aid of the Red Cross Fund resulted in over £100 being subscribed. rakaia. On Tuesday night a meeting to celebrate signing of ths srausbce isb

held in the Rakaia Town Hall. The hall was comfortably filled, a large num. ber of children being present. A service of thanksgiving -was first conducted by the Rev. E. Blakiston and the Rov. A. Morrison, assisted by the churches' combined choirs. The chair was then taken by Mr B. McNamara and a patriotic meeting held. Speeches were delivered bv several Rakaia residents, ia which various phases of feeling wore revealed. Poignant extremes of joy and sorrow were touched on frequently, and the meeting will remain an ever-mem-orable one. Musical items were interspersed with the speeches, and the pro. ceedings were at times most enthusiastic. In anticipation of the reeeipb of tlio news some of the elder girls of the Rakaia school had prepared an effigy of the Kaiser, and he came ia for some rough usage and uncomplimentary remarkis. WAIAU. Official notice of the siguing of the armistice by Germany was received ia Wniau shortly after 9 a.m., on Tuesday, I and the welcome news was soon spread throughout the township by the joyous ! ringing of bells. Members of the Patriotic Committee quickly got together to organise celebrations, and the result was*highly gratifying. Country residents were notified of the arrangements j by telophone, and by the afternoon a I large crowd had assembled in the townj ship. A procession started from the Post Office at 2.30 p.m., and paraded through all the streets. As many of the cars were nicely decorated with red, white, and bluo ribbons, and children and others bore flags, the proccssion presented a very pleasing aspect. At ] the head was a band of musicians on a i large lorry then followed returned soldiers, cadets, County Councillors, Red Cross workers, mombens of'the I Patriotic Committee, the Boy Scouts, [ school childron, and others. The pro- • cession ended in front of the Rink Hail, where short addresses were delivered from the lorry by Messrs K. Pettigrow (County Councillor), who first read tho official telegram, G. "W. Aldridge (lion, sec. Patriotic Committee), H. T. Beaven (County Councillor and chair- . man of the Patriotic Committee), and Sergeant-Major Morrison (returned soldier). after which the National' Anthem was sung. The assemblage then entered the hall, where the Rev. J. H. Thomson conducted an impressive thanksgiving servico. He took his text from the 46th Psalm, 9th verso, "He maketh wars to cease unto the ends of the earth," and therefrom preacbod an able and appropriate sermon. Tho hymns for the occasion wore. "All People That On Earth Do Dwell," "Oh God, Our Help in Ages Past," "The Day Thou Gayest Lord is Ended," and "For All the Saints that From Their Labours Rest." Tho Presbyterian choir also sang two ani thems. I Arrangements were made for further [ celebrations yesterday, but owing to the inclement weather, the prevalence_of influenzn, and other circumstances, it waa decided to postpone these till to-mor-row. "When the news arrived the annna] inspection of the school by Mr Hardie was in progress, and worlc was stopped while the bell was rung for five minutes, and tho children sang the National Anthem. A deputation soon waited on the inspector to see if ib* children could not be dismissed, and Mr Hardie replied that, with the exception of candidates for certificates of proficiency they would not long be detained, but it was necessary that these should complete their test. .As ( a result all but Standard" VI. were dismissed • before midday, and the latter completed their work "before 2 p.m., and all were enabled to join in the celebrations.