PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

Lake County Press, Issue 2795, 24 July 1919, Page 4

PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

Successfully Circled Out in Appowtown. As Arrowtown had celebrated the signing of the armistice in such good style in November last, it was thought by many that the Peace celebrations would fall somewhat flat locally. This was not the case, however, and the people of the town and district rose to the occasion in a really splendid manner. The time of year also was against people going in for elaborate displays, as most; had a vivid recollection of weather conditions on the 19th July last year, when there was between 2ft and 3ft of snow in the main street. On Saturday, the day fixed for the celebrations locally, the morning broke fine but overcast, but in the afternoon the sun came out, and the day proved an ideal one for midwinter. At 10.30 the town presented quite a gay appearance, and a large gathering assembled at that time in front of the Athenaum Hall, where his Worship the Mayor (Mr John Beid) read the King's Proclamation as follows: Whereas a definite Treaty of Peace between us and the associated Governments and the German Government was concluded at Versailles on the 23th d;ty of Jane last. In conformity thereunto we hare thought fit hereby to command that the same be published in due course throughout all our dominions ; and w« do declare to all our loving subjects our will and pleasure that upon the exchange of the ratification thereof of the said treaty of peace be observed inviolably as well as by sea as by land, and in all places whatsoever ; strictly charging and commanding all our loving subjects to take notice hereof and to conform themselves thereuuto accordingly. Short addresses, appropriate to the occasion, were delivered by the Mayor, Mr William Reid (County Chairman), Rev. J. Rattray, and Mr G. H. Romans, after which a verse of the Nitional Anthem was song. The procession, marshalled by Constable Mcilahon, then moved off in the following order: — Eev. J. Rattray, who supplied music for the march on his coronet. Returned soldiers (under Lieut. W. Leslie), about twenty strong. The Mayor, County Chairman, and numbers of Arrow Borough Council. Children in fancy costume. Decorated prams and go-carts. General public. Decorated motor cars. Decorated lorry, containing 'bridal party" including " clergyman." When the ceremony had been satisfactorily carried out, this party rendered " When the Bells of Peace are Ringing" at intervals during the march. Contingent of young ladieß and gents, mounted, in fancy dress. The procession was a most imposing spectacle, and it was pleasing to see such a fine muster of returned men. In the course of his address, the Mayor said that, on behalf of the residents of the whole of the district, he extended to the returned boys their heartfelt gratitude, "for," said his Worship, " we to-day are able to rejoice over a glorious victory gained through their sacrifices." The procession wended its way around the block, and then proceeded to the Garrison Hall, where it had been arranged to hold the celebrations. The hall bad been tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens, and presented quite a festive appearance. At the back of the hall a large marquee had been erected, and here was to be seen the amount of work the ladies' committee bad carried out in preparing for the catering. On arrival at the hall the first business was the judging of the decorated prams, go-oarts, and bicycles and ■ fancy oostumes, and the judges (Mrs Forbes and Mr C. Ross) must have had a difficult task in arriving at their decisions. This must have been especially so in the case of the children's fancy costumes, there being a great variety of these to select from. The results were:— Decorated Pram or Go-cart—Miss Nellie Peacock 1, Miss Grace Cotter 2. Other competitors, who all received a prize, were Misses George, Nolan, Mackie, Churchill, Dunlop (2), Summers (2), L. Dudley, M. Reid, M. Stevenson, Jean Reid, and V. Stevenson, and Master lan Qeorge. Fancy Costume (girls)— Miss Ethel Dunlop (Japanese lady), I • liliss "Eca Thompson (Red Cross Nurse), 2.. .' Fancy Costume (boys)j-Masfer Willie Henderson (Sundowner), 1; Master Lex. Churchill (Uncle Sam), 2. - Decorated Bicyole—E. Hendebourck, 1 ; Gordon Benetto, 2. At noon all activities ceased, and a silence observed for five minutes as a mark of respect to the devoted men and women who had made ft* fflprwM

Baorifioe in the oause of liberty and justice. The ladies' committee had made most complete arrangements for the catering, aud they bad a busy time in attending to the wants of the large assemblage. Tables were laid in the marquee, and there dinner and tea were served to young and old. This part of the day's proceedings was well attended to, and the y lady workers deserved all the nice things said about them. Various forms of entertainment and amusement were indulged in during the afternoon. In the hall there were dancing competitions, nail-driving competitions for the ladies, etc., while the " Mirth - giving Entertainers " contributed several items. On a section opposite the hall a lengthy programme of sports for the children was oarried out. After another repast had been served by the ladies, entertainment for young and old was continued in the hall until 8 p.m. Altogether the day's celebrations were most successful, and worthy off the great occasion Those who were responsible for the arrangements are to be heartily congratulated on the result. The bon. secretary, Mr J. Forbes, is deserving of speoial mention, as, we think, the bulk of the preliminary work fell en his willing shoulders. . It was intended to have the fireworks on Saturday evening, but as they had not come to hand it was decided to postpone the display until Monday evening.• The postponement caused disappointment amongst the country children, but Mr Tomkies' kind offer of a free night for the children at his pictures compensated for this. On Monday eveniug the " display" duly came off. Weather conditions were not at all favourable, and those who ventured out were disappointed at the display of fireworks given. The committee could not be blamed for this, as the non-success was due to the poor class of fireworks which came to hand.