Country Districts Celebrate Peace Day

Northern Advocate, 25 August 1945, Page 7

Country Districts Celebrate Peace Day

MAUNGATAPERE The Maungatapere hall presented a gay scene last Tuesday afternoon, when a children’s victory party was held. The hall was tastefully decorated with allied flags and wattle, and was soon filled to capacity with children and adults. Games and competitions were held, while ice cream, lollies and paper" hats contributed to (he fun. The children sat down to a wonderful repast, provided by the ladies of the district. The ladies responsible for the party, and the people fvho made generous donations, which helped it to be such a success, are to be congratulated on their tine effort. Mr T. Harmon was given three hearty cheers by the children for supervising the games and competitions. On Thursday, the second day of the peace celebrations, a thanksgiving service was conducted in the Memorial Church by the Rev. Geo. Brown, of Whangarei. The church was filled. AT PARUA BAY Parua Bay celebrated the peace on August 21 by holding a thanksgiving service, followed by a party for the children. and then a dance at night. Mr Sherburd conducted the service, and Messrs Francis and Maddox addressed the people. After this, the children played games, and the children of Pataua and Parua Bay No. 1 schools rendered hakas and sting “rounds.” The dance was extremely well attended, and the hall was decorated beautifully with greenery, coloured lilies, and Iceland poppies. Over the stage were hung flags ana a “Victory poster.” Extras were given by Messrs Maddox. M'cnte Carlos were won by Mr and Mrs Donaldson and Jim Friedrich and I. Timperlc-y. Residents were very pleased to see L.A.C. Eric Harnett present at the dance'. He had returned that day after nearly a year’s service in the islands. TAURIKURA VICTORY BALL By way of celebrating the cessation of hostilities in the Pacific, and the arrival oi complete peace and victory, Taurikura residents held a thanksgiving service, with a dapee to follow, ia the hall on August 18. The thanksgiving service opened with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the Lord's Prayer. Then Messrs Lee, Kerr and Francis addressed the gathering. In remembrance of those servicemen and civilians lost during the six years of, war, those present stood for a minute’s silence.

Mrs Stevens led the singing of “Land of Hope and Glory,” and later led community singing. Following this, the young people started to dance. Much amusement was caused when some of the men came in fancy dress. Those most amusing were Mr Joe Baker and Mr Roy Fleming, as girls; Miss Prudence Wright, as young man; Mr Leslie Bird, as Hitler; and Mr Hugh Francis as “Absent-minded” and Hitler's wife. During the evening, "Hitler” was hanged by the “police.” Mrs Stevens sang “I’ll Walk Beside You.” and rendered a humorous item. A Monte Carlo was won by Mr and Mrs Kerr. Although the dance was free, funds left over after expenses had been paid were given for the Whangarei Heads School Roll of Honour.