JOY FOR PEACE

Evening Star, Issue 16923, 21 December 1918, Page 8

JOY FOR PEACE

WHAT WILL BE DONE HERE? AUCKLAND’S PLAN. During tho session the Prime Minister was asked whether tho Government would give a “lead” in the arrangement of peace celebrations. Ho replied that the Government would bo in communication with local bodies on this matter. Meanwhile Auckland people are not waiting on any “ load ” from the Government A conference of representatives of local bodies drew up the drafC-of a programme last week The following summary is from tho ‘Herald’: The conference decided that tho celebrations be confined to three days. It was suggested that on tho first day (Sunday) all churches be invited to hold special services of thanksgiving morning- and evening, and citizens’ meetings in the Town Hall and other halls in tho city nud suburbs in the afternoon. On the Monday a procession would bo tho main feature, followed by addresses in the Domain. Tne principal place in the procession would be given to returned soldiers. The officer commanding the district will he asked to arrange for tho military parade, and to have tho route lined with Territorials and Boy Scouts. The procession would include members of the City Council and suburban local bodies and other public bodies, members of patriotic and other organisations which had taken n prominent part in the war work. In the evening tho city would be illuminated, and, if possible, arrangements would bo made for the illumination of shipping. A military sports programme might bo arranged in the Domain in tho afternoon. On Tuesday a children’s fete would be held in the Domain, one feature of which would be tho singing of patriotic songs by the children. The Education Board and teachers would be asked to co-operate with the Celebration Committee. A special feature of tho fete would be a flag display by tho children. Each district would be asked to arrange its own tent accommodation, refreshments, etc., the mayors of the respective districts to address the children from those districts. It was recommended that tho Government should have a special medal struck, commemorative of the war, to be distributed among the children. It was recommended that all citizens, especially business linns, should suitably decorate and illuminate their buildings. Banners might be hung across tho streets at intervals, on which could be recorded the names of battles in which the New Zealand Expeditionary ’Force participated. In regard to expenditure, it was proposed to apportion the expenditure among the various local bodies. The steam ferry companies. Tramway Company, and Railway Department had been requested to allow free conveyapco of children during the celebrations. At the suggestion of members of the council, the Mayor agreed to bring before the Celebrations Committee the matter of the representation of the Native race and soldiers in the celebrations.

The dr!' 1 " programme was adopted by the City Council.