GERALDINE TOWN REJOICES IN VICTORY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23281, 17 August 1945, Page 3

GERALDINE TOWN REJOICES IN VICTORY

Tribute Paid To Fallen A spirit of gaiety swept Geraldine on the news of the surrender of Japan. On Wednesday a tribute was paid to the fallen, and thanksgiving services began the official abservances. The town began to “let go” its war strain at happy community functions in the evening and yesterday the district showed what it could really do when a victory carnival was held in perfect spring weather which synchronised with the joyous mood of the people. Service at Memorial Peace observances began with an impressive service at the war memorial in the rain at 2 p.m. osr Wednesday when a tribute was fittingly paid to the fallen. The service, which was organised by the R.S.A. and Toe H in conjunction, took the form of the Toe H service of light. Mr F. W. Morgan (president of the Geraldine R.S.A.) controlled the service, and the Rev. A. Mcßean led in prayer. The Geraldine Band marched to the memorial ana Buglers C. Ashby, N. Watt and M. Evans sounded Last Post and Reveille. Later the band played -hymns. The names of the fallen were read. A wreath was placed on the memorial by the Mayor (Mr D. C. McKechnie) as a trioute to those who had fallen to make peace possible, and in sympathy with relatives. Other wreaths were placed for the R.S.A. (by Messrs R. G. Charters and P. M. McKenzie) and for Toe H (by Mr Frank McKenzie;. Free pictures wore screened by Mr C. C. Knight for the children later in the afternoon. Largely attended church services were held in all the churches at 7 p.m., and these were followed by a civic function. Tribute to Fighting Services “We rejoice in victory after six long years,” said the Mayor. “We must pay a warm tribute to the men and women of the fighting services without whdse sacrifices victory would not have been possible.” He thanked all those who had helped on the home front in Getaldine.

“This victory has been bought at a great sacrifice,” said- the Mayor. “V. e look forward to the opportunity of peace. Let us each and all work to see that the peace is a worthy' one. Just as the forces of war have been mobilised to the full, let us mobilise the forces of peace and good will." Two minute peace messages were also given by Mr K. Mackenzie (chairman of the Geraldine County' Council), Mr J