GERMANY SIGNS THE ARMISTICE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17471, 13 November 1918, Page 3

GERMANY SIGNS THE ARMISTICE.

A TRUCE TO HOSTILITIES.

GREAT REJOICINGS.

When Gilbert wrote in "The Pirates of Ponzance" "There is nothing brings a crowd like the trumpet's martial sound," ho had overlooked the power of such things as steam whistles and bells, vigorously handled, to proolaim practically restored peuco to a world that has been racked with suffering for more than four years. The power of such filings to "bring a crowd" together was never better illustrated than it was yesterday morning, when tho news that Germany had signed the armistice, which means that there is a truce to hostilities and almost certain peace, came to hand. The hope that has been in everybody's breast for the past week was realised about 9 o'clock in the morning, the whistles and bells getting hi first, despite any prearrangement that, on receipt of official information, the Central Battery was to lead off with a salvo of six guns! Thesn were fired a few minutes after the whistles had Begun to shriek and the bells to clang out tidings that woidd cheer the heart of everyone in tho community. There was certainly an abundance of clamour on Friday last, when the message proved premature, but that was thrown completely into the shade yesterday morning. Even 6mall handbells tinkled in private houses, and helped in their feeble way to swell the volume oi sound. Detonations of fireworks of tho noisiest description that could be procured quickly followed, and flags appeared over places of business and outside residences. So great had been the run on small flags that juveniles in tho street shouted to each other that they were sold out, and that not one could be purchased. Everybody in the streets seemed to have a flag, and everybody in this case meant /thousands. It docs not take long to stir Duncdin when matters of vital importance are at issue, and within half an hour the principal thoroughfare of the city was thronged by a crowd m an ecstatic state of joy. The crowd was not- in the city only. South Dunedin presented a very animated appearanoe, and when the Hillside "Workshops men began to form their procession outside the Government Workshops there were many hundreds of spectators about. The crowd" in town grew and grow, and with its over-increasing growth tho enthusiasm became greater, until it readied a pitch that can only be. described as unbounded. Ail work was set aside for the. day, and tho whole of the inhabitants gave themselves up to hilarious rejoicing. The trams ceased running at the expiration of about an hour, the Telephone Exchange and Telegraph Office closed - up, picture show managers abandoned any idea, of entertaining tne public, and liquor was not procurable in the hotels until 4.30 p.m. - Law Court proceedings were suspended, arid so universal did ths holiday become that a meagre luncheon could not bo obtained. That was the condition of the city within a brief spnee of the first announcement that Germany had accepted the conditions imposed upon her. It was not very long before ' processions began to troop into town —some great and some sma.ll. •There was no combined organisation in this direction, though separate sections had evidently made considerable preparation for a display. The Hillside. Workshops men were again con•spicuous, and firms such as Reid and Gray were represented in solid form. Some of the big motor lorries owned by business people had been so adorned and ornamented by flags that little of them, except the wh-sels, was visible. As the 'day advanced the processionists in many cases joined forces, but a few still maintained their independence of action. Singing and cheering were heard on all sides. It was a jubilation of the most complete 'and comprehensive character,'without one discordant note to mar its harmony. Good humous, good temper, and cordial expressions of goodwill appeared to prevail everywhere. The school children were soon dismissed for the day, and were in manv instances briefly addressed by teachers or members of school' committees before being set at liberty. The youngsters were nol long before they made their way to town, and in the form of bands took no inconsiderable part in the demonstration. A bright, sunny day rendered conditions pleasant for processionists and spectators alike.

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE MAYOR Soon after the receipt of the (rood news a crowd quickly collected in the vicinity of tho Town Hall, where his Worship tbg Mayor read the Prime Minister's telegram announcing the signing of the armistice by Germany. The announcement was received with deafening and the National Anthem was sung with great spirit. Cheers were £"'en for our soldiers, their mothers, and the Allies. The Mayor stated that thsv knew that the news just received practically meant the unconditional surrender of Germany, and marked the glorious triumph of Britain and her Allies.—(Choars.) Our one thought today was rejoice! rejoxe! rejoico! We rejoiced that right had triumphed over might; that our glorious flag still floated triumphant over the world, and that Britons never should be slaves. We rejoiced that the Kaiser had mot his doom,, and tho G-er-man nation, which had shown itself unfit to take its place among the nations of the world, was down and crushed. He hoped it would not rise again until it had proved itself worthy. THE PROCESSIONS.

