V.E. DAY IN N.Z.

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 May 1945, Page 2

V.E. DAY IN N.Z.

GREETINGS FROM BRITAIN MR. CHURCHILL’S MESSAGE . WELLINGTON, May 9. “Final victory over our German enemy is now achieved, and on oenaii of. the Government and people °i tne United Kingdom I send our greetings and congratulations to our kinsfolk m New Zealand on their great share in our common victory,” says, a messa o from Mr. Churchill received by tiie Acting-Prime Minister (Mr. Nash). <‘During the darkest hours vve in tne Mother Country were very strengthened by the knowledge oi the sure sympathy and support of New Zealand. Your courage and steadfastness never faltered, even when the enemy was almost at your gates. You allowed nothing to hamper the which New Zealand had made through her sons on the field of battle, and through her workers on the amt in the factory. The New Zealand Division, which has marched Irom AiameiilThrough all the battles in Tunis, Sicily, and Italy, is now in the vpn of Field-Marshal Alexanders conauering armies. Let us now go ioiward together with great determination to inflict, as we shall at no distant dale, the same crushing defeat on the Japanese aggressor. . Mr. Nash has sent the following message to Mr. Churchill: At the greatest moment in the history of the British Empire and Commonwealth, the New Zealand Government and people send good wishes and congratulations to the United Kingdom on saving the Empire, the Commonwealth and the world from its greatest menace. No man’s contribution has exceeded yours, and lls , cr °2Y™ glory is that it comes , on the eve oi the fifth anniversary of the opening of your special work —five immortal years which will enshrine your name and work in the annals of the wot Id for all time.” AIR COUNCIL’S THANKS. The following message has been received by the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) from the Air Council.. “Now that the armed might ol Nazi Germanv has been laid low, the Ail Council'sends you their warm congratulations on the illustrious pail played in this resounding triumpn. Many New Zealanders were serving m the-Royal Air Force even before the war. The comr Maship thus began grew rapidly, anu before long large numbers of New Zealand aircrew were serving with distinction in Royal Air Force squadrons. They have brought honour to their country, and to the Royal Air Force by their gallant service in all theatres of war. With great foresight you developed your training organisation. You became a ready partner in' the Empire air training plan, which was to lay the foundations of our air supremacy: in all this you held nothing back but gave to the limit of your power. Events are now l moving swiftly to the final act, and your airmen and ours will fly together against the bestial tyranny of Japan until it, too, is crushed, never, we hope, to rise again.” From the Army Council Mr. Jones has received the following message: “At this long-awaited hour, when peace has returned to Europe the Army Council sends to the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force and to all land forces of New Zealand a message of gratitude for the gallant contribution they-have made to the victory now consummated. In the battles 'hey fought in Greece, Crete, in the desert, and Italy, through times oi good fortune and of bad, they have worthily upheld the glorious traditions of New Zealand’s arms. Their unfaltering resolve, even when the shores of their own islands were threatened with invasion, has carried them forward to final triumph. To them now, as they stand in the van ol the armies which have overthrown the enemy’s southern bastion, we convey our sincere gratitude. Our comradeship in arms will continue until the defeat of Japan has removed for ever the threat of aggression in the Pacific. Thenceforth may our union long continue through days of peace.”

CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER

The following message has been received from the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Mackenzie King:—“The Government and people of Canada are rejoicing with the Government and people of New Zealand in the deliverance of the nations from the evil forces of Nazi Germany.” The Acting-Prime Minister (Mr. Nash) has replied:—“The New Zealand Government and people send congratulations and thanks to Canada for her great contribution to victory so far achieved, and look forward to the fullest co-operation until final victory is reached.” GENERAL EISENHOWER Mr. Nash has received the following message from General Eisenhower in reply to a cable message sent him congratulating him and all ranks under his command on the capitulation of the German forces in North-west Germany, Denmark, and Holland: “On behalf of myself and all ranks of the A.E.F. I wish to thank you and the Government and people of New Zealand for your kind and heartening message. Let me assure you that we are all very conscious of the great part which New Zealand has played in the victory of the United Nations.” GENERAL McCREERY. The following telegram has been received by the Governor-General in reply to the message of congratulations sent by his Excellency to Genera! Sir Richard McCreery: “Very many thanks for your message. The 2nd New Zealand Division has always plavcd a major part in the campaigns of the Sth Army, and has kept up this tradition in the final battle. Under the inspiring leadership of General Freyberg, the division has fought with the greatest gallantry and skill.’

