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Otago Witness, Issue 2516, 4 June 1902, Page 30

Perhap3, but nobody seems to have any jtime for them. Now come 3 a black lady ; ii a green blouse and draggled skirt, clear- ! fing the crowd as she reins her fiery steed , in 'with a very masculine and butcher-like air. The rain, which had ceased for a little, is jiow falling again, and a look up Dowling /street reveals an impenetrable forest of Umbrellas, and even the grave and solemn aspect of the* Daily Times building is tightened to half a smile by the cheerful Face 3at its windows. The procession is feathering itself together, and its constituent parts are arriving. With a triumphant skirl the pipers start off, and make a detour from jthe top of the street to the bottom, and arouse youthful enthusiasm. Another band helps with "The last rose- of summer," and .two drags loaded with Uniyersity students and warcries create diversity ; and then comes the imposing display of the Hillside ?Worishop3 bearing down. Punctually at the arranged time the procession starts, an ithletio city councillor acting as marshal, md good-humouredly and jocularly attending to hi 3 duties. A lively march is struck up, and, headed by the Garrison. Band, the procession takes its way, via Cumberland ktreet and Moray place, into King street, and thence by Frederick street to George street. Altogether about 1000 persons, inrlnding volunteers, appear to be on the inarch (or the ride), and the display, cciEidering its hurried compilation, is a very imposing one. The cadets, an?l especially the sturdy little band of Industrial School 3aflor-boys, look remarkably well. The procession's progress is cheerful, with the music of- "the half-dozen bands in it. th» reiterated " Ha, ha, ha ! " of the students' warcries, and the many other varied patriotic noises at- its rear. It is noticeable that comparatively few taking part are on foot, and that the civilians' part of the procession is small, but that a compensating presence is that of quite a number of the" fair sex. Little in the procession calls for special notice. The display of the Hillside people excites ad- ( miration, and has evidently been worked up previously with a deal of care. In addition to numerous banners with appropriate devices and mottoes, it contains a miniature railway train, below which are the words "From Capetown to Cairo," and there is also a very benevolent-looking British lion (the most abused animal in the world), who is carried by his admirers. The dusky lady in green and red already referred to has planted herself with singular inappropriateness between the Pipe Band and the Mayor's carriage. Further back are clown pyclists in fancy costumes, and behind them again a gentleman on an old-fashioned high roadster, manfully supporting a boy nn his shoulders (as Young New Zealand, no .doubt), who waves a banner inscribed with the day's passport, " Pence.*' The progress of the march is like that of other processions we have- so often had. The crowd is greatest at the Octagon, and from there to Rattray street, and though all Dunedin seems present, the crush is apparently less than at Mafekiag Day, for example. A few gaps and stoppages occur, but do not matter much. The device of one- drag-driver in blowing a whistle exactly resembling that of a tramcar while in the crowd justified itself by earning him « speedy and charmed passage everywhere. In the passage tlu-ough town some in the procession have e\identlsaioticed that in certain establishments the employees are still on duty, and show their disapproval by cries of " Knock off — knock off work." In length, the procession is eeen to reach from the south end of the Octagon to Frederick street. After pas^ip^ into Princes street South a turn is made, and Dowling street agaia reached via Crawford street, when a general dispersion takes place, the march having occupied just upon an honr. The unpleasant weather rauses many, no doubt, to go home again immediately, but the streets are thronged for the rest of the afternoon. The usual aftereffects are to be seen. The small boy the drum." A pastrycook, who hai been celebrating the occasion in his own way, wanders ruminatingly alone; the fooipath with floury aspect and a loaf in his hand, ever and anon smiting one of his followers or interrupters with a blow from the same and the cry of " Peace." Later on the same genrlemro is found addressin? ouite a large crowd from a packing-case, ileliver'iis a very fair imitation of the utterances of the morniu?. ending with a digression mi the mice of bread and three* cheers For !<h employer, and ?o on till the case gives way. Darkness is now setting in, and all nror-eedimrs of a public nature nre over, »nd if the first p*>aee celebration that the majority of Dunedimies have witnessed has not been a magnificent or gorgeous spectacle, it ha« been none the le^s a memorable (tie, if only on af count of ics successful spontaneity and harmony. One can imagine the •coffer or pro-Bo^r complaining (with apologies to a pom lav comediar) that it !S but another repetition of the Same old Briton, same old P,o«r ; Same old soeakers, same old jay.' . Same old banners, music too , Same old business — nothing new. But the scoffer has no v>lac» here, for a proclamation of peace with lvnour will hnnew and welcome as Ion? ns t'nie f-hall last, and to have honoured it lev enthusiastically than w« havo done would have been as melancholy as his own rhymes.

