WAIMATE V-J DAY

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

WAIMATE V-J DAY

“Mafeking Spirit” Wanted More Formal Functions Next Day “We want the 'Mafeking spirit.' We can have the organised celebrations on the second day, but the first day should go with a swing,” declared Mi' A. E. Lewis at a public meeting summoned by the Mayor (Mr W. F. Boland) yesterday to discuss the celebration of V-J Day. There was a large attendance. The Mayor suggested that the celebrations should be on the lines of the celebration of V-E Day in May. with the ringing of bells at 10 a.m., and a public assembly at 2 p.m., followed by a service of thanksgiving. Functions for the children should be added.

Mr T. A. Wilson spoke of the lack of spontaneity involved in proceeding with such an organised programme. He considered that the bands should parade the, streets and the schoolchildren be sent up to take part in informal celebrations immediately on receipt of the news.

He was supported by Mr Lewis, who said that tools should be downed, bells rung, and the bands play whenever the news came through. On the motion of Mr G. Sauer, the meeting decided in favour of spontaneous celebrations on the first day, with bands, torchlight processions and bonfire at night, community singing and any other possible forms of rejoicing. For .the organised celebration on the second day, children’s functions will be held in Queen Street in the morning, with a public function at the Post Office at 2 p.m., followed by a thanksgiving service arranged by the Ministers’ Association in the oiympia Hall. Mr J. M. Wilson suggested that country schoolchildren should be invited to take part in the children’s function.

The High School Board. School Committee, and Mr D. Keyes, with the teachers, will arrange for the children's processions. The Savage Club will conduct the free public dance in the Olympia Hall on the first night. Mr G. Sauer, who said he had arranged for an orchestra of seven instruments to play for community singing in the street, was appointed to make arrangements for sideshows and competitions for the entertainment of the public on the first day. when fancy dress processions, dark-town bands and many other features, it is hoped, will add to the carnival nature of the proceedings.