CELEBRATION CRITICISED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 12 May 1945, Page 2

CELEBRATION CRITICISED

fTo the Editorl Sir, —VE-Day is over! In Nelson one would have been excused for forming the opinion that Nelsonians were not aware that victory had been won in Europe. The mournful celebration was a disgrace to our city and should not be repeated when Japan is forced to surrender. Surely it would not entail a great deal of work or thought for our City Fathers to play their part and make the celebrations for final victory a memory for all, young and old. Perhaps a few suggestions may be of assistance:— (1) Mass parade of all citizens and children through Trafalgar, Hardy, Bridge, Collingwood and Rutherford streets, those in fancy dress to lead the procession. (2) Very short addi'esses by the Mayor, Member of Parliament, representative of the Church, and representative of the Maori race. (3) Procession then to proceed to Trafalgar Park and monster community sing held. (4) If possible a sports meeting to be held to include children’s races, cycle races, tug of wars, chopping contests, etc. (5) In the evening dancing and community singing in the main street. The majority of the people standing on the footpaths yesterday are still capable of joining in the parade (and would have liked to have done so on such an occasion), but were unable to do this because in Nelson it “just is not done.” Now, Nelsonians, snap out of this feeling and do your stuff next time, —I am, etc., DISAPPOINTED NELSONIAN. Nelson, 10th May.