CELEBRATIONS IN CITY

Southland Times, Issue 25669, 11 May 1945, Page 4

CELEBRATIONS IN CITY

STREETS CROWDED IN EVENING i Gay crowds of young people, some in fancy dress, again roamed the city streets last night, all making theii - own fun. Bands of youths and girls, each with an arm round the other’s waist, tramped through the wide streets singing lustily, if not tunefully, and from the pavement the older generation looked on. Many of the watchers were young enough in November 1918 to have done what youth was now doing—linking arms, singing snatches of popular songs, and generally letting themselves go. There was little music. A party arrived on a lorry in Esk street just before 8 o’clock, and with a piano, drums and brass instruments played some topical airs. Later the Caledonian. Pipe Band put in a welcome appearance, but it did not stay long. The opinion was expressed that the presence of other bands, playing lively tunes and dance music, would have proved a great attraction. And with a master of ceremonies on the job street dancing and impromptu items would have topped off the peace celebrations admirably. IMPROMPTU CONCERTS After the organized bands had dismissed small parties of musicians joined the crowd and gave impromptu concerts when and where the mood took them. One party in Dee street opposite the Post Office led a community sing which lasted fox - the greater part of the night. „About 9 o’clock, and for a considerable time afterwards, a large party of j between 200 and 300 young people I marched around the streets, led by i boys beating tin cans.

Above all, it was a night of noise. The sounds of shouting, singing, music, clattering tin cans and occasional bursts of cheering could be heard throughout the night. The only May Fair activities yesterday were the merry-go-round and the fun factory. Both were very popular throughout the day. The climax of the patriotic carnival will be today. A mock court will be held in Dee street and there will be rides for the children. Sudden death raffles will be held and victory envelopes sold on the streets.