VICTORY DAY

Franklin Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 49, 9 May 1945, Page 3

VICTORY DAY

BRITISH EMPIRE REJOICES EUROPEAN WAR ENDS 110. AI INI 0"N I;E ]j 111BBAT! ONS rim war in Europe has ended. "I’lie "Hicittl announcement to this elTect was broadcast, from London at I a.m. today by the Empire's Man of Destiny. Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Six hours later ilis Majesty. Kin# George VI. broadcast a message to Itis people in which he pointed out that the period of humiliation had passed, and stressed the thankfulness of his people to Almighty Cod for their deliverance from the forces of tyrannv.

Today is Victory in Europe Day, and rejoicing is taking place throughout the Empire, in Hie United Slates. Russia, till countries liberated from the claws of Hit' forces qf evil, and those isolated countries which were spared the attentions of the fvrannisf.

New Zealand is celebrating- the great occasion also, by the observance of two holidays and thanksgiving services. In every hamlet Hags of the United Nations are displayed, an outward expression of the inner feelings of the people.

At Pukekohe this afternoon a parade assembled the Borough Council chambers at 12.4 ii p.m. and headed by the Municipal Band marched to the Post Office where returned servicemen formed a guard of honour. The NationaT"Anthem was sung, followed by a Proclamation read by His Worship the Mayor. Mr M. B. Grierson. The Rev. F. E. 11. Baton offered prayer, which was followed by the singing of the hymn "0 God. Our Help in Ages Past,” the New- Zealand National Anthem (“God Defend New Zealand”) and the American National Anthem (-‘Star Spangled Banner"}. Items by the Pukekohe Municipal Band followed and the crowd dispersed to celebrate the occasion in its own way. At Tuakau a united thanksgiving service was held in the town hall at 2 p.m. BUSINESS PREMISES Tomorrow most places of business in Pukekohe will be closed, including the. bakers who baked bread this morning. Businesses will re-open on Friday morning. The butchers, however, will he open toomrrow bid will be closed nexl Monday. The Loan Company’s stock sale will be held as usual tomorrow and in view of this Pleydell’s blacksmith's shop will he open as usual, but will be cosed on Monday. BUNTING STOLEN il was reported fiiis morning that, during the night sneak thieves had helped themselves to some of the United Nations flags which had been displayed in front of shops in Pukekohe yesterday, to celebrate VE Day. Some of the flags had an historical association in that they had been used to celebrate the victory of the Allies in J9J S. Some people apparently have no sense of pride, or responsibility, and no more despicable act, than to remove hunting used to celebrate a great occasion, in the world’s history, can be imagined. The sneak thief, the one who waits until the street lights are extinguished, and Hum sets to work, is a immure to the community.