FEILDING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 135, 9 May 1945, Page 2

FEILDING

VICTORY CELEBRATIONS

TOWN EN FETI

With a day's notice, there was ample time for preparations to be made for the official celebrations of the victory in Europe, and yesterday considerable time was spent in decorating shops and offices. Thus there was scarcely a building in the business area without some sort of display today, while buildings boasting a flagstaff cartied the Union Jack or the New Zealand Ensign. Everywhere there was a note of jubilation and thanksgiving. This morning, irom the steps of tho Borough Council Chambers at 9 o'clock, the Mayor (Mr Seddon) made the official announcement of the cessation of hostilities in Europe. The ceremony was attended by a good representation of the public, and a short speech was made by Mr M. H. Oram, M.P., following which the Union Jack was honoured and proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem. Brief though the ceremony was, it was a thrilling one and the sounding of tho sirens, church bells and whistles, as well as cheering, was eloquent testimony to tho feeling with which the momentous news has been received. Mr Seddon supplemented the official announcement by suggesting that our first duty was that of thanking Almighty God for the great victory. Ho then paid .a tribute to the wonderful record of tnc New Zealand Division and finally urged that all should work with resolution to make war in the futro impossible.

Mr Oram said that all must be impressed by the dignity of the ceremony, marking an historic and auspicious occasion. He recalled tho time when, in 1939, Mr Chamberlain made the announcement that Britain was at war with Germany, and contrasted that solemn intimation with the triumphant speech of Mr Churchill early this morning. Mr Churchill was a remarkable figure, and Mr Oram could not believe that it was by chance that the* British Empire had been given such a wonderful leader, nor could he believe that it was by chance that the great victory had been given. Itather did he think that the British Empire had been chosen as an instrument of Divine purpose. The nation had been tested in many theatres of war and had been funnel steadfast in purpose and character. Mr Oram reminded those present that the war was not yet over and while it was a time for rejoicing thoughts must be directed to the preparations for general peace. Tho general celebrations took place this afternoon in Manchester Square. The thanksgiving service opened with the hymn, '•All People That on Earth do Dwell," followed by a Psalm of thanksgiving read by Rev. A. M. Pergusson. 'Than the Mayor delivered his address on behalf of the citizen*. A prayer by Major Judith Christopher followed. Then came the hymn ''Now Thank Wc All Our God"; Scripture reading by Rev. C. Eaton; an address by Veil. Archdeacon F. H. Potric, representing tho Ministers' Association; hymn, "Praise My Soul the King of Heaven"; pravers by Rev. R. S. Hotlman, tho National Anthem, To Dcilln, and finally the Benediction pronounced by Archdeacon Petrie. OUR FIRST DUTY.

"As wc stand here this joyous in the of victory our first duty is to offer to Almighty God our grateful thanks for the success accorded our arms," said Mr Seddon. "Then wc remember with gratitude our Fighting Forces, whose courage, valour and heroic sacrifice have overcome and routed the most cruel and wicked enemies that have ever attempted to enslave mankind. Wc remember, too, on this dav the people of the Homeland whoso Odvssey of pain and destruction has come to an end. The lights of London arc shining again, as will in due time the lights of all Europe. Proudly we remember those whs have given their lives that, today could happen. Let us here rosolvo that' their noble sacrifice shall not bo in vain. Our cause has been sanctified by their devotion. Their reward is with their God and their place is among the noble army of martyrs. May it be some comfort to those who mourn that the sacrifices ot their loved ones are inscribed for ever on the nation's roll of fame, an imperishable record of devotion and love that shall remain as long as wo arc a people. But today is a dav of rejoicing, for our enemies •havo been vanquished. It is right that we should make merry and be glad, because today sees the consummation, of the hardest task that has ever faced the nation and our allies. The war in the West is over. Our pent-up emotions rightly find expression in the joy of victory. _ _ "Although it is a time for rejoicing it is not a time for slackening of effort," added Mr Seddon. "We still have before us the conquest of a fanatical and powerful enemy. Whether he will capitulate. or fight on wc do not know. If he choses the latter ho will be beaten just the same, but with further sacrifice for us of blood and treasure. So while wo rejoice, let us firmly resolve to throw all our resources and energy into the conflict; let us forget our petty differences and domestic squabbles and let us go forward as one people tu final victory. And after that victory what shall wc seek if we are to avoid a repetition of past events? If our civilisation is to bo revealed as a true and permanent civilisation and not a superficial culture, we must sek the spirit of love and brotherhood. Each man must devote every side of his nature to the free and willing service of humanity and curb all selfish interests. Wc must preach and practise the Christian Gospel of tlie Kingdom of God in which all men as children of ono Divine Father shall dwell together in love and mutual service. Wc must learn the truth that the only hope for any individual nation lies in the reconciliation of its interests with those of other nations. Freedom is to be had neither in subjection nor by independence but in interdepedence. Until tlio commonwealth of mankind becomes a reality, our international life will not know the embrace of the great peace. Only the light of the Christian Gospel can show the way to goodwill and peaco and lead us to the summer heights of a nation's glory. So only can individual happiness and "security bo obtained and our nation's youth become- the men and women of their .nobllfct dreams."