Tho processions through the town were fully worthy of the occasion. .Immediately the bells rang out their welcome eagerly anticipated tocsin to notify that the armistice had been signed, bands" of school boys and girls, flajr-bedecked motor cars and lorries, and pipe and drum bands began td parade the main streets, and, with the town and wharves gaily set out with bunting, tho effect was most animated and spectacular, a warm sun beaming down its entire approval. '

Li the afternoon Princes street and Georcre street particularly were p;icked with a mass of men, women, and children, snatches of choruses burst forth' in spontaneous fashion, and dull car© was oast to tho winds. Tho orderliness of the peonlo left nothing to be dtsired—it was, in fact, most exemplary, and fitting an occasion fox joyousness, but also thoughtful refleotjon. The main procession commenced snortly after 2 o'clock, the various sections assembling in all parts of the town, and then marching in. It was a great sight. ■The lorries, bands, motor cars, school boys came ui one lon-g procession from the south side of the Octagon along the main street to Manor place, then wheeled, and went back on the. other side. The procession took just about 40 minutos to pass a given point. Many of tho vehicles were arrayed most spectacularly, and with their huge banners and flag-waving occupants 'they presented a most insipiritimr sight as they proceeded through the cheering crowds. \ motor car constructed on tho lines of an armoured vehicle, and with a small aeroplanoon top, attracted a great deal of attention, and, in fact, the whole turn-out raleeted. tne greatost credit on the various farms and individuals who had devoted their time and money to arranging- and decorating their particular conveyances. Ad intimate touch with the wa.r was provided by tho largo body of returned soldiers who marched in the procession, and who were cheered to the echo as thev strode alone The procession and the whole-hearted manner in which the thousands of people turned out to mark tho jrreat historic occasion nilly demonstrated that the citizens realised the enormous significance of the result of the war, that tho sacrifice of the many lives of our soldiers had not been made in vain and that the_ promise of a hotter and brighter world had not been, trampled under the _ iron heel of a military nation which instigated the world war in its criminal last for world domination. Never was a frreater crowd or a larger procession seen in the streets of Dnneda'n.

CIYIC *w>CTTONS

IN THE OCTAGON.

As has been customary during prior patriotic celebrations, the Mayor invited the citizens to assemble in the Octagon in the afternoon. Here two series of addresses wcro delivered—on© from tho Town Hall steps and the other from an improvised platform in front of Messrs Smith and Smith s business premises. At tho Town Hall steps the Mayor (Mr J. J. Clark) had charge. The Kaikorai Band (Conductor Davie) and cnoir led the singing, the items Anthem, 100 th Psalm, " Sons of the Sea" ' lipporary," "Soldiers of tho King," and Rule Britannia." It was generally considered that last Friday's crowd in the Octagon and vicinity was a record as far *? mimacrs were concoi «d, but the numbers .iiat assembled yesterday must have exceeded those comprising the β-athering on Friday In lookin,? around the sea of faces one could not help realising that it was sober tamest people who had nseombled to do honour to a erect occasion A.ftor the Rev. B. Evan D-avios hnd olt-vod i:p a prayer and diners had been given for tho returned soldiers as thoy marched m proceasion through' the Ootagoa,

The Mayor said that it was now four and α-quartur years sinco the call to arms went ringing round the world —a call to all lovers of freedom. In the words of President Wilson it was a call that the world might bo free to democracy; and we realised that the world was now {roe from the influence of the Kaiser. He had now been cast away, and tiio peoplo of this country believed that never again would he be allowed to lift his hand and try to crush the whole world. Yesterday he was allying himsolf with the Almighty, and today, ho asked, where was he? The speaker believed that out of the turmoil there might yet emerge a nation fit to take its place in the world, but it must be prepared to pay the price. The flags of" several countries had been interwoven in this Gtruggle, and the people belioved that now that the war was over the flags would remain interwoven. —(Cheers.) He hoped that this great war would bo the last great war that wo would ever see. —(Applause.) Wβ were proud to-day to celebrate the glorious success of our own men from under tho Southern Cross, who by their indomitable determination had won general admiration. They were proud of their lads, and it Was because of their glorious deeds that they wore that day repoicing. They rejoiced also because soon 'tiieir lads would return to receive tho plaudits of a thankful people. It was their duty to see that these lads when they returned were not forgotten as had, unfortunately, too often been the case in tho past.—(Applause.) Let those boys ece by deeds, not by words alone, that tho people appreciated their work. After " Tipparary" had been sung, tho Mayor noticed a group of Maoris in tho orowd, and proceeded to express his appreciation of tho heroism of the Maoris on Galiipoli and elsewhere. Ho calkd for three cheers for them, and these were responded to lustily. Tho Maoris ware invited *by tho Mayor to ascend tho platform, and there they sang a couple of songs in their native tongue and gave a baka as well. Mr H. Parata, who accompanied the party, addressed the gatharing, He said that the noxious weed of Europe had been exterminated, and universal peace had been restored.