Garrison Band, headed by Drum-major Moss, and followed by a returned contingenter. Military staff, consisting of Colonel Robin, Lieutena-at-colonel Smith, and Surgeoncaptain de Lautour. "Volunteer corps in the order named : — Dunedin Naval Brigade, B Battery, Dunedin Engineers, City Guards, North. Dunedin .Rifles, Highland Rifles, City Bines, Dunedin Rifles, Wakari Rifles, Cavershain Rifles, Green Island RiSea, Cycle Corps, Be.>rer Corps, Engineer Cadets, Caversham Cadets, High School Cadets, Industrial School Cadets. The Industrial School and another band occupied places in the midst of the volunteer companies. The Mayor, Mr T. B. Fairbairn (town clerk), and party of ladies, in carriage. Membsrs of the City Council (Crs Carroll, Christie, Hally, Braithwaite, Muir, Crust, Lawrence, Scott, and Tapper) in carriages. Members of Parliament and of the Legislative Council (Messrs J. A. Millar, T. M'Kenzie, A. R. Barclay, M.H.R.'s, and the Hon. Wrn. Bolt) in carriages. Carriage containing Mr John Mill, Mr R. Chisholm, and others. Several vehicles containing prominent citizens and parties of ladies followed. University students (two drags), with several conveyances following, the occupants being chiefly ladies. The Salvation Army Band. The Hillside Workshops employees, who formed a largs part of the procession, led by Mr J. F. Arnold, M.H.R., and Mr Warrant. The North-East Valle/ Brass Band. A further contingent of the Hillside "Workshops men. Highland Pipe Band, led by the Pipe-major. Joseph Sparrow and Sons' employees with banner. Several vehicles, one of which carried a banner with Maori devices, surmounted by the word " Pakeha." The Citizens' Band. The procession was closed by a number of conveyances, among which were several expresses, a baker's cart, and Mr Morris, of electric healing wash fame, in his dogcart. The priacipal feature of the procession was undoubtedly the splendid display ma do by the Hillside "Workshops employees. The men, about 400 strong, wero marshalled 1 by Mr K. Farrant and led by Mr J. F. Arnold, M.H.R., each member wearing a sash with the device "Peace "With Honour." The first banner bore the inscriptions "A Glorious Flag, Deny it Who Can " and " Hearty Good Wishes to Our Boys." The second banner illustrated "The Bonds of Peace, as Represented by Fire,"' aod the centre picture portrayed blacksmiths at work turning swords into ploughshares — a well-painted and appropriate devica. This was followed by a large canvas, on which was represented the return of a trooper, who was being welcomed by his father in the harvest-field, and underneath were the words "Peace, Liberty, Ronour, and Glory." The next was illustrative of the settlement of South Africa — a model of a railway train aad telegraph lines, with the inscription "Cape to Cairo Railway."' This design was singled oufc for special appreciation by the crowds, and the bearers wero cheered frequently. The figure of a lion, crpat^d with canvas, tow, and paint, followed, and upon the framsv. ork supporting it wore the inscriptions : "We bear uo malice towards a brave and vai-quNhed fo^," " Britain gladly welcomes peace, but peaoe with honour only," "Briton and lioer, fiieniL- evermore."' and "To secure our land a lasting peace we will ba aye prepared for war." Thw" wan 'followed by a banner upou which appeared a painting of ihe Angel of Peace, and the «iext banner also xeproseuted Peace holding tiie olive brauch over South Africa. Following tins, again, was a lart?e screen with the words in gold letters " Hillside ■ Bravo Guards." and a picture of BadenPoweli, '• thp Heio of MafekiiiE." while the I la=t banner represented H M.S Terrible : at ?oa. and in one corner Lord Charles Br>re = fo.d ana m another Captain Re-nit. while iin'lc-neath wr>ro tho words "Xnv>- of ike . c m..i." The whole display rcfloctr.l great | credit upon thp men, and his Worship th" j Mayor of Dunediu recognised the Spirit and enthusiasm of the men by a donation of £5 | towards the funds. The commute" 1:1 charge of the turnout was Mer-si* T. Lt>yla»-iJ 'chairman), F. Garrick. D. ]> wd<>n. A. Ilohbs, F. Searle, C. M'Koiwie. H. Head-, W. Pimms. H. Stewart, li. Bode. A. Hobson. A. M'Kenzie, R. Da\i". G Avuil^eartli, F Timlin. W. Dovhn. W. Bat^-. G. Braid, A. Farrant, and F Evans. Apart from the display made by the I Railway Workshop employees, there was little in tU«> procession calling for special | roaaiM! 