GAIETY IN CAPITAL

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23280, 16 August 1945, Page 4

GAIETY IN CAPITAL

Little Irresponsible Rowdyism (N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON. Aug. 15. Tire broadcast announcement of the news of which the world had waited for only a few’ days short of six years was the signal for the commencement of unrestraind rejoicing in Wellington, rejoicing which swelled to a crescendo in the afternoon and continued late into the night. Mr Attlee had hardly finished speakin” before ships’ 'sirens, factory whistles and motor horns joined in a screaming chorus. Within a minute people w’ere pouring out of shops and offices into the streets and showers of torn paper were swirling dowm on them from windows and balconies overhead. The telephone service was jammed as people rushed to tell each other the good tidings. Within'five minutes the main streets -were a seething mass of cheering, shouting, singing people, many equipped, as if by magic, -with flags, whistles, rattles, paper hats and streamers. Though the shops were to have remained open for two hours, many closed their doors almost immediately. both employers and staff being unable to resist the infectious spirit of celebration. Food shops in the city and suburbs were besieged and those dealing in perishable goods such as meat, fish and vegetables were virtually stripped by housewives doing their last-minute provisioning for the twoday break. The lessons of V-E Day had been taken to heart. The morning was dull and tn the afternoon ? ‘’ne steady rain set in, but that did nothing to dampen the spirits of the gavest crow'd Wellington has ever seen. Two bands played alternately from the balcony of a Willis Street hotel, and the crowd massed b"low opened their mouths and sang from their hearts. Hotel bars and lounges did a roaring trade, and it was not long before bottles were being passed round in the streets. Generally the crowds were high spirited but good humoured. There was little, if any. irresponsible rowdyism. Public and private property was respected, and the fun was confined to legitimate channels.

The Governor-General —'d Lady Newall. attended bv Maje?’ H. A. Jaffray. were present this evening at the thanksgiving service in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul.