FAIRLIE PLANS DRAWN UP

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23278, 14 August 1945, Page 3

FAIRLIE PLANS DRAWN UP

Victory Celebrations Mr C. V Kirke, chairman of the Mackenzie County Council, presided at a meeting held in the Council Chamber on Saturday night to put arrangements in hand so that the end of the war could be fittingly celebrated. He had endeavoured to get in touch with representatives of as many bodies as possible. Those present at the meeting were Messrs W. F. Jones, C. Surridge, A. Andrews, W. L. Bourn, T. Guinness, G. Berney. J. Macdonald, P. J. Keenan. T. K. Clarke, G. O. Wenlock, A. J. Withers, T. B. Crampton. H. Carlton, J. A. Fraser and the Rev. J. N. Reid. An apology was received from the Rev. Father Gregory, who said he would be pleased to fall in with any arrangements made. A full discussion took place on the form of celebrations for the two days, and the following programme was agreed to, any impromptu additions being welcomed: — First day: Bells, sirens and whistles to be sounded on receipt of news, citizens being asked to display flags and bunting. At 1.30 p.m. a procession of decorated vehicles, bicycles, dobbins, etc., to form and, headed by the Mackenzie Highland Pipe Band, to march through the main street; to be followed by sports in the main street, such as a wheelbarrow derby, mock court, dancing to the music of the band. At 7.15 p.m. a torchlight procession will form at the Council Chamber and march to the site of the bonfire, where community singing, etc., will be held. A grand victory ball will be held at night in Aorangi Hall.

On the second day, thanksgiving services will be held on the same lines as on V-E Day. The people are asked to gather at the monument at 10.30 a.m., when, after an address by Mr Kirke. the various denominations will form up and march to their respective churches, headed by the Pipe Band. Mr A. Andrews was appointed marshal of the parade. In the afternoon a seven a-side football tournament will be held on the showgrounds, some of the teams being in costume. Sports for children will also be held. It was decided to ask the Women’s Institute and Women’s Division to organise a children’s fancy dress party for the evening, this to be followed by a general dance. Sub-committees were formed to take charge of the various sections of the programme.