1 . Tho on.v other real display waa j mad© by the employees of Messrs Sparrow and Son?. The hands in the employ of that firm turned out in fairly strong force, and carried an admirably-executed design of Briton and Boer in the act of exchanging the grip of friendship. The University students had chartered drags for the occasion, and created lots of fun along the line of rnut->. A bagpipe had been obtained, but the gentleman, or gentlemen, who undertook to play on the instrument, had evidently not gen" through a sufficiently elaborate course of tuition to ons*sro a satisfactory production of Scottish music. Sorn« j marvellous pounds wore, however, pr^d'icpd by the aspiring musicians. Another humor-tvtj-c TjpnnnQQTnv °" s s:de to the Procession wa* the appsarTHE PROCESBIOIS. ance o{ se , cra i hlackamoc,r S of both se-i.es— llie following was th© order of the pro- ( some on horsoback, and some on bicycles — session: i who created much merriment a= the procesC. J- M'Donald and Lieutenant Robertson, j «oin proceeded along the street? One, a »i actinia- i ladli VCry cailUili- .auii-ii], wLu, iiuiui im*.

betrayed her true sex by the way sh.? bestrode her steed, had apparently got separated from her companions, further in the rear, and rode proudly in front by the Mayor's carriage. The civic authorities and members of both Houses turned out almost without exception, though come joined the procession after it hod started. This was the case with the Hon. H. Gourley, M.L.C., and possibly one or two others. Outside the Hillside Workshops and Messrs Sparrow and Sons, but few trades were represented, no doubt owing to the fact that there was no time to organise a demonstration. In fact, with the exception of a stray baker's cart, belonging to Mr W. Wright, there was an entire absence of trade display. It is understood that a body of returned contingent men were to have taken part in the procession, but so few of theee were in attendance previous to the procession moving off that they abandoned the idea altogether. The absenoe of a large turn-out of those who have been on active service in South Africa is, however, easily explained by the fact that, apart from the rapidity with which the procession had to be organised, many of the returned men are in the country, and arrangements would necessarily have had to be made for mounting those whose homes are in Dunedin. The hastiness with which the proression had to be planned would also explain the various trades not being represented. The experience of the past in regard to demonstrations clearly proves the fact that those engaged in different trades in the city are always to the front in anything of th& kind, and their absence can therefore only be construed in one way, and that is, a want of time for preparation. On the other hand, a greater number of the general public took part in, the demonstration than has been customary at previous demonstrations, a very large proportion of the procession being composed of those who do not usually take prominence in matters of the kind. It was noticeable that the vehicles following in the procession contained a great many ladies, who took advantage of the opportunity to make a public display of their relief and gratitude at the changed ej-pect of affaire in South Africa. DUiST3I>IK STOCK; EXCHANGE. When the members of the Dunedin Stock Exchange assembled the news of peace had been received, and the following address was delivered by the chairman (Mr C. W. Harvey) : — Gentlemen. — The most gratifying news that for many a loag day has been flashed across the wires is that peace ha.3 been declared. Although we have longed for this with intense earnestness, *the full significance of it has come upon us like a shock. Men following out avocation have be^n taunted with so keen a desire {or the pursuit and acquisition of wealth that they are unfit, even if they have ihe capacity for the higher duties r <f citizenship. But in common with the majority of our fellow countrymen this war has stirred us io our very depths We havo given of our substance towards maintaining; the intpari*v of the Empire, and not a iew of us would have given ourselves had not th? ties of family and home fat baric it. Thr rpa=cvn fo^ crar ze?l in Uns matter is not far to •••Pel:. Our countiy, despite ilio siircrs 01 rrvious foreigners, lias ever be?n ihe home of fracdom and t!i.' 