WELLINGTON REVELRY

WELLINGTON, May 9

The screaming of sirens and the pealing of bells at 7 o’clock this morning awakened Wellington anew to the realisation that after nearly six years of war it was peace at last in Europe. Having given spontaneous expression the previous da v to their first natural feelings of jubilation, people who flocked into the city to-day for the official celebrations were, at the outset, in a rather more sober mood. Thankfulness at deliverance from the most powerful enemy appeared to be the dominant emotion. Not until they had given thanks to God, had paid tribute to the fighting forces,, had expressed tlleir sympathy with those to whom the war has brought personal suffering. and had re-dedicated themselves to the tasks remaining, did the people 1 give free reign to their rejoicing. Then the celebrations took on a spirit of increasing abandon, culminating in scenes of revelry unprecedented in the history of the city. Though no trams gv buses ran after midday, people poured in to the city for the national thanksgiving service at noon and the citizens’ service in the afternoon. Thereafter laughing, cheering crowds took complete charge of the streets. Bands plaved in relays. People danced to their music, and generally behaved with good-humoured but unrestrained exuberance, maintaining an air of carnival throughout the evening. WELLINGTON, May 10. Two J’s. P.. Mr J. I. Goldsmith and Mr W. E. Leadley, presiding over the Court this morning, were sur-

prised 4o find only one case to deal! with. They had expected to .find a batch after yesterday’s street celebrations. The sole case was that oi a sailor taken into custody, last nignt> after the police had vainly tried to pacify him. He seemed determined to have a fight with somebody. After convicting and -discharging the man the Bench congratulated the police on the manner in which they must have controlled, the crowds. IN AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, May 9. Bells, sirens, and the voices of an exulting throng were stilled for a short period this afternoon, while the oihcial proclamation of victory was read by the Mayor (Mr. Allum) at the apex of the Town Hall, and a brief thanksgiving was offered.' . All Auckland seemed to gather in the city for the ceremony, and Queen Street was a sea of faces and flags as far as the eye could see. Large crowds thronged the streets throughout the day, and >ell into the night. Beer consumption was probably a record. A plea not to forget the debt owed to the people of England was made by Archbishop Averill in an address ac St. Matthew’s Church this evening. “In our rejoicing for the deliverance of Europe, we must not forget to thank God for the burden which has been lifted from glorious little England, noble little England and from those splendid people in England so nobly led by our gracious King and Queen, and by that wonderful man of inspiration, the P l ’™ 6 Minister,” said the Archbishop. We must not imagine that the day peace has fully dawned for a dark war cloud still hangs over the norm Pacific, where there is an enemy as brutal and devilish as the one whicn has been crushed. We must continiie to work and pray for the complete overthrow of Japan.” CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH, May 9. The great majority of Christchurch citizens had a full holiday to-day m which to celebrate the defeat of Germany and the end of the struggle in Europe. For many the dominant feeling demanded high carnival in the gaily decorated and illuminated streets. The city was thronged throughout the day in spite of tne cold and threatening weather. Bands and impromptu community singing, sirens, and peals of bells added to the noise of jubilation. More than 10,000 crowded, into King Edward Barracks. Christcnurch, for a service of thanksgiving and dedication. It was the first official celebration of the end of the war in Europe, an impressive one, and particularly impressive when thousands of voices joined in the old hymns '“All People that on Earth Do Dwell, “Now Thank We All Our God, , and “O God,- Our Help in Ages Past. The Mayor (Mr. Andrews) spoke brieflv. and an address was given by the Primate of New Zealand (Archbishop West-Watson). Prayers were led by Rev. J. Lawson Robinson, chairman of the National Conned of Churches, and Rev. L. J. Boulton Smith. The lesson was read by Rev. R Dudley. Music was played by the Salvation Army Citadel Band, conducted by Bandmaster A. Suter. DUNEDIN

DUNEDIN, May 9. Sevon thousand persons assembled in the Octagon and streets surrounding the Town Hall at 1 o’clock to-day 4 o' take part in a civic service of thanksgiving. In comparison .with the more spontaneous festivities of Tuesday, io-day’s only public function to mark the end of the war in Europe was characterised by a spirit of gratitude and relief. As in other centres, sirens, bells and whistles were sounded at 7 a.m., and during the afternoon bands and impromptu orchestras provided music at various points in the city, and there was a good deal of singing. Many outbursts of youthful exuberance were noticed, but on the whole the demeanour of the large and good-natured crowds was entirely orderly.

