CELEBRATION OF PEACE

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23278, 14 August 1945, Page 4

CELEBRATION OF PEACE

Arrangement For Procession School Children To Be Invited

There was a large attendance of representatives of local organisations and schoolmasters yesterday morning at a meeting in the Borough Council Chambers, called by the Mayor of Timaru (Mr A. E. S. Hanan) to discuss arrangements for the celebration of peace. Members of organisations promised their support for a Victory procession, but considerable discussion took place as to whether school children should be invited to take part, in the procession.

Mr C. E. Thomson: The children will feel out of it if they are not included. They would love the opportunity of marching In the procession and would remember it for the rest of their lives.

Miss D. M. Holland: It would be wise to see that they have something to eat if they are going to be in the procession. They would enjoy a box of sweets much more than miles of marching. Miss V. F. Townsend, head mistress of the Timaru Girls’ High School, said that her pupiis were expecting to take part in the procession and would be disappointed if they were not included. The wider implications of peace must be taken into consideration. Taking part in this procession would have a deeper impression on the children in the years to come.

Mr G. Hill. Principal of the Timaru Techrrcal College, said he favoured the s: hools taking part in the procession of the day of the spontaneous rejoicing. On the second day the school- could be represented by decorated floats, but most of the child, en should have a chance of seeing the procession. *■

Mr H. C. Romans: Certainly the children should be encouraged to take part in the spontaneous celebrations, but it would be advisable that mort of them remain as spectators on the day of the big procession. It was then suggested that the Boy Scouts. Beys’ Brigade and Girl Guides be Invited to take part in a procession to the religious services in the morning. “Children are not made of iron and steel,” declared Mr J. T. O. Stephens. “It must be remembered that onethird of the primary school children are under the aee of seven years. You cannot expect them to parade in the morning as well as the afternoon, and then expect them to go out to see the torchlight procession at night.” The Rev. L. A. Barnes said he did not want anybody, and mest of all children to be forced to come to the civic religious service in the Sound Shell in the morning. He did not consider it necessary to have any organised procession to the religious service. “I would like the service to be a spontaneous one.” added Mr Barnes. After further discussion it was decided to invite all organisations and schools to take part in the Grand Victory procession.