JOY IN FEILDING

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 3629, 9 November 1918, Page 2

JOY IN FEILDING

_ PEACE CELEBRATION YESTERDAY

BIG PATRIOTIC DEMONSTRATION.

PROCESSION AND SPEECHES

What actually happened was this. About 9.30 a.m. yesterday a I_os s Association Extraordinary message from New York stated that tho Germans bad signed the annistico at 11 a.m. on Thursday and that .hostilities had ceased at 2 p.ni.

Tho Mayor Avas at onco informed, and steps wore taken to got the Avhistles and bells going simultaneously. It did not tako long then for tho population of Feilding to tell itself that tho fighting had ceased—that the war was over. The Allies had won. Germany was defeated. Militarism Avas dead. Right had triumphed. Kaiserism bad gone for over from the Avorld. Cheers, and cheers, and cheers again from the croivds who had gathered about the streets. The school children appeared in almost no tinio at all Avith flags and other patriotic decorations, also Avith tin cans and all musical instruments knoivn to schoolhcod. .Every patriot shook hands Avith every other patriot, every one congratulated every one else, every one did everything ho ought to do to show his love for his country, his delight that war and bloodshed had ceased, that tho boys at tbe front still safe and sound were in danger no longer, that Britannia ruled tho Avaves, that the road to Tipperary had been covered at last.

There Avere tears shed too. Some mothers thought of their boys who would never come back—those boys who had placed their bodies a living Avail botiveen us and our enemies, those boys but for ivhoni, humanly speaking, the Hun would now have been triumphing. There ivere very feiv avlio did not feel sympathy for those sad ones. Many ivho had not bad the proud but sad honour of having given a relative for God's cause felt keenly for those whose loved ones had given all they had. Let us all do homage and reverence now to the names of those who, though they gaA*e all they had in this Avorld, noAV possess all things in the next, to the memory of those ivhose life and death had wrought a work ivhich will live and bless the world for ever. ~

Returned soldiers, too, were singled out for special honour. All Feilding desired the pleasure of shaking hands Avith a soldier who had done his bit and returned.

Then for all the brave.lads still in the fighting—those stickers who had seen tho thing through, those bfficors and men who hackgiven the German the knock-out bIoAV, Aye all them. Their duty was done. They had fought the good fight, they had finished their course. They, with God's help, bad given us the victory. Keep tho home burning till the boys come homo 1

To somo the first thought that came to their minds was, "What did I do to help ivin the war?" Some of us have done very little, but it is not too late now to give all the help possible to the soldiers who have come back and those still to come—to give them that moral support which Corporal Gordon asked for in his speech during the afternoon. But .

Later in the morning a message came to the press stating that the report of the armistice had not been officially confirmed. This gradually became known, and though some looked rather ominous about it, the Mayor and the gentlemen assisting in the preparations for the demonstration decided to go on with the jubilations. Once having started, it would fiave been a pity to throiv a douche of cold water over the populace. The people of Feilding felt that even if the news had not been officially confirmed, it was near enough anyhow. Were.we downhearted? No!

Then a message came that the superior people of Palmerston North were not celebrating—they had heard the neivs was not officially supported. They scoffed at Feilding for going on Avith the game.

Feilding did go on with the game. Shops closed up, schools ceased work for the day. The country people soon heard the news, and commenced to arrive in toAvn. In the ordinary course, there aa-ould have been a stock sale in Feilding. But kia ora to the stock sale. "What about this line of heifers of yours," said the auctioneers to a vendor. "Turn them out on to the road," promptly said the vendor. "I don't care what you do with them." "But what about my cow?" said another vendor, not so fervent in his patriotism. "I have driven that cow 13 miles to the salo." "To wijh your coaa-," said some one. "No sale to-day." And there Avasn't..

An immense croivd had gathered by 2.30 p.m., to get into line for the procession. In regard to the size and numbers of these large concourses, it is not easy to make estimates for comparative purposes. It was the opinion generally held, however, that yesterday's concourse was the largest iv the history of Feilding. Probably it ivas.

THE PROCESSION I The procession moved off at 2.45 o'clock. It Avas headed by the borough steam road roller. The Feilding Band followed playing the most martial of martial airs. Then came a. large muster of returned soldiers, who were cheered all along the route. Most of these brave boys shoAved they "had been through the ordeal of battle. Territorials and Senior Cadets, the Salvation Army Band, and the Fire Brigade followed in that order. Children of the Manchester street School marched next, in magnificent array, carrying a long red streamer from one end of their line to the other. The teachers and children certainly made a grand display, upon which they are to be congratulated. The Junior Sadets formed the rear guard for the children. Following these were the representatives of the