GREYMOUTH’S CELEBRATION

OFFICIAL CEREMONY

Realisation of the horrors that this country had been spared and of the sacrifices of those who had made it possible was the key-note of the speeches at the Grey mouth Tcwn Hal' yesterday afternoon, when the official V.E. Day celebrations were held. One of the largest crowds to attend' a civic function for many years assembled before the platform outside the Town Hall, and lined the streets through which passed a procession—also one of the largest seen here since the war though the effect of the war was still illustrated by the small number of petrol-driven vehicles participating. Led by Staff Sergeant S. Gurden, the procession included the Municipay Band, the Highland Pipe Band, members of the R.S.A., the HomeServicemen’s Assocaition, Grey Fire Brigade, A.T.C., W.W.S.A., Red Cross, St. John’s Ambulance, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts and Cubs, a scene of VDay at the Grey Hospital, members of the staffs and guests of the Albion and Dominion Hotels, an effigy of Hitler hanging by the neck —much appreciated by the younger folk—and floats entered by the Gas Works, Miss Trott’s’ School of Dancing, and a number of decorated cars. The parade assembled at the Drill Hall and marched down Tainui Street turning right at Mackay Street, on to Mawhera Quay and thence down Boundary Street to the Town Hall, where the Salvation Army Band played selections. The Mayor (Mr. F. A. Kitchingham) presided and read a message from the Member of the District (Mr. O’Brien) associating himself with the celebration. “This is the day we have been waiting for for so long,” said the Mayor, “and we are entitled to. rejoice though Japan remains to be eliminated.” New Zealand, he said, was on the fringe of the war zone, but in Europe, men, women and children had been on the battlefront, had died and had been broken down in health and mind. Never in history had there been such a period of torture and destruction where men and women had been required to face torture and suffer death for the sake of their principles. Nazism had liquidated those who disagreed and slowly starved others; the concentration camps rvould endure forever as a smybol of the greatest oppressor ever known. New Zealand had escaped a similar fate only by a narrow margin and he paid a tribute to the Allied forces, particularly Britain who had stood alone for a year, and Mr. Churchill whose determination stood out .alone. “Men and women worked to bring about the end of this war, this unparalleled victory,” concluded Mr. Kitchingham, “let is not be said that the world s sacrifices have been in vain.” The Chairman of the County Council (Mr. R. Clark) paid tribute to the work of all branches of the armed services, w ? ho had saved this country from degradation, shame and slavery, and to Russia, America and Mr. Roosevelt, and referred to the fortitude of the people of Britain and its fighting forces. The deeds of daring of the gallant lads of New Zealand would be re-told to many generations yet unborn, he continued. To those who would not come back could only be given fond remembrance, but to those shortly to return it was the duty of everyone to endeavour to assist and reabsorb into civil life. The war was over and' it was up to those at home to consecrate the peace. NEED FOR UNITY The working people in particular had reason to be thankful for the defeat of the enemy, said Mr. T. Pratt,

of the Trades and Labour Council, for the triumph of Fascism would have meant the destruction of workers’ organisations which had been built up so arduously and even painfully, and would have resulted in their enslavement and degradation to mere beasts of burden. Now Germany was beaten the Allies could move on to complete the victory. The whole policy of Fascism had to be crushed out of existence before people cotild rest safely in their homes, and the Jap war-lords must be made to suffer the fate of their gangster compatriots in Europe—so that they can never again rise and cause a war such as the present one. New Zealand owed the fighting men of the Allied forces a debt that could never be paid, for there was no compensation for loss of health or limb as there was none for death. He concluded with a plea for unity among freedom loving nations, for unity was strength. Padre T. G. Campbell of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. said the men of the Second N.Z.E.F. had maintained the traditions of the past and had become one of the greatest fighting forces in the world war. They did not want thanksgiving, they went ahead and did their job. If he knew the minds of those now returned, they were not celebrating now, but were remembering the men left in Italy, the prisoners of war now being released from Europe, the fighters in the Pacific, and when they were not remembering these they were bowing their heads and thinking of the boys who would never return, their comrades to whom much was owing. He paid a tribute to the parents, wives and families of those who had died; their celebrations would be tinged with sadness. The Padre pointed out that it was not only the duty of everyone to see the men were rehabilitated, but they should help them, and he requested the public to get behind the R.S.A. In conclusion he paid a tribute to the Red Cross, the medical services, tne Patriotic Council, Mr. Churchill, and General Fr'eyberg. The Municipal Band played Salute the Brave,” .ars the ceremony was brought to an end with cheers lor the three Allies. . Prayer and praise of God and a thanksgiving service was held last evening in the Cobden Gospel Hall. The attendance was good, and several took part by prayer and references to Scripture in both Old and New Testaments. Remembrance was made of many who had suffered bereavement here and in other lands, and thankfulness expressed that New Zealand had been delivered from fear of invasion and war.

