GENERAL RFJOICINGS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2401, 8 March 1900, Page 34

GENERAL RFJOICINGS.

The news which we published last week that General Cronje had capitulated and that he and his force" were now prisoners in Field Marshal Lord Roberts's camp caused general rejoicings. By order of the mayor, the Town Hall bell pealed vigorously at 8 a.m. on the 28th Bunting was soon displayed on the public buildings in. the city and on many business places also, ■while the ships ' and steamers at the wharf made a good display. The ringing of the Town Hall bell when most of the residents of the city and suburbs had read in their morning paper of the capitulation of Cronje an hour or so before probably led many to surmise that further news had oome to hand, and that Ladysmith had been relieved. The report soon became persistent. and on taking his seat at the Magistrate^ Court Mr C. C Graham, S.M., announced that Colonel Webb had just rung him up to say that Ladysmith was relieved. Needless to say the announcement was received wit 1 * cheers by all present, but shortly afterwards it was discovered that there were no real grounds for the rumour. The following service telegram was sent by the. Premier on the 28th to all town and coun-try-schools: — ■ '' '*

To all chairmen of school committees and head masters of public schools : At 12 30 this morning I received the following cablegram from the Agent-general, dated London, 27th, 12.20 a.m.: — "Lord Roberts telegraphs that General Cronje, and all his force capitulated ■unconditionally , at daylight to-day. Cronje is now a prisoner in Lo v d Roberts' s camp. It is a remarkable coincidence that this occurred on the anniversary of the battle of Majuba .Hill." .As a fitting means of impressing upon +he children" of your school the. national importance of this great event I would suggest "th.' reading "of this cablegram to your scholars immediately upon their assembling" this morning, and that the occasion be celebrated by granting the children a holiday to-day. — R. J. Seddon, Auckland. The Chairman of the Otago Education Board's reply to' the Premier's was as follows: —

Had already granted all our scholars holiday for patriotic floral fete. Your suggestion has my hearty support. Always glad to do anything to help to rouse young New Zealand's spirit of patriotism. — J. J. Ramsay, Chairman.

When the, St. Clair School assembled on the 28th ult. the .Premier's message was read to the'children,-and, they were dismissed for the day;: iMr Hancock sent a suitable re ply to the' Premier. ' ' ' His Worship";'the MayQr (Mr Chisho'm) •wired to the.'-Premier:-r-i" Congratulations on .good news^from- seat, of war. Cronje's cap'ture significant."■'*<,. ' The children "attending the Port Chalmers High.School were granted a holiday

on the 28th in accordance with the wish of the Premier. The Union Jack w,as hoisted at the signal station, Port Chalmers, on Wednesday, while ensigns were displayed from the Town Hall, the Grammar School, and the various shipping offices. Our Cromwell correspondent telegraphs: —

Theie was great rejoicing over the capture of Cronje. AH the bunting available was flying, j a band paraded and played patriotic airs, and j a feu de joie was fired.News from Alexandra. Tapanui, Naseby, | Lawrence, and other districts states that the , good news- from South Africa everywhere I evoked tokens of delight. Our Waitahuna j correspondent states that on receipt of the | nsw3 of Cronje's capture flags were soon fly- j ing. the Imperial dredge sounded its whistle,

and the school children were given a holiday. The Equitable Stock Exchange met on the 28th ult., but formally adjourned in honour of the decisive victory of the British forces over General Cronje. In moving the adjournment the Chairman (Mr H. E. Muir) called upon the members to give three hearty

rousing cheers in honour of the occasion, and this was responded to in such a manner that the roof and sides of the old Colonial Bank Buildings rang again and again with vigorous - hurrahs" from the throats of those assembled. - t . AUCKLAND, February 28. There was great rejoicing in the city and country districts and goldfields over Cronje's surrender. The city was ablaze with bunt-

ing. A huge bonfire was fired to-night on Mount Eden. The expense was defrayed by public subscription. The war news was received at the Rough Riders' camp with enthusiasm. The Chairman 1 of the -'Board of Education has intimated that that body acquiesced in

the Premier's suggestion of a holiday in honour of the British victory. At several of the schools the pupils sang the National Anthem, and then dispersed for the day. NAPIER, February 28.

The news of Cronje's surrender was received here with manifestations of unbounded joy. All the schools were given a holiday, and at the main school che pupils saluted the flag prior to being dismissed. There were similar demonstrations at Hastings.

HAWERA, February 28. The flying of flags, a parade of the Town Band, and a congratulatory message to Lord Roberts were the local results of the news of-Cronje : s surrender. WANGANUI, February 28. The news of Lord Roberts's victory occa-

fioned great rejoicing. Flags were flying in all directions, and a holiday given to all the schools. This afternoon a grand demonstration parade was held. There was a good muster of the local corps, and speeches were delivered by Mr Willis, M.H.R., Councillor E. N. Liffiton, Takarangi Mete Kingi, and Lieutenant-colonels Watt and Sommerville. A feu de joie was fired in front of the Rutland Hotel. BLENHEIM, February 28. There was general rejoicing in Blenheim to-day over the capitulation of Cronje. The town is gay with bunting, and the schools are closed. CHRISTCHURCH, February 28. Great enthusiasm was displayed in the city to-day over the news of Cronje's surrender. The streets were filled with knots of people discussing Lord Roberts's victory. The city was gay with bunting, and all the schools were closed for the day. TIMART7, 'February 28. The news of Cronje's capture' was received here very quietly, due to the" fact of the premature announcement last week in regard to Ladysmith. Bunting was displayed on all the business establishments, and ' the public schools were given a holiday.