CITY CELEBRATIONS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17947, 14 November 1918, Page 5

CITY CELEBRATIONS.

YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. The conditions in tho city until tho luncheon hour yesterday were in severe contrast to those on tiia previous aay. The streets were almost deserted. Except for the rattle of the trauicars,' lh# occasional toot of a motor horn, or th« explosion of a cracker, there wii silence. The principal througiifares remained beiiagged and streamers were displayed on balconies. Further signa of Tuesday's rejoicings were seen in decorated motor-cars and inotorbicyclos, which ran along tb.» streets and. out into tho suburbs. After lunch people cam© out into the streets again and Cathedral Square was well filed from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. There was no' organised celebration in tho city. In the evoning largo numbers of people assembled again. The weather was not as bright as on Tuesday, but, generally, was favourable to the occasion. THANKSGIVING SERVICE. • LARGE GATHERING IN VICTORIA SQUARE. A thanksgiving service was held ia Victoria Square fast evening to com-' memorato tuo signing of the armistice. There was a largo assemblage of the publio, and the speeches were listened to attentively. The Mayor (Mr H. Holland) said that he was delighted to see the enthusiasm and will that had by tho citizens on the arrival of tho news, and he had felt that the opportunity should be given to oxpress thankfulness to Almighty God, and let the people reverentially acknowledge their indebtedness. . After prayer by the Rev A. C. Lawry, chairman of the Canterbury District of the Methodist Church, the Rev John Patersbn, Moderator of the Christchurch Presbytery, spoke. He said they had met not merely to express their thanks to their' scldiers, statesnrfn and Allies, but to express their thanks to the greatest of all allies, Almighty God. The Kaiser had claimed Him as his ally, but ho had taken into partnership the wrong person. God was on the side of righteousness, justice and truth. God had worked His purpose through human wills and human interests. When God spoke to men a message of a new light and a now love Ho spoke it through human lips. That was the way God alwavs worked. •When He sought to establish His righteousness He put it into the hearts of Belgium, France and Britain to say that they would stand for righteousness. So had it been with Italy. God finally strengthened the Ik art of America to say, "We are with von in this fight." Was it not. a great thing that in'this fight they had never doubted the men leading? They ha 3 been men oi' wisdom and truth. Tho

might of Germany had crumbled. Behind this terrible, unexpected, amazing shattering or the dreams and Hopes ox Germany was the invisible fire oi the Invisible God. They had met that night to prove themselves worthy of Ihe sacrifices of the soldiers and sailors Let them say that with the help of God they would "be worthy of the great deliverance. The Rev P. Knight, president of the Ministers' -Association, said that during ' the first six months Germany ought, to have won the war, but when she was turned back from the Marno she was defeated. She had miscalculated the temper of the British and the French armies, and the purpose of Almighty God. She had been hurled back to her doom. They acknowledged God as the first element in their victory, but there were His instruments the brave sailors and soldiers, who had been likened unto a strong bulwark and a glittering 'sword. The speaker paid an eloquent ■ tribute to .the deeds of the soldiers of France. France had almost been bled i white, but had held on till the hour of victory had come. To those of the men who had fallen on many battlefields the voice of duty and right had commanded. No true man would continue to live under a reign of arrogance and bestialitv. So long as that spirit remained the Kaiser and the devil were doomed. When the time of settlement came every right-thinking man must remember the atrocities Germany had committed. The Rev J. J. North, president of the Council of Churches, said that in all the years of British history there were only three or four that were comparable with tho moments they were daily living through for significance, solemnity and'importance. For four years the Empire had followed a path of duty, and the shadows had been so deep that at times it had seemed impossible that the star of hope would shine again, but at last.they had emerged. The Unseen Power called God was on the side of liberty, justice and truth. The speaker commented on the odious philosophy of Germany..which had been given expression in the sinking of the Lusitania, the burning of L'ouvain, and the deaths of Nurse Cavoll and Captain Fryatt. Such deeds had arrayed the various parties of tho nation in one solid phalanx under a cluster of crosses, which were but the Cross of Christ. Having come to tho end of the campaign let them remember there were now no common people; such had vanished by reason ox their achievements on the battlefield. ' All distinctions must be' levelled. They stood to-day before a social opportunity; the whole social structure was in the melting-pot. If the peoplo consented to a return to the rush for wealth and bargaining, that sacred blood which had been shed would cry : for ever against them. All should seek earnestly for a righteous solution. If they suffered again those crooked things 'they would darken tho victory. They ought to begin in the moro practical service of brotherhood. The National Anthem was sung at the commencement of the proceedings, and at the conclusion of the speeches. A combined Salvation Army band, under Bandmaster J. Clark, accompanied • the various. hymns. The gatheriug dispersed after the pronouncement of the Benediction by tho Rev Allan Job, "chairman of tho Congregational District Committee. POLICE STOP FIRING OF . " CRACKERS. OFFENDERS TO BE PROSECUTED. Cathedral Square and High Street between Colombo Street and Cashol Street for two hours last night resounded to the loud reports of largo crackers and detonating rockets. Large numbers of them were fired. The air was heavy with smoke and the street was strewn with the paper wrappings. The police authorities have decided \ that; 1 in view of the largo number of persons attacked by influenza, this amusement must be stopped. A sergeant watched last night's proceedings, ibut took no hand in them. Anybody found firing crackers after this morning, however, will bo prosecuted. Several residents have written to the police complaining that the noise has" had a serious effect on influenza patients. triTELTON'S CELEBRATION. Tho residents of Lyttelton .continued the armistice celebrations yesterday. All 'shops were closed and no work was undertaken on the waterfront, with , , the exception of discharging the fruit! cargo from the Maori, which sailed at midday for Port Chalmers. The town Wasbefla'gged and presented a very animated appearance. The precession was even better than that of the previous day, and elicited many favourable S comments from visitors. Tho school children took part in the procession, .500 strong, mostly in.fancy costume. Leading citizens made patriotic speeches, and at night a torchlight proj cession was held by members of the Fire Brigade. Tho splendid display made by the Farmers' Co-operative Association on Tuesday really formed a procession of its own. After attending the New Brighton ceremonies yesterday, the profession passed south along Colombo Street, through Cathedral Square, Hereford Street, Oxford Terrace, and Cash el Street, to the association's garage. It attracted much .attentionin the city. 5 COUNTRY CELEBRATIONS. RANGIORA. i... Pence celebrations were carried out at Rangiora yesterday and the inhabitants of the town_ and neighbourhood rose to tho occasion. Borough i*r,d county joined in the jubilations and the demonstration was the most imposing •and successful ever carried out in tho town. In the morning well attended thanksgiving services were held by the respective churches in- the open nir, owing to the Health Officer!? '.prohibition, of indoor gatherings;.'. Tho-after--1 noon's proceedings were commenced with a procession which extended for nearly a mile in length. In tho lead there was a car containing Maori war veterans, thou followed two carloads of South African war veterans, carrying: ■ a -Boer flag captured by Mr Arthur Fear, and a small Union Jatk which had been carried through the war and