'efuge of the oppressed. It v.-^s. therefore, inevitable that the Boer war should Wild together England and her o&sprin-i to do common battle for therr brethren in the Trau.svaal. And ho-iv nobly and well it has been done. In many homes to-day is proud, though bilent, mtmory filling vacant places with the shapes and forma of tiiose \oung braves whoso bon»»s h« bleaching ou the fai off African veldt. Was 't -for a naHou oi LjibJiian=i that they laid dowc their lives, or Mas it to keep alive thop* traditions of liberty for w'neb our fathers died? .SurMv a country fiat tlic-v thought worth dying for 1= worthy our !< ye and honour. It \V3=> impossible thai they fiiou'd !<M", no liattrr how lor™ o. how desperate the stri';jgle, n nn; it is tl'dt " Fierdcni's bit fl p once b^gnu Uequeathod by bleeding to son Though baffled oft, is ever won." And l ov/ it but r-Mr.am = for us to stretch an-os? the seas t'i° hand o f good feilowship tovards our cr-t-.vii 1c fo's, now. lei us hope, our fi.enrls .'1 the cause of order and good gf \piiime>it. Thus may it sgain come to pass that P^acc hath her victories j:o less renowned fian tlio^a of war. The war has undoubtedly been for our aa'i.on t'ae greatest event of the ccntuiy. It has \vak> ned into life now nations, showing them their duties and responsibilities. It has beea the mcr.ns of making U3 take a step forwaid tovurd* the unification and federat.on cf the race. It 13 part of <he great 01.wd.-d maich cf that Evolution which makes " One law oue element. And on=» fa r off divine event To wliicli th: whole creation rrovf- " At the conclu-ion of the chairman's address elmers wr»T«» given for Lord Kitchener, after which the " Old hundredth " was sung by the assembled members. Cheers were then given for Sir Joseph Chamberlain, and the singing of the National anthem brought the proceedings to a close. Th<» Exchange then adjourned till 10.30 on Wednesday wormnc. THE YOLT*NTKERS. Considering the shortness of the notice, the parade of the volunteers must be reckoned highly -atisiactory. As soon as possible after thf> news of pence arrived a parade ua3 ca!!o-J fur 2 o'clock, at which hour some 430 vrhinteer3 were in attendance at the Garrson Hall, and took part in the process ion. The following corps were

being in command of the batallion : — Dun- I edm Navals, Dunedin Engineers, Garrison | Band, City Guards, North Dunedin Rifles, | Dunedin Rifles, Caversham Rifles, Dttnediu Highland Rifles, Dunedin City Rifles. Wnkari Rifles. Green Island Rifles, and the Defence Cadets (Engineers, Cavershara, and High School). i THE EVENING. Monday evening, beyond individual and isolated celebi'ations of peace, the town was fairly quiet, the dismal weather no doubt preventing a larger number being on the streets. Isolated bandsmen lifted up the music of their instruments at times, and wandering bands of youths sang patriotic choruses ever and anon, while University students carried an enfeebled war-cry up and down. There was evidence that not a- , few had been " celebrating " too convivially, ■ but no disturbance of serious nature was witnessed. No fireworks or. illuminations, t practically, were heard or viewed, .with the exception that one or two shops had their , windows lighted up. Messrs Turnbull and Jones, however, in the Octagon, had a very 1 good electric light illumination of the word ' "Peace," in large letters, that attracted j general attention. ORDER IN THE STREETS. Excellent order \va» observed in the- streets, ■ one evidence of which is that not the slightest accident or mishap occurred ' throughout the day. A man who was ap- ' parently i:nder the influence of liquor created 1 a slight disturbance in Crawford street as j the procession was coming along. Riding j his horse at a high speed, it appeared at i one time as 'if he would ride down some of , the bystanders, many of whom were child- 1 rcn ; but, fortunately, the horse swerved into a quiet side ?treet and so carried the man out of danger's way. The tram 3 on the northern section were ( stopped from half-past 2 o'clock until the j close of the procession. I The police-, under Inspector O'Brien, were on the alert during the day, and in those j places in which the crowd was greatest, i notably in the Octagon, in