INDEPENDENCE DAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16894, 5 July 1918, Page 6

INDEPENDENCE DAY.

EMPIRE-WIDE RECOGNITION.

OBSERVANCE IN AUCKLAND. Special significance attached to American Independence 'Day yesterday, it being the first occasion upon which Great Britain and the Dominions officially recognised the day. This recognition was due to the entry of the United States into the war in April, 1917, and her active co-operation with the allies ever since. It was Empire-wide. In Auckland the " glorious fourth" was not allowed to pass without its ceremonials to mark the citizens' appreciation of America's important share in the war for freedom and liberty. The Consul-General for the United States, Mr. A. A. Winslow, was tho guest of His Excellency the Governor-General, the Earl of Liverpool, at Government House in Clio afternoon. Throughout the forenoon Mr. Win/slow was engaged in receiving callers, comprising official visitors and private individuals. Among the former wore the Consuls and representatives of the allied nations, including Messrs. L. Hippcau, Franca; J. M. Pagni, Italy; A. M. Ferguson, Belgium; H. D. Heather, Japan; W. A. Beddoe, Canada. Further official callers included the Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunson, Colonel 0. W. S. Patterson 0.C.D.,'. Sir Robert Walker, chief staff officer, Colonel J. R. Reed. Judge Advocate-General, the Hon. G. J. Garland, M.L.C., Mr. C J. Parr, C.M.G., M.P. There were also numerous private callers both in tho x morning and afternoon. The news that America has now over 1,000,000 soldiers in France was made tho subject of many congratulatory references by the Consul-General's visitors, and he was congratulated on all sides upon the magnificent efforts mate by his country since she took her place alongside the allies. Several messages of congratulation and good wishes were received by Mr. Winslow. These included telegrams from the Acting-Prime Minister, Sir James Allen, and the Hon. A. M. Myers- Sir James Allen telegraphed " On this fourth day of July I am sure all New Zealanders rejoice to know that the great American people are with them in the fight for freedom. From my window I see the flags of the United Kingdom and of the United States of America flying side by side on a cross-bar at the head of the'flagstaff, emblematic, as it seems to me, of the determination .of these two great concert with our mutual allies, to see that the scales of liberty, truth, and justice, are evenly balanced, not only now, but for all time." The Hon. A. M. Myers telegraphed :— "Greetings on this, the 142 nd anniversary of the Declaration of _ Independence, although now eclipsed in significance by the day upon which the United States reaffirmed her. support of freedom and democracy—April 6, 1917. Kindest regards." •.._■' The Stars and Stripes flew proudly from the Consul-General's window in "Customs Street East all day. On this occasion it was by no means allpwed to fly alone. All the public buildings in the city and most of the business establishments made a display of bunting, in honour of the day. In Union Buildings, wherein Mr. WinBlow's office is situated, the elevator -was effectively draped with the American flag. " AMERICA'S SPLENDID HELP." ANGLICAN SYNOD'S GREETINGS. - [BT TELEGRAPH.— ASSOCIATION.] ■r: • C . > Ellington. Thursday.

. The Wellington Diocesan Synod passed the following resolution to-day That, on : July 4, 1918, the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by the United States of America, we desire to convey fraternal greetings to our brothers across the sea, and. to express our profound thankfulness for America's splendid help in the great fight for freedom and righteousness. We pray that God's blessing may crown our united endeavours with a secure and lasting peace."