brought back to New Zealand. Then came two c.'.r's containing returned soldiers, followed by Rangiora Red Cross and Lady Liverpool workers, Southbrook Red Cross branch, Territorials, Cadets, Boy and Girl Scouts, Rangiora Brass Band, the M'rvyor (Mr C. I. Jennings), borough councillors, Mr Worrell (chairman of the County Council), Rangiora, Feraside, Southbrook and Catholic primary Hchools, Mr J. D. Wyllio (president of the Northern A. and P. Association), Druids, Oddfellows, Rangiora and Southbrook Volunteer Fire Brigades with their engines, Salvation Army Band, decorated cars, and bicycles, New Zealand Farmers' Cooperative decorated lorry, representing a peace tableau, aeroplane and tradesmen's turnouts.' There was also a parade of singing children, organised, by Mrs If. Taylor, and tho Salvation Army was represented by a lorry containing children. Two' Darktown fire brigades were also included in the procession, but thev were given a roving commission and created a good deal of amusement. A pseudo elephant also added to the gaiety of the proceedings. The procession, which was admirably marshalled by Mr C. \V. Bell, respondent in a red coat, white breeches and a top hat and mounted on a lino grey charger, made a.round of the town along the principal streets, ivhich in places were densely thronged with spectators, including a large percentage of country folk. The parade finished at Victoria Park, where fully three thousand' people assembled around tho rotunda. Every child was given a packet of sweets, and a collection h aid of the Navy League Fund realised £27 14s. A short thanksgiving service was then held, in which the Rot?, F. P. Fewlall, W. H. Howes and J. Guy took part, the combined bands leading the singing. The seivico having been closed with the National Anthem the Mayor, chairman of the County Council and Captain W. Atwell, N.Z.S.C., gave addresses fitting the occasion, the first named speaker laying special stress on the splendid services of the women of Britain, which alone had made it possible to win the war, and; at his call three ringing cheers were given for them. The proceedings closed with cheers for the King, Queen and Empire, our Allies ana our New Zealand hoys. At night there wns a display of fireworks, and a torchlight procession, carried out by the Fire Brigade, and a bonfire. The Darktown Brigade also added to the entertainment of the spectators. ASHBURTON. j There were great rejoicings at 'Ashburton again yesterday, when the town and suburbs were gaily bedecked with flags and a great, concourso of people assembled and took part in a monster procession, composed of the Bth (South Canterbury) Regimental Band, the Scottish Pipe Band, and the Salvation Army Band, a big muster of those entitled to wear the King's uniform, tho Fire Brigade, the. friendly societies, and scores of gaily decorated motorcairf, lorries and other ■'■'vehicle's. There was an infinite variety of fancy costumes worn by those taking part in tho procession, and the spectacle was a. very bright and joyous one. Thei procession marched from the. Ashburton bridge to the post office, back to Moore Street, and then up West Street to the Domain. The Mayor (Mr R. Galbraith) briefly addressed the huge gathering, and thanked ono and ail for having gathered together in such largo numbers to show their loyalty and to make the occasion a success. Tho day whs intended to be a children's day and the afternoon was devoted entirely to a programme of children's sports, under tho direction of Mr G. Schneider, head master of the Ashburton Borough School. After the singing of the National Anthem, cheers for the King, Mr Lloyd George, the commanders of the forces and those who had fought under them were given the sports were commenced and were continued till late in the afternoon. WAIAU. Waiaii residents turned out in force yesterday to take part in the peace ; celebrations, which commenced at halfprat two in the afternoon. A procession was formed at the post office, in which returned soldiers and members of local bodies and patriotic organisations took part. The procession, after parading the main streets of tho township, came to a halt in front of the Rjnk