the morning, their services were invaluable. JUBILATION IN THE SCHOOLS. The ringing of the Town Hall bell was quickly interpreted at the various schools as conveying the good new 3 that peace had been proclaimed, and teachers and pupils alike gave vent to their feelings by cheers, laughter, and even tears of joy. Work was out of the question, and in mo3t instances teachers were content to improve the occa- i sion by a few remarks, and then the scholars were dismissed. > At the Boys' High School the cheering ' was very enthusiastic, after which the boys j were dismissed. The cadets were assembled, ' however, and matched into town for the ; celebration. ' Perhaps in no school was the rnthu&iasm ; greater than in the OirK' High School. J Three of the biggest of the girls attached themielv & to the rope of the school bell and applied their strength with such vigour that the be! l r-ipe broke. Tiie girls then '•howetl that they know how to choer. After the principal (Mi?s Marchant) had addressed her pupils briefly, more cheers followed, and the- school was dismissed. The High street scholars having saluted the flag, were mustered in Alva street. ■ Cheers were called for b> the staff for the ' King, Lo?& Roberts, and Lord Kitchener. ' after which one Sixth Standard boy called | for a cheer for " Good old Dick Seddon,*' j ivbioh was met by a groan for Kruger. given ' .it the instance of a Fifth Standard lad. 1 The rhildren were then allowed to disperse 1 till Wednesday next. At the George strc>et school the. children nnd their teachers were assembled in the form of a yqutre around the flagstaff. Before the flag was unfurled Mr W. H. Adams, rhe- chsinmn of the School Committee, addressed the children, and re- j minded ihem that amidst their rejoicings ! they must remember that tli? British were j forced into th<> v. .t, now happily over. ' With God and nc,'ht on their hide, the ' British had nobly t irried out their duties • to civilisation. N«»- pf in the world's history 1 had long, arduous ramnaigiis against a bitter and running vet brave and warlike foe been carried out undsr more trvirs; clrfiimstaneo?, pnd with such magnanimity. Tho chairman then called for three cheers for the flag as it was unfurled, after which the children sang the National Anthem. This school, the Chairman afterwards remarked, had bee-n kept vrry closely in tonch with the war. Only lately one of its t<»achers. Captain Tubman, of the Fourth Contingent, after over two yearV noble =>'-rviee, fell a victim to enteric. Representatives from the school benches had been found in almost every colonial regiment fighting 111 South Africa, and not a few of the old pupils now rarry the honourable gcara of battle, two of which may be mentioned without prejudice to the others — namely. V. Umlws and S. Clarke. 1 At "the North-East "Valley School the Union Jack was hoisted to the masthead nnd duly ea'trted by th" assembled children, who santr " Ti»e red. white, and blue " and God save rh« King," and were then disSimilar enthusiasm prevailed at the Union j street. Albany street, and other f-chools, and • the children were a!l granted a holiday till ' Wednesday. j IN THE SUBURBS. j For the most part suburban residents, the (

1 join in with the city in celebrating the greafl event. At Mornington the Presbyterian 1 Church bell was "the first to get to workj the Church of England coming in a good second,-- ! and if the Methodist bell was somewhat slow" i in getting to work, the youthful bellringer I made up in energy what he lacked in skilL ' In a moment washtub3 were deserted and! sweeping and dusting was suspended as everyone rushed to the doors to make sure that their ears had not deceived them. And? then for a few minutes pandemonium reignecß as kerosene tins wero loudly beaten and! handbells rung, whilst the whole canine tribe howled in tinison. Quickly every available bit of bunting was displayed, and the sun* shone forth proudly upon the hillsides gaily decorated with the fluttering red, white, and? blue. And then the welkin rang with the • reports of rifles and the noise of many crackers tintil Mornington, satisfied with, having properly demonstrated its loyalty. 