stock auctioneering firms, These men Avero dressed in bag overalls, they had as escorts Dick tbe Demon, Furious Frank, Battlo Bob, Wild Watty, and others. On a lorry thoy had the Kaiser's effigy in a cago, with John Bull mounted on a platform on tbe top. It was a capital get-up. Lorries, cars, and horse vehicles, all decorated, were part of the procession. The Lytton street School children formed a capital display team in Mr. Beattie's lorry, tho Kiwitea and other country children were welcome additions. Messrs. John Cobbo, Ltd.'s, employees filled lavo cars of splendidly decorated patriots and patriotesses. Messrs. Hodder and Tolley's Avorkmon bad a fine display. Messrs. Dewc and Sporle's lorry was strikingly arranged Avith flags, flowers, and greenery, and carried a full load of Britons all. Feilding Bacon Co.'s car Avas manned by Jack Tars. Tho United Ancient Order of Druids were apparently much younger than they pretended to bo. Messrs. McGrucr, Thomson and Co., Spoilco and Spence and others joined in. Mr. W. G. Fry's car was beautifully decorated and carried a load of "gaily decorated passengers. Another car whoso driver's disguise this writer was not able to pierce (the car carried Mr. Macedo) Avas also capitally decorated. Thero wore many other cars, children on decorated bicycles, decorated children on foot. It was tho Grand Parade. '

After inarching through the centre of the town tbe groups formed up round the Lyceum Theatre, and from tbe balcony the citizgps were addressed.

THE MAYOR. THE CENSOR CENSURED. WHY DID HE PASS IT IF IT WAS NOT TRUE ?

"FelloAV citizens," said Mr. Ongley, "I bad hoped to be the proudest man in Feilding to-day, to bo able to say that peace had been proclaimed. Unfortunately, haivever, I am in a most unenviable position. I have no official message to give you." The Mayor then stated that the press message had been received from New York stating that the armistice had been signed. (Loud cheering.) Then a second message had come stating that tho neAvs had no official support. But the fact that news was official Avas no criterion that it Avas true— (Laughter)—and the fact that it was not official Avas no guarantee that it Avas not true. (Cheers.) That message had been passed by the Government military censor in New Zealand. If it Avas not true, why did he pass it? (Cheers.) There was a Avar regulation in the country forbidding tho spreading of false rumours, and if this one was false, then the Censor and the Government Avere to blame. To-morroAv Feilding was going to burn the Kaiser's effigy. If a false message had been alloived through, they ought to burn the Government's effigy, too. (Loud applause.) Feilding was going on Avith the celebration. He did not believe they were making a mistake. (Loud cheers.) Even if they aa*ere making a mistake, they Avere in good company. New York had celebrated 48 hours previously. (Cheers.) Auckland had gone Avild with delight. (Cheers.) In Wellington the populace had taken charge of the town. (Cheers.) So far as they had heard, it was only in Palmerston that the people had cold feet, and were not celebrating. (Laughter.) Feilding was going on Avith the celebrations. Even if the armistice had not been signed, they Avould go on. They would keep on celebrating until it was signed. (Loud and uproarious cheers.) The business people had closed up without being asked that day. He asked them to do no work to-morrow. (Cheers.) They would have the procession again in the afternoon and a fireworks display, with bonfire and horning of the Kaiser's effigy in the evening. (Great cheering.)

Mr. T. L. Mills gave the gist of the day's war news, this being received Avith much cheering. MR. J. S. TINGEY. " INDEPENDENCE DAY OF THE WORLD." GERMAN POWER GONE FOR EVER.

Mr. J. S. Tingey (President of the Chamber of Commerce) looked on it as a very great privilege to take part in the celebration. Even if the news were not correct, it soon would be. (Cheers.) Peace Day ivould be Independence Day of the world. (Loud cheers.) Never again after this war Avould a military people be able to plunge the world into bloodshed and tears, and sorrow. (Hear, hear.) The shackle, of autocracy and militarism Avould have been taken away. (Loud cheers.) Germany had set out four years ago to smash her way to world domination. She had trampled on the rights of nations. But she had aroused the world against her, and now German power was gone for ever. (Loud cheers.)

ARCHDEACON INNES JONES

"THE DAY FOR WHICH WE HAVE BEEN PRAYING."

GERMANY MUST BE MADE HARMLESS FOR EVER.

Yen. Archdeacon Innes Jones, who was most cordially received, said the day for Avhich they had all been hoping and praying had come. It was not Germany's Day—not the Day the Germans had looked fonvard to, but the day on ivhich the citizens of the British Empire might all rejoice. (Cheers.) Feilding was not calm. (Cheers.) They must all thank God for all He bad done for them. They must thank Him for giving them the victory; for the unity of the Empire, for the freeivill offerings of her sons and daughters, for tbe self-sacrifice of her people, and for their earnestness. They must thank God for all that had been done in the ivay of fighting for justice and honour. (Hear, bear.) During the past four years they had been praying for victory and peace, and their prayers had at last been answered. If the enemy had been victorious, the fair name of Liberty Avould have been swept off the face of the earth. Let them thank God that the Allies had Avon. The Archdeacon hoped that such a heavy indemnity would be imposed upon Germany as Avould keep her doAvn and harmless for ever. < (Loud cheers.) They hoped this would be the final Avar that Avould usher in God's Peace. (Cheers.)