Hall, where the gathering was addressed by Messrs K. Pottigrew, H. T. Heaven and G. W. Aldridge, and Ser-geant-Major Morrison. The whole proceedings were carried out in a most orderly manner and there was a- total absence of the " Mafficking " spirit. At four o'clock a thanksgiving service was held in the Rink Hall and was largely attended. The Rev J. 1:1. Thomson gave an address from Psalm 4.6, 0— "He maker!) wars to cease.unto the end of the earth. - ' Special hymns and anthems tvoi'e sung, the Presbyterian Church choir, under the leadership of Mr F. Burrows, assisting. A solo, "Life's Glorious Anthem," was sung by Mrs L. Temple (on. Miss M'Kie and Mrs Bradley acted as accompanists. Messrs M'Bryde and Gibbs also assisted. A dance had been arranged for this evening, but as a mark of respect to the late Mr A. \V. Rutherford this was postponed. AKAROA. Directly the glad news of the signing of, tho armistice was received at Akaroa shops closed, all tho firebells and church bells were rung, and the s.s. Cygnet, lying at the wharf, added to the gaiety of the nation with strenuous whistling. Flags appeared on every dwelling and motor-ears gaily decorated paraded the streets. At- 10.30 a.m. all the residents gathered at Poet Office, Square, where speeches of thankfulness v.ciT given by the Mayor (Mr G. Armi strong), the Revs if. W. Bayward and I A, H. Julius, and Messrs E, N. Lelip'vro and J. Bruce. At 3 p.m. a united service of thanksgiving was held on tho Recreation Ground, at which nearly everyone attended. In the evening the town was illuminated, tho chief streets being hung with Chinese lanterns. Bonfires were lit on the surrounding hills and fireworks were let off. 'The streets were crowded, but beyond a band of young girls who marched through the town singing patriotic songs there was no organised demonstration. .BALCAIRN. On receipt at Balcairn of the official news that Germany had signed the armistice bells were rung, tho people quickly gathered and joyous scenes were witnessed. In the evening, after singing the National Anthem, a proces- ; sion was formed, headed by two stalwart men bearing the Union Jack, and followed by the school children and residents. ' The school committee presented each child with a bugle or a. tin whistle. After marching through the streets a monster bonfire was lighted, and with fireworks'made'a very pleasing display. Speeches were delivered by Messrs.' J. Fitspatrick (chairman of the school committee) and J. A. Robertson (chairman of the Patriotic Committee). KAIAPOI. On Tuesday evening at Kaiapot a crowd gathered in High Street, in front of the municipal buildings, which were brilliantly illuminated, and a first-class impromptu concert was held. A programme of patriotic and popular song? was provided by the members of the Northern Concert Party. _ Laet night the celebrations were continued with a torchlight procession, a huge bonfire. the burning of tho Kaiser's effigy and a fireworks display on the river bank. Charles Street. The concert party, mounted' on a lorry, sang songs with choruses, the crowd joining in. A Darktown fire brigade provided tho humorous element. PARNASSUS. , News of. the signing of the armistice was received in Parnassus at 9.20 a.m. on Tuesday. Immediate steps were taken to spread the news. The school children, after an address, the town, singing patriotic songs. Flags were soon visible on all the houses and rejoicing was evident everywhere. A public meeting was held in front of the railway station at 3 p.m. Mr J. F. Macfarlane, chairman of the local Soldiers' Welfare Committee, presided. Addresses were given by Messrs B. Felton and'W. G. Truman. After singing the National Anthem and making u collection for the Retui'rod Soldiers' Fund games were enjoyed by all for the remainder of the afternoon. CULVERDEN. . The peace celebrations were continued at Oulverden during Tuesday afternoon. A united thanksgiving service' was held in the Amuri Hall, when Canon Smith, of Rotherham. and Mr M, Betbell, chairman of tho Amuri County Council, addressed a large assembly of residents. A monster procession, -consistin:* of three traction engines, numerous motor-cars and other vehicles, was then formed and paraded the streets with all sorts of weird noises as an accompaniment. An impromptu dance was held in the evening and wns well attended.

The Supply Stores, Limited, 420, Colombo Street, Sydenham, have decided to commemorate the conclusion of hostilities by allowing their customers and tho general public a special cash discount of 10 per cent on nil dinnerware purchases. They hold large stocks of plates, meat dishes, sauce tureens, vegetable dishes,' gravy boats, etc., in Flo Blue Lotus, Green Riviera, Paris, Irene and Crystal- These are all stockpatterns, so "that breal;ages can always be replaced. This special 10 per cent discount will remain effective for one month from the date of r-igning of the armistice. D296X