1 donned its bost bib and tucker and hurriedr into town to ascertain the next item on th« 1 programme. On their way down they encountered the Mornington Brass Band, j which, hastily mustering in front of the . tramshed, sounded forth " Loyal hearts "■ with fortissimo effects. Immediately on receipt of the news by the Mayor of Port Chalmers the newly- ; erected— firehell, with those of the district high school and all the churches, rang out I loud &nd continuous peals, Ayhilo the steam. i whistles at the engineering works of Messrs I Morgan and Cable, W. Gardner and Co., j the U.S.S. Company's works, and the freezing chambers were heard at their utmost pitch. The flags at the Harbour Board's , signal station, the shipping offices, the ves1 sels in port, the Town Hall, Bank of New; Zealand, Otago Daily Times branch office., most of the business places, and a greati number of private residences were displayed?.A holiday was given the children attending i the District High School,- and shortly after I the receipt of the news all work ceased amongst the shipping and factories, while a i large crowd assembled in Custom House- ! square, where the Port Chalmers Band was 1 stationed and played an excellent selection of patriotic airs, including '" God save th© King " and " Rule Britannia." Short patriotic addresses were given by Mr E. &« Allen, M.HJR., and the Mayor (Mr Thomson). Afterwards a procession was formed* headed by the band, in which the local Fira Brigade, the Boys' Brigade drum and fife, band, and a large number of the citizens! took part, and inarched through the lower" part of the- town. The bells and steam: whistles were- kept going throughout the tiny. I A special thanksgiving service was held! ; at the Port Chalmers Anglican Holy Trinity, Church by the vicar, the Rev. T. M. Kewley, M.A., when special prayers for tho occasion were recited. The choir, in addition to chanting tlte '"Te Deum," sang [ appropriate hymns. A special religious service was held m the" Town Hall, at which there was a large attendance. The chair was occupied by the Mayor (Mr J. Thomson), and on the platform were the Rev. Messrs Tennent and! Thomas, Captain Duckerlv (Salvation irmv). Mr E. G. Allen, M.H.R., Captain. W. Thomson, and others: while apologies were received from the Revs. Mr Taylor and Father M'Gtath. At the request of the Rev. Mr Tennent, the meetine sang "Hold the fort." and afterwards the Rev. Mr TenI nent read Psalm xlvi. The Rev. Mr Thomas ! next offered up prayer, and the choir I sang the " Old Hundredth Psalm." The ' Rev. Mr Thomas reviewed the events of the war, Captain Dunkely (of the Salvation. Army) gave a touching address, and the Rev. Mr Terraent delivered an impressive speech. Mr E. G. Allen, M.H.R., gave a patriotic address and. the meeting havingsung " Onward, Christian soldiers," the Rev, Mr Thomas pronounced the benediction. I MOSGIEL. The residents of Mosgiel expended a considerable amount of enthusiasm last Thursday in peace rejoicings, which, however, turned out to be premature. But that did! not lessen one whit the heartiness with, wliich they celebrated the arrival of the> genuine news yesterday. Shortly after 10 o'clock the railway engines and factories set tip a fctistained whistling that could only, have one meaning — the declaration of peace. Work was 2t once suspended; tools were dropped like hot irong. Every man who hadi a bit of bunting hoisted it up, and then, along with others, they rushed inte the streets _to discuss the joyous news. The committee which had been, set up to arrange for a suitable demons! ration on the. occasion made off for the school, and, on; their arrival, the children were brought out; and marched to the centre of the town< Then a more regular procession was formed^ ai>d, headed by a band that had sprung,mushroom like, from the c-arth, the children! paraded through the town, finally reassembling at the centre again, when the- National Anthem wa* sung. They were then dismissed, and ihe formal proceedings so far a£ the morning was concerned concluded. In> <be afternoon a larger and more- comprehend sive demonstration was held. Everyone who could walk or hobble gathered at the meeting place in the centre of the town. Tha Doxoloßy was reverently .-uag and then thef National Anthem >vai given, after which» another procession was formed, consisting of volunteers, friendly societies, tradesmen,, fcchool children, football clubs, and everybody else who cared to join,, under thi*. .tsoa caioiiU £*ffir hoya, lads jrith?