The Rev. John Miller said he felt sure that there was one word on every lip, one I word running through every mind. That i word was: 'The groat war is ended; the armistice is signed." It was hardly too much to say that the whole civilised "world was relieved and wae grateful. He believed the time had gone—never to return —when I war would be tolerated. He believed that men would cease to learn the art of war. Tho sword had been returnsd to its scabbard, and the Angel of Peace had arisen. He believed (there was a brighter time in store for us all, and for the world in general. The outrages and frightfulnees of the Hun would, however, not be iorgotten; such incidents as the sinking of the Lusitania, the murder of Nurse Cavell and Oap tain Fryatt would live in our memories to the discredit •of the Germans. The man or woman who would trade with Germany in the future would be an enemy to his or her country.—(Cheers.) He believed that out of the turmoil there would emerge a brighter day for the whole world. —(Loud applause.) Mr F. G. Gumming, in the course of a short, spirited address, said all were delighted that "Our Day" had come at last. There had been days when the people had hung their heads —some in sorrow, —but they were rejoicing now because it was •" Our Day." They were not only making a declaration of peace, but they were making a greater declaration: that Britons never shall be slaves.—(Cheers.) As on the occasion of last celebrations, a number of addresses were given in front of Messrs Smith and Smith's premises. Cr Douglas, who was the first speaker, laid stress on what the victory meant to us, and hoped now that the war was over we would do iustice to' one another throughout the Empire x The Rev. Mr Griffith also spoke. Cr Bradley said we had met spontaneously ns the representatives of the men who had fought and who had died for us —the sons of the Dunedin mothers who had liberated our prisoners from the Huns. He hoped wo would not forget our duty to the men lvhon they returned. . Major Gunn (Salvation Army) said that we lived m groat times, but that day was the greatest day of all days. It appeared that tho Buri aa it shone in its brightest splendour was an index of tho sunshine in the souls of tho men and women throughout our Empire. We had passed through the longest and darkest night the world had Gvcr known, and now that we had returned to the brightness we appreciated it more than ever before. Righteousness had triumphed over might.. Hβ trusted that when tho peace terms were dictated it would be a peaoo worthy of tho name. We must remember that peace had been bought at the price of millions of lives. Cγ Sincock said wo should all thank God that wo livod under the British flag. Our men had suffereS much for the sake of freedom, and he hoped their sacrifices had not been made in vain. Now that militarism had been overthrown, he trusted that democracy would take its place. The speaker concluded by expressing the hope that everything possible would be done for the maimed and wounded men. as they returned from the war. i

Mr C. N.Scurr (Mayor of St.'ftilda) said that never in the history of the world had there been a time when we had a greater right to celebrate. The soldders of the British Empire had assisted to defeat tho legions of villainy. Wo had emerged trramphr.nt, but tho man who had been the touse of all tho bloodshed had fled. The Kaiser was a despiw.blo coward, and should still bo Tiiade to suffer.

Mr H. H. S. Wnite also spoke briefly A programme of patriotic selections "-was rendered by the Albany Street School Band.

