Mr. Fraser Announces Government’s Plans

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 190, 13 August 1945, Page 5

Mr. Fraser Announces Government’s Plans

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 12. In a statement on Saturday the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) said consideration had been given to the arrangements that would be made to mark the termination of hostilities against Japan. “It should be stated,” said Mr. Fraser, “that although no official information had been received by the Government which would confirm the announcement which had been reported to have been made by the Japanese Government over the Tokio radio, the midday broadcast from the 8.8. C. had annoimced that the Japanese Government proposal had been received by the United States Government. “It is probable that on this, as on the occasion of the termination of hostilities in Europe, the announcement will be synchronised in the capitals of the principal Allies. Taking the variations of time into account it is likely that any official announcement of the cessation of hostilities will be received in New Zealand early in the morning. Immediately the news of the capitulation is received an announcement will be made over the radio through 2YA and other radio stations and in the press.

“The Government has decided after consultation with employers and employees, that two days’ holiday will be granted to mark the surrender and defeat of Japan. If the official announcement is made before 12 noon then the remainder of that day and the day following will, subject to wh£t is said later in regard to the maintenance of essential services, be observed as a holiday both by Government Departments and industry. If, however, the news is received after midday or on Sunday then the two following days will be observed as holidays. “The Employers’ Federation and Manufacturers’ Federation have announced their decision to recommend to all their members that both days on which the holidays are observed will be paid holidays, irrespective of whether in fact they are one and a half or two full days’ holidays. That means that all men and women who are not required to work on those days will receive pay for those days at the ordinary daily rate. “If, however, they are engaged in certain essential services and are required to work on those days then they will receive an extra day’s pay or time off in lieu thereof by mutual agreement between the employer and employee. “It will be obvious,” said Mr Fraser, “that certain essential services must be maintained during these holi days. Transport, telephone, telegraph, broadcasting, electrice power, gas and similar services will be required to be maintained. Arrangements must be made for the supply and distribution of food, the baking of bread and handling of frozen products. Bakers and other food employees are requested to work the time necessary to ensure essential supplies of bread and other foods. “Retail butchers, bakers and grocers are requested to open for two hours on the day of the announcement, particularly if this should fall on a Monday or if the announcement is made late on Sunday so as to ensure that housewives and others can purchase their requirements for the holidays. Farmers are requested to hold their stock, particularly bobby calves, until advice is received that freezing works are able to accept and process them. “The official ceremonies will be held on the second day of the holidays. Suitable arrangements will be made by the Government for a national celebration and the particulars of this will be announced at the proper time over the radio and in the press. On both days flags will be flown and bunting displayed, and it is desired that bells be rung and sirens sounded immediately following the announcement. It is suggested also that on the first day and whenever this can he arranged, bands should parade in the main streets of cities and towns.

The form which local and community celebrations shall take should, the Government feels, be left to the civic authorities themselves both municipal and county throughout the Dominion.” In conclusion Mr. Fraser said that the arrangements for church and religious ceremonies of prayers and thanksgiving would be announced later.

A City Victory Ball is being organised but the date is not finalised as vet