REV. G. F. STOCKWELL

VICTORY BECAUSE OF GOD'S GOODNESS MAKE THIS A LAND OF RIGHT EOUSNESS AND PEACE

The Rev. G. F. Stockwell said there avus no doubt peace had at last come. (Cheers.) At a time like this they ought to remember that God had led them as a people and as a nation. Because of God's goodness to tbom they had Avon the victory. They should thank God because when the Avar threatened tho British Government had a statesman who believed that a scrap of paper, ivitJi Britain's name on it,., was sacred. (Cheers.) J'he Empire counted honour dearer than life. They had had their days of sorrow and trial, but they had all through fought a clean fight, ((■beers.) Germany bad used devilish means in the Avar. Germany bad started the use of poison gas. As for the Avay in ivhich the Germans had treated their prisoners—ivell, ho hoped the day Avas coming when the guilty ones Avould be made to suffer. (Cheers.) Look at tho way tho German prisoners had been treated in this country. They had had a right royal time. They had been alloived to escape over and over again. (Laughter.) They might as well have taken our officials with them—they would never have been missed. (Loud laughter.) Very soon tbe bravo boys Avould bo coming back. (Cheers.) Yet there ivas sorrow in many hearts for boys avlio Avould never come back. They Avould all sympathise with those sad ones. Let them all ivork to make this country a land of virtue and righteousness and peace. Let them give praise to Him Who had done great things for us.' (Cheering.)

MR THOS. WATSON

"PROUD SONS OF THE BLOOD

FREE TO WORK OUT THE DES TINY OF THE ANGLO-SAXON RACE

Mr Thos. Watson said he had, when speaking to the soldiers on the outbreak of the Avar, called 'them proud sons of the blood. They all might take to themselves pride of heart that their sons had fought and won their battles for them. (Cheers.) At the start, the Germans had been met by inferior forces, but the Bully had met his match at last. (Cheers.) He (Mr Watson) considered that Germany's hope of winning Avas lost when she lost the battle of the Maine, and the first battle of Ypres. When the Germans, Avith three or four hundred thousand men were*held up by 70,000 British, and prevented from reaching Calais, their hope of ever Avinning was gone. (Cheers.) Conan Doyle had said that machine-guns Avere stronger than flesh and blood, but the human spirit Avas stronger than either. He Avas proud to claim kinship Avith the men Avho had fought at Gallipoli. (Cheers.) The Kaiser had said the British were a degenerate race. But Avhat did the Kaiser think of the British to-day? (Cheering.) The Germans now had to go to the French and ask for peace. (Loud cheering-.) That Avas why we had cause to rejoice. (Cheers.) We Avere free to work out the destiny of the AngloSaxon race, therefore were we proud. (Cheers.) Mr Watson called fo>* cheers for the army and the navy, ivhich Avere given lustily.

CORPORAL GORDON

SPEAKS FOR THE RETURNED

SOLDIERS

"GIVE THEM YOUR MORAL

SUPPORT"

Corporal Gordon (a returned soldier) said he had been asked to represent the returned soldiers. (Loud and long cheering.) He had great pleasure in speaking for those who had returned and all those soon to return. (Great cheering.) There was no doubt that day marked the end of the Avar. (Cheers.) That meant a great deal. It meant victory. (Cheers.) It meant they must think of those who had given their lives in the war. It meant that soon almost 100,000 men avo uid commence to return to this country. He appealed to the people to help the returned men in every possible way.. They had helped and could help with their money, but that Avas not the only way. They must give the soldiers their moral support. (Cheers.) Many of the soldiers had been aivay from their occupations for three years. It Avas going to be very hard : for them to settle down again. During their soldiering life they had been trained to do as they Avere told. Noav they would have ti Avork for themselves. He appealed to all the people to do their best for them. (Loud cheers.) Give them a fair chance. (Cheers.) The soldiers bad saved them from the greatest enemy of mankind. Cheers for the boys at'the front! (Loud cheers.)'

MR G. J. HARFORD

DAY FOR THE CHILDREN TO

REMEMBER

WHAT CAUSED GERMANY'S

DOWNFALL

Mr G. J. Harford, speaking to the children, said they all Avished this to be a day which the children would remember for the rest of their lives. (Cheers.) He briefly referred to the cause of Germany's downfall, ivhich he said arose from the fact that for the past quarter century Germany had given way to rank materialism. Noav a German's word could never be accepted. Germany having been defeated, we should all now be able to enjoy peace, to live for and to help others. (Hear, hear.) Autocracy and militarism had gone. (Cheers.) Victory, for us meant the downfall of the doctrine that might was right. Let our doctrine be, Right is Might. (Cheers.)

Mr Gordon Eliott then announced that the Kaiser Ai-ould be hanged that afternoon, and buried next day.

The hanging took place with the accompaniment of great cheering, the Salvation Army Band meanwhile playing, in mock solemn tempo, "We'll hang Kaiser Billy on the Sour Apple Tree."

The hymns, "O God, our Help in Ages Past," "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," and "All People that on Earth do Dived," were rendered by the assemblage during the afternoon, the Salvation Army Band leading.

The National Anthem concluded Feilding's celebration.