Flags Fly in Feilding Marking Italy’s Exit

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 215, 10 September 1943, Page 6

Flags Fly in Feilding Marking Italy’s Exit

JOYFUL SATISFACTION EXPRESSED Feilding in many instances was ahead of the official invitation to display bunting to mark the surrender of Italy to the forces of the United Nations yesterday morning for the first announcement brought with it tho reaction to celebrate the occasion. Several business houses promptly hoisted their flags and later in the morning, exterior decoration in the way of bunting was displayed by many shops and business houses. Greek Nationals were identified with this expression of joyful satisfaction as were the Chinese residents, who hung out the flag of the Republic, while the flag of Yugoslavia was exhibited from the premises of a National of that country. Tho several flag-poles which have been permanently erected in Manachester Square in anticipation of just such events carried the flags of the United Nations and all public buildings hoisted aloft the flag of New Zealand. Not so many heard the first announcement in the first broadcast of the London news and it was therefore not until midmorning that citizens generally became aware of the momentuous news and then followed excited reaction best described as the expression of joyful satisfaction. Italy’s capitulation was not unexpected, although there was a feeling that happenings in Italy were likely to drag on yet awhile. At noon, the several church bells tolled and to assist in this modest celebration of one of the really big events of this great war, the old fire bell, long superseded by the siren, was brought into play and vigorously exercised for some minutes. Warm sunshine and a fairly clear sky did much to enhance the good cheer that prevailed among citizens generally, and at the schools, the ceremony of saluting the flag was carried out while the children had occasion to remember the significance of the ceremony in joyfully receiving the news of a full holiday for to-day.

Local shops holding limited stocks of bunting were unable to satisfy public demands for small flags, etc., and stocks were quickly quitted. Many called for flags, but there were none available, and it is understood that supplies are not so plentiful. The Borough Council is endeavouring to secure supplies for use of the children in preparation for equally exciting events, to come.