GERALDINE V-E DAY CRITICISM ANSWERED

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23215, 31 May 1945, Page 3

GERALDINE V-E DAY CRITICISM ANSWERED

Statement By Mayor “Difficulties Not Fully Appreciated”

“No one appreciates more than I do the work carried out by the Geraldine Patriotic and Presentation Committees, ’ said the Mayor (Mr D. C. McKechnie) yesterday, in answering criticism, “but I cannot agree that they should have been made responsible for the organisation of the recent V-E Day celebrations. or in the circumstances, that they should have been consulted.” This committee, along with other committees for various purposes, was doing excellent war work, said the Mayor. It was appointed under the patriotic regulations to raise funds for the welfare of servicemen and to arrange farewell and welcome functions, and the funds that they controlled were for this purpose and could not be diverted to victory celebrations. The Government had invited the local authorities to arrange official V-E Day programmes, and this was the correct procedure. Government Lead Awaited

Five weeks before V-E Day, he said, the Geraldine Borough Council decided to arrange no observances beyond the church services on the ground that the war was not over, and gave out that this decision would stand unless a different lead were given by the Government. This attitude attracted no comment or criticism from any local organisations or individuals, but was commended in many quarters. A Government statement on Saturday, April 28. indicated that, if possible, appropriate civic observances should be arranged. At the conclusion of a special Borough Council meeting at 11 p.m. on Monday the matter was rediscussed in the light of this Government statement, and it was agreed that a short civic function and community sing should be held after the church services. It was considered that organ-

ised adult celebrations at that stage were unnecessary, but that something should be done for the children, on the afternoon following. In view of the indications that definite news might be received the next day, it was agreed to advertise the outline programme on Tuesday morning so as not to be caught. Cr. P. H. Davis was made responsible for the civic functions, Mr Linton Mann was asked to convene organisations interested in the children’s lunction. and Cr. H. W. Williamson was appointed to organise finance. An organisation was thus created, with borough staff and finance behind it, that was ready to go ahead even if news came next day. Organisation Consulted

Statements had been made that the R.S.A. and School Committee had been completely ignored, but this was far from true, Mr McKechnie went on. On the Tuesday morning, he had personally Invited the president of the R.S.A (My F. W. Morgan) to represent the R.S.A. at the civic function, and acting on the council’s decision. Mr Linton Mann hastily convened a meeting at 11 a.m. of representatives of the R.S.A., School Committee, Parent-Teachers’ Association, business, and school stall to arrange something for the children. He had informed the R.S.A. president at short notice of this meeting and he had stated that he was unable to attend, but would be pleased to fall in line with whatever was arranged. A Second N.Z.E.F. representative was invited but was unable to attend. Some misunderstanding about the school committee may have arisen because it was not until the Thursday that the present chairman (Mr P. M. McKenzie) was appointed to a seat on the School Committee and to the position of chairman. The secretary (Mr T. M. Hutt.) who was indisposed, was invited, and in the absence of the chairman and secretary, the Rev. E. R. E. Ross and Mr W. A. Bunt (treasurer! were present representing the School Committee. At this meeting a committee with the headmaster (Mr A. G. Williams! as chairman and Mr F. E. G. Malcolmson as secretary was appointed to arrange the children’s function.

In making these arrangements, the Geraldine Borough Council fell in with the Government’s suggestion that observances should include thanksgiving services in the churches, and arranged their civic function to follow for the convenience of country people who were faced with petrol shortages.- They went a step further in arranging something for the children. Suggestions Welcomed

All offers of co-operation and assistance were given a warm welcome. Mr C. C. Knight offered the use of the hall and free pictures, the businessmen offered soft drinks for the school children; the school committee, buns; the band, to lead a march and to play selections; the Services Entertainment Committee to organise a dance for presentation funds; the Fire Brigade, to erect a “V” sign. All these last minute offers, together with others, were accepted with thanks and worked into the programme. Some criticism arose because the programme did not proceed on the Tuesday. Those making this criticism appeared to forget that a programme had been announced, and that if this had been altered at the last minute, many country people would have been cut out. especially in view of the Government radio announcements that Tuesday was not “V-E” Day, and was not a holiday.

It would appear, Mr McKechnie said, that the critics sat back content for nothing to be done for a whole month, but were very ready to jump in and criticise when the council actually arranged something to meet changed needs of the situation at the last minute.

All those who so willingly gave their services at the last minute to make V-E Day celebrations possible were to be warmly thanked, the Mayor concluded. What they achieved, although hastily arranged, has earned more praise than criticism.

Homeservicemen

Mr F. R. Wilks presided at a meeting of the committee of the Geraldine Sub-Branch of the Homeservicemen’s Association.

The arrangements to hold a hare drive were left in the hands of Messrs S. King and R. A. Pringle. It was decided to endeavour to arrange billiards and cribbage matches with other organisations. 11

Gratification was expressed at the fact that members of the association in hospital were now provided with comforts.

The following sub-committees were elected: Sports. Messrs M. Hughes, N. Hobbs, C. Pierce and F. Kelly; social. Messrs F. E. G. Malcolmson. C. Pierce, L. Young. R. A. Pringle. S. King: representatives on Geraldine Patriotic Committee, Messrs F. R. Wilks and F. E. G. Malcolmson.

Card Tournament

There was a good attendance at the fortnightly card tournament conducted by the Geraldine R.S.A. The winners of the cribbage prizes were: Mrs T. M. and Mr F. Bartlett. The prizes for euchre were won by Mrs F. Barrett and Mr W. Morris.