FUNCTION AT THE' TRIANGLE

About 12 o'clock a procession,, in which the men employed at the JBiU-ride Shops and Reid and Gray's took a leading part turned out of Princes street and proceeded to tho Triangle, fciking up a poSitilon m front of the Queen's Statue, from the steps of which they, a-nd the crowd that" quickly collected were addressed by Cr Bradley, the Mr H. H. S. White. Tho proceedings were of a most spirited description, and the cheering was incessant. Tie Army, the Navy VW^- llies ' our ' D °y s » tf'° mothers, and his ivlajeety the King, whenever mentioned by tho speakers wore loudly cheered. The National Anthem havmg' been sun<» with great heartiness, Cr Bradley, who presided, made a few specially complimentary remarks concerning the iron workers—men of tho iron side, as ho described them. Tho Koy. Mr Eaton said he congratulated humanity upon what had happened He did not congratulate those he waeaddressing alono ihis war had been won by heart, brain and hand. There had been a unification of these, and ho hoped the outcomo would result in greater solidarity in days to come. They were there to express in a few words their great joy at what had that day happened. Hβ wanted them to have v.' broad aspect of that day, and not to dwell upon our little sectional triumph. He believed that in time there would be a greater and better civilisation. That great army of workmen and fight&rs who had secured these largo results were hoping that they were tho forerunners of still greater events. Our entry into tho war had been vindicated, and if any man had "croaked" when we entered it, he had better not "croak" today. The war had been in tile cause of righteousness and for the good of humanity and we should live to see the fruits of it! Ho congratulated tho workers on tho part they had taken in the conflict. If it had not been for thews and sinews we could nover have done what we had dono. If it had not been for muscle and physical power we should not rje where we were to-day, and when we were distributing our thanks he thought we ought not to forget the workshop, the football field, and the recreation area. The open air was the means by which wo had built up splendid bodies. There had been a guiding hand over us and we believed wo had had God on our side. They all hoped this might bo tho death of war, and if wo could divert the braia and money used in destructive affairs, so as to make them constructive affairs tho world would be happier.

Mr H. H. S. White said to-day was our day, and right had ' triumphed over might, The Gorman nation had propagated a military system, and had trained everybodv to fight for militarism. Ho thought this war had been a woman's wa.r, and proceeded to speak in feeling terms of tho part mothers had played.

The Rev. Mr Griffith said that was a ilay for jollity, for thanks, and . for cheers— " let joy 'be unconfined." .They cheered and cheered again for tho " road hog " was ditched, and "' tho mad dog of FXiropo" had been driven to earth. Tho Kaiser had done the best tiling he had evor done, or would do, till be made his exit from tbo world he had eteoped in blood and tears. Germany had owned hcrs?lf defeated, and had learned thnt frijrhfcfalness was doomed to fail. The will of v-he people nnd domocratie rule 'was to-day more secure than over boforo. The speaker wont on to refer to the splendid part the men of Now Zealand had played in the war, and Raid that as long as history endured the valouT and bravery of otir men would bo told. Hβ next inferred to the navy, Rtatin<r that here we hnd sheltered under the strong wing of Britain's men-of-war. Speaking of the mothers and wives, ho said from tho days of Bi>arta until now tho beat part of a

soldier a training was as Ire learned to talk. Jiravo mothers made brave sons. Nations were tired, of Kaisers, Czars, and Kings of a Kind; but wo had in his Majesty a Sovereign whoso throne was in his subjects' hearts—,a paople's King, sharing their 'joys and sorrows, and- loading them by good example in the way they should go. Ho asked them to cheer for the deliverance of t*od. Let us not forget that He • had fought for us. Wo had asked, and Ho had granted us the victory. _ The proceedings concluded with the singnig of the doxology and the National Anthem.

EVENING CELEBRATIONS. In the evening large crowds again gathered in the streets, and while, generally speaking, the people were orderly a. number But out to hold iiigh revel. A demonstration was mado at the Princess Theatre shortly after 7 o'clock, and the management thereupon decided to olose the theatre tor tlie evening. The King's Theatre was also closed. The other picture theatres likewise remained closed. One incident which causcxl a largo crowd to gather about 8 o'clock was the sticking up of a motor car opposite the Stock Exchange by a number of firemen who were evidently undur the influence of liquor. The men clambered into the car, and were only v reluctantly compelled to vacate the positions of vantage they had taken up by the tactful handling of the police. One foolish individual throw an empty beer bottle at the overhead olectric wires near 'the Bank of New Zealand. Fortunately, tho bottle ni-'sccd striking anyone in its descent, and was broken to pieces on the pavement. Tiic smell of gunpowder hung over the streets till a late hour, crackers of large dimensions exploding in all directions with considerable! noise. A number of impromptu bands turned' put, and played in the streets, joyriders in motor cars sang choruses, and clusters of men followed tho lines reported from Sydney last week, and '' wont mad." However, the jollifications were mostly good humoured, and if at any time they were inclined to go a little bit too far the pouce stepped in and exercised a tactful control. The explosions of crackers and rockets resounded through the town till late in the evening.

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