RUNANGA The children of Runanga, Dunollie and Rapahoe formed two processions which proceeded to the school grounds. There they were issued with free ice creams and sweets and were entertained by the School Committee to a sports programme. Later at the Miners’ Hall a civic function was held, presided over by the Mayor* (Mr. E. Kennedy). Addresses were given by the Mayor and Mr. G. E. English (R.S.A. and Miners’ Union), Rev. Father Holohan, Rev. E. Harding, Mr. F. J. Oakley (Red Cioss), and Mr. R. Armstrong (School Committee). Musical items were given by Miss D. Willis and Messrs H. Boote and A. Airns. The streets were decorated with coloured lights by the Power Board and there was a large gathering at a civic social and dance in the Miners’ Hall in the evening. BRUNNER DISTRICT.

Brunnerton V.E. Day celebration opened with a victory procession from Hill’s corner. Dobson, to the Wa'(send Hall, followed by a public service of thanksgiving at the hall, arranged by a local committee. The Brunner Band led the procession and was in attendance at the service. Some 200 people attended the service, at which the Mayor, Mr. W. Gutberlet, stressed the important nature of the day and gathering, and paid a brief tribute to the late President Roosevelt. Rev. W. S. Brettell conducted the service, which opened with the singing of the New Zealand National Anthem, followed by the hymn “O God Our Help in Ages Past.” Mr. Brettell led- the people m praver and delivered the occasional address. Mr. R. R. Smith read the Scripture lesson from Isaiah 26: 1-11. Items were rendered by Miss Rena Bell and children’s chorus (“Hymns of the Old Church Choir”) and Mrs. T. Quinn (“The Holy City.”) Miss M. Watson was the accompaniste.

In his address, Mr. Brettell referred briefly to the great sense of relief and thankfulness which victory in Europe brought to all freedom loving people. “That relief, which New Zealanders feel,” said the speaker, “will be of a three-fold nature. Relief that we in New Zealand have been spared so much that others have had to suffer and endure; relief that for them a new, and we pray, a better day, has dawned; relief that the opportunity is now ours of giving ourselves again to the tasks of peace instead of war. How deep must the sense of gratitude be in the hearts of people in those countries, which, like England and France, have had to shoulder the heavy burdens and costly sacrifice of war much more intimately and personally than we have here in New Zealand. We to-day render thanks to Almighty God for so great a deliverance, lor victory in Europe, and for leadership unparalleled in all history.” After stressing the fact that final victory was yet to come in the Pacific and expressing sympathy for all;whose men folk were still in battle or who will not return at all, Mr. Brettell spoke to the younger people present of their great opportunity and heavy responsibility in the years to. come. •

The function concluded with the singing of the hymn “Abide With Me,” the National Anthem, and the Benediction. AT REEFTON A civic service was held at the Reefton Council Chambers yesterday morning to .celebrate the end of the war in Europe. The County Chairman (Mr. F. W. Archer) presided, and other speakers were the president of the Return-' ed Services’ Association, the chairman of the Rcefton School Committee., the chairman ol the Hospital Board (Mr. J. B. Auld), Rev. Father Nolan, and Revs. C. Sprackett, F. Trim and V. Leaning. As thanksgiving for the victory in Europe all should strive to help win the peace for the world, said Mr. Archer in his address. Mr. Porter reminded citizens that while it was well to rejoice, it was fitting that the work of those who had made victory possible should be remembered. Selections were played during the service by the Inangahua Silver Band. In the evening a combined thanksgiving service was held at St. Stephen’s Church. The address w r as given by Rev. F. Trim. WESTPORT WESTPORT, May 9. Westport celebrated the end of the war in Europe by a precession in Parmerston Street this afternoon. Led by the Westport Boys’ Band, the procession was composed of members of the Returned Services’ Association and others who had fought in the Great War, veterans of the Boer War, and returned service personnel of the present war. Home Servicemen, the Salvation Army Band, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and school children, the latter carrying flags of the Allied nations.