««nie costumes, and other persons in various Kiotesque attires. Headed by the Mosgiel 2Braes Band, the procession marched up the street and marched down, and what with the playing of instruments, ths singing of patriotic songs, the waving of flags, and the constant cheering, the good people of MoFgiel showed in unmistakable fashion their delight at receiving the long-expected and welcome news of peace — a peace of honour and not of humiliation. In the evening a public meeting of a religious character was held. The Mayor occupied the chair, and addresses were given by the Rev. Me°srs IM'Kerrow, Boreham, Hampton, and Hail. A combined choir was present to assist in ihe musical part of the»nieeting. CELEBRATIONS AT MILTON. When the joyful news was received from Wellington all the church bells in Milton, ■were rung and the steam whistles blown, this being kept up for more than an hour. iWithin a. very short space of time the band waa mustered, and played patriotic airs, "while the school children formed a procession, headed by the band. Before their dismissal his Worship the Mayor called for three cheers, and the band played the National Anthem, which was enthusiastically fiung by the assemblage. In the afternoon a larger procession was formed, in which the volunteers, friendly societies, trades, M'Gill's mill hands, and the Milton Pottery Works hands took part, the whole making a splendid show. The procession marched to the Presbyterian Hall, where addresses were given by the Rev. Mr Small (Church of England) and the Rev. Mr Miller (Presbyterian), the procession again parading •the streets afterwards. Another precession took place in the evening, which includ-ed members of the different societies and the volunteers. Addresses w<re given by the Jlayor and the Rev. Mr Small. (Fhom Oub Own Cor]iespondexts.) WAIKOUAITT.— The glad news came to Land at 10 o'clock this morning, and soon afterwards flags were flying all over the township, cannon were fired off, and the church and other bells were rung, spreading the welcome tidings all round the district. The school children were dismissed at once, and at noon the places of business closed and a general holiday was observed. At 2 p.m. the Mayor ascended the 'steps of the Borough Council Chambers and read the Acting-Premier's telegram announcing the declaration of peace, amidst great cheering from the crowd in front of the hall. After the National Anthem had been sung with enthusiasm, the Mayor stated there would 'be a procession, bonfire, and display of fire- | works in the evening, to be followed by a i free social and dance in the Mechanics' Hall. ! BALCLUTHA.— News that peace was deelarpd reached Balclutha about 10 o'clock in •the morning, and was proclaimed far and ■wide- by the blowing of whistle^, ringing of bells, and the discharge of blan> cartridge. Bunting was thrown out in all direc- j tions, and business suspended for the day. ! A procession, headed by a detachment of the j Cbjtha Mounted Rifles and Clutha Rifles, ] marched along the Main street to the Borough Chambers, where addresses were delivered by the Mayor (Mr Stewart), the Hevs.^Currie iuid Mitchell anrl Canon Dodd, | Captain Hogg, and Mr A. R. Falconer. A verse of the "Old Hundredth," a hymn, and the National Anthem were sung. The procession again marched down the street, being ■now led by a young lady in a carriage re- i presenting Britannia. The utmost enthusiasm prevailed, and the rejoicing was general that a protracted war had come to an honourable peace. In the evening there was a torchlight procession, bonfires, and a dance. TAPANUI.— The news of the peace declaration was received with much cheering and the ringing of church bells, and the school children, being immediately released, organised a band of kerosene tiii3 and other noisy instruments, which played " during •the day. All the available flags were ihoisted. A half-holiday was declared, and a , meeting of citizens was held at 1 o'clock. ' It was agreed to hold a united church ser- ] vice to commence the evening's proceedings, , followed by a bonfire at the Triangle, ad- j dresses by the. Mayor, clergy, and business j mp-ii, together with patriotic songs. There | •was no lack of enthusiasm at the news of the cessation of hostilities. LAWRENCE. — There was great rejoicing; in the morning when the glad tidines of peace arrived. Fire bells, school bells, church bells, and all sort«- of bol's w«-r*» rim?. Guns and crackers added to the jubilation. !Flags were run up all over the town, and a general holiday proclaimed by the Mayor, which was immediately followed by the closing: of all the business places. A procession, consisting of all the public bodies and citizens, was held in the afternoon, and, headed by the brass band, mounted volunteers, and j cadets, marched round the town. The residents mustered in front of the courthouse, •where speeches were- made by the Mayor (Mr Smyth), the Reve Will, Kay, and Ginger, and the ex-mayor (Mr Winn). A torchlight procession was held in the evening, and a social afterwards. CLYDE.