VE Day in Hutt

Hutt News, Volume 18, Issue 43, 16 May 1945, Page 5

VE Day in Hutt

There was an unfortunate lack of enthusiasm 011 the part of the lew hundred' people who assembled in front of the gaily decorated Council Offices on Wednesday afternoon to hear the Mayor address the citizens on the occasion of the defeat and unconditional surrender of the Nazi Armies after five years and eight months of bitter warfare. One would have expected the crowd, on such a momentous occasion, to give expression to its relief and joy at the good news by bursting into song and dance. But no one made Mafaking. The proceedings were opened by the Mayor who was accompanied by 'Mirs. Andrews on the balcony in Laings Road, calling on the combined bands (Civic and Municipal) to play the National Anthems of New Zealand, America, Russia and France

Opening his address Mr. Andrews said that the war was not of our seeking and recalled the events which, led up to the entry of the British Empire into the conflict, by reading from the Wellington press qf 4th" September, '1939 which contained statements made by Mr. Cham berlain and his Majesty the King. During the years that followed, said Mr. Andrews, the Empire had its dark days and for 12 months it stood alone and it seemed almost a miracle when the tide turned in the allies favour. Mr. Andrews paid tribute to the magnificent work of the New Zealand and Maori Divisions and the British Navy, and called for three cheers for Mr. Churchill and Lieut-General Freyberg. A minute's silence was observed in sympathy with the next-of-kin of those who had fallen Mr. Andrews expressed thanks to all those who had worked on the home front which included the band of women who had done knitting and sewing, the Red Cross Society, St. John Ambulance, and those who ha<;l organised the Patriotic Shop, packed parcels, anci the Services Club members. I

The ceremony concluded, with the National Anthem and a few popular airs by the combined bands.

In the evening there were large attendances at the services of Thanks giving held in all the local churches.