CELEBRATIONS IN WELLINGTON.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 5025, 14 November 1918, Page 7

CELEBRATIONS IN WELLINGTON.

EFFECTS OF INFLUENZA SCOURGE APPARENT.

SUBDUED DEMONSTRATIONS OF JOY. Press Association Telegram, WELLINGTON, Nov. .13. The following message was delayed through non-acceptance by the Telegraph Department:— The air was electric with expectation yesterday morning. The people were confident that the day would bring news of Germany’s submission to the Allies’ terms. When the signal guns boomed at 9 o’clock the meaning was at once grasped. Work ceased and people flocked to- the streets, though the effects of the presence of the influenza plague were apparent in the earliest stage by reason of the fact that the crowds’ demonstrations of joy were subdued. Ships’ sirens added to the clamor in announcing the good news, and vessels, public buildings, and streets were soon dressed with, bunting. After the official announcement by tlie Governor-General, dense crowds packed the vicinity of the Town Hall, where, after the singing of the National Anthem, the Mayor briefly referred to the valor of the New Zealand troops and to the grief of the relatives of the men who had died, concluding by calling for cheers lor tbo boys wfio were still carrying on. Speeches by the Premier, Sir Joseph Ward, and Sir James Allen evoked great enthusiasm. A thanksgiving service was held in the Basin Reserve this afternoon. Work on the waterfront was stop- I ped all day, and will not be resumed till Thursday.

PEACE REJOICINGS.

SYDNEY THRONGED WITH MERRY-MAKERS. HOTELS CLOSED FOR TWO DAYS. Australian and N.2.. Cable Association. SYDNEY. Nov. 13. Untiring crowds of merry-makers paraded the streets throughout the day. Bands and processions joined in the victory celebrations. Thc hotels in the main centres were closed for two days. Thanksgiving services will be bold in the churches to-morrow. The city will be illuminated at night.

WAIROA EN FETE. j Press Association Telegram. i WAIROA. Nov. 13 Wairoa, which had not previously celebrated prematurely, let go yesterday. On receipt of the news sirens and whistles blew and all sorts of noises were made. Flags flew as if bv magic. Crowds of happy child- I ren demonstrated to the- full. Fully j 1500 people met in Coronation Square when speeches were delivered by the Mayor and leading citizens. Much enthusiasm was again shown in the evening. About a thousand people attended an open-air concert. Today's children’s sports, a procession, etc., are being held.