— The news that pep re had been declared roused the greatest enthusiasm here, and old and young for the moment went mad. A general holiday wa3 observed, and everybody, including- school children and dredge hands, stopped work. The fire bell and church bells were ringing, and there were processions and fireworks. Houses and shops were decorated with bunting. ARROWTOWN.— The intimation that peace had been declared was enthusiastically received. On the news arrivine the Mayor proclaimed a public holiday. The band and the Wakatipu Mounted Rifles paraded, the latter firing a salute after a speech by the "Mayor. Flags were flying, the band pi ay in*, bella ringing, and everyone was greatly excited. GORE.— When the news arrived that peace was declared, the fire bell and other bells were rung, and the steam whistles blew. The retailors closed thpir places of business, and offices followed shortly after. Five hotelkeepers decided to close, Lut one refused, consequently the others re-opened. During the afternoon a large crowd e;athpred in the town, and stirring patriotic addresses ■were delivered by the Mayor and Messrs M'Nab. M.H.R., D. L. Poppelwell, and Dr Copland. The town and Salvation Army 3?ands played patriotic selections, and there ■was great enthusiasm. Numerous amateur bands paraded the streets. In the evening bonfires were lighted in various parts of 'the town. The school children were granted a holiday. OAMARU. — There was a great demonstration here on the news of peace being declared. All business and work was promptly stopped, and a combined thanksgiving ser-\-\ce hold on Takaro Park. Then a procession, headed by the Garrison and Pip e fkndSj and including all the school child-

ren bearing banners, marched through town. There was tremendous enthusiasm.

INVERCARGILL.— The peacw celebrations were very successful. Woilc was suspended immediately on receipt of the news ; the schools were dismissed and the streeta thronged with a demonstrative assemblage.

ASHBURTON.— On the news of the declaration of peace reaching Ashburton the engine whistles were kept going, bells rung, flags hoisted, schools dismissed, shops closed, and the whole population gave vent to their feelings in some tangible manner. The County Band turned out and paraded the streets, whilst a large crowd collected in front of the Borough Council Chambers, and the Mayor read a telegram from Sir J. G. Ward and made a few remarks about the glad news. The doxolcgy was then sung, prayer was offered, "God save the King" sung, and the proceedings terminated with three cheers. Rain commenced to fall heavily about 6 o'clock in the evening, but did not 6ecm to damp the enthusiasm of the people, who- turned out in great force to witnes3 the torchlight procession of the fire brigade and the fireworks display. There was a good attendance at the thanksgiving service in St. Stephen's Anglican Church.

TIMARU. — On a preconcerted signal from the post office bell tower all the bells and whistles in the town took up the glorious iiote of joy that peace had been proclaimed. The streets were lined with a great crowd in a very short lime, and in half an hour tho post office square was massed with people, the volunteers and bands being lined in front. The Mayor (Mr Craigie), supported by the clergy and other prominent men, addressed the people from an open window of the post office. The Mayor, when he read the words of the ActingPremier's telegram, received the most hearty cheering -ever iieard here. The " Old Hundredth " was then sung by an immense crowd, and the Mayor called on Archdeacon Harper to speak. The Archd-eacon gave a patriotic speech, the National Anthem was then sung, and a feu-de-joie fired. After this a procession was formed and the town given up to rejoicing. The weather being fine added much to the wonderful success of the demonstration.