NO CELEBRATION

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32311, 10 September 1943, Page 5

NO CELEBRATION

ITALY’S SURRENDER MUCH FIGHTING AHEAD DECISION OF THE COUNCIL The question of the celebration of the unconditional surrender of Italy was discussed by the Mayor, Mr Edwin Edwards and membersi of the iPaeroa Borough Council at the conclusion of the council meeting Thursday evening.

The Mayor stated that the capitulation of Italy was certainly reason for great satisfaction being a great success which our armies in the Middle East had achieved and undoubtedly the removal of the forces of one of the main fighting strengths .of the Axis would be the means of shortening the war and would bring ultimate victory nerer. However, he added he did not think the time had yet arrived for general celebration. The action of the Government in granting a holiday to the school children would assist in impressing upon them the importance of the event but the adult population would realise that much fighting and sacrifice still lay ahead and any public demonstration and acclamation of victory would 'be better delayed until final victory was achieved. In the event of any national celebration being arranged by the Government, Paeroa will of course rise to the occasion and join in such demonstrations, concluded the Mayor.