25,000 CITIZENS MARCH

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

25,000 CITIZENS MARCH

Victory Parade In Christchurch ENTHUSIASTIC SCENE IN CITY (P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, May 10. I Men and women, boys and girls, soldiers, sailors and aix-men, elderly people I and infants in arms, on shoulders and | in prams, foiTnally dressed citizens and I citizens in the most bizarre attire, sobexcitizens and citizens in an “advanced state of celebration,” marched through the streets of Christchurch in their thousands this afternoon in the “Victory March,” which proved an extraordinary expression of jubilation at the Allied triumph in Europe. Marching eight abreast, the great column of flagwaving, banner-carrying, singing and shouting people took more than an houxto file into Colombo street on the last lap of the march, and by that time Cathedral Square was so congested that large detachments of marchers had to be diverted into Cashel and Hereford streets. MANY SPECTATORS The total number - can only be guessed at, but it is probable that the marchers were at least 25,000 strong, and there xnust have been many more spectators lining the route. Many of the latter - were drawn into the procession as it passed by. The huge assemblage, which crowded Cathedral Square, and the streets nearby, was addressed by the Mayor - , Mi - E. H. Andrews, Archbishop West-Watson, the Minister - of Supply, Mr Sullivan, and other prominent public figures, and joined in community singing. Tire army fired a salute of 21 guns in Hagley Park, this being watched by a large crowd. In general the whole day was marked by the highest enthusiasm and the crowd assembled in or near Cathedral Square was probably the greatest in the history of Christchurch. The celebrations continue tonight, with a large crowd still in the square.