ARMISTICE CELEBRATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17007, 14 November 1918, Page 4

ARMISTICE CELEBRATIONS.

JUBILATION IN WELLINGTON

THOUGHT FOR THE FIGHTERS. [bt telegraph.—press association.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The following message -was delayed through non-acceptance by th« Telegraph Department yesterday :—" The air was electric with expectation this (Tuesday) morning, people being confident that the day would bring news of the German submission to the Allies' terms. When the signal guns boomed at nine o'clock the meaning was at once grasped, and all work ceased. People flocked into the streets, though the effect of the influenza epidemic was apparent in the earlier stages by reason of the fact that the crowd's demonstrations of joy were subdued. Ship's sirens added to the clamour, announcing the good news, and the Tassels in port, public Buildings, and the streets were soon dressed with bunting. " After the official announcement by the Governor-General, dense crowds packed the vicinity of the Town Hall, where, after the singing of the National Anthem, the Mayor, Mr. J. P. Luke, briefly referred to the valour of New Zealand's troops, and to the grief of the relatives of the men who had died. He concluded by calling for cheers for ' the boys who are still carrying on.' Speeches by the Prime Minister, Sir Josej-n Ward and Sir James Allen evoked great enthusiasm. A thanksgiving service was held on the Basin Reserve in the afternoon. Work on the waterfront stopped ail day. and will not be resumed till Thursday.'

CHRISTOHUEOH GOES WILD. AN HARMONIOUS DIN. [BT TELEGRAPH.—PEE3S ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday. Christchurch went wild with eiciterae-.it yesterday on receipt of the news that Germany had signed the armistice, and there was in harmonious din. Owing to the influenza epidemic the hotels were closed, and thanksgiving services in the churches were banned. However, a brief open-air service was held in the Cathedral grounds. In the afternoon there was a great procession of returned soldiers, cadets, patriotic workers, and decorated "eludes to victoria Square, where brief aldress6s wero delivered by the Mayor and others, and cheers were given for the King, the Nan-, the Army, the Allies, fathers and mothers of sailors and soldiers, and the famous Twenty-ninth Division. In tjie evening there was a monster rally of returned soldiers, a fireworks display, and much happy noise.

NO ADMISSION TO THEATRE. A DUNEDIN EPISODE. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN C'JERESFOVDSNT.] DUNEDIN, Wednesday. A lar,{9 number of students and others compelled the vaudeville house and all picture theatres to close down last night, their view being that no one should be permitted to work on the day of lie conclusion of the war. They lined the doorway of the Princess Theatre, blocking admission to an immense holiday crowd, and eventually the manager closed tTie house.

ENTHUSIASM IN NELSON. PATRIOTIC PROCESSIONS. [BI TELEGRAPH.— ASSOCIATION.] NELSON, Wednesday. Nelson yesterday celebrated the signing of the armistice with the utmost enthusiasm. Immense crowds gathered at, Church Hill this morning, when rousing patriotic speeches were delivered. Afterwards almost the entire fathering joined in a procession around the town, there was also a torchlight procession to-night, and an enthusiastic meeting.

EXCITEMENT AT CAMBRIDGE. [BT telegraph.—own correspondent.] CAMBRIDGE, Wednesday. Great excitement prevailed here yesterday, when the official news was received of the signing of the armistice. A procession, with a large body of returned soldiers occupying the place of honour, followed bv patriotic women workers, was formed, They marched to the Victoria Square, where a thanksgiving service was held. Cheers were given for the Allies, the King and Empire, the Navy, the allied airmen, nurses, mine-sweepers, returned soldiers, Marshal Foch, and Sir Douglas Haig. An open-air concert was held in the evening. Further celebrations have been arranged for Thursday in tho showground, with a bonfire and Reworks display in the evening.

GOVERNMENT HOLIDAY. OBSERVANCE TO-DAY. All post and telegraph offices throughout the Dominion with the exception of those 'in the Auckland district will he closed for the day at 10.30 this morning, in celebration of the signing of the armistice. In the Auckland district, owing to theepidemic, post p.nd telegraph offices will, lie c.losod from noon to 2 p.m. only. Telephonic and telegraphic messages will ha charged for at urgent rates. A message has been received from the Government, through the puhlic sen-ice commissioner, requesting all other Government offices except the p<x?t >md telegraph office*, to close to-day. BANKS TO CLOSE TO-DAY. SPECIAL HOLIDAY DECLARED. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS association.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Sir Joseph . Ward announced to-day that the ban'is throughout the Dominion will not reopen for business until Friday morning next. As Minister for Finance, he felt it duo to the public that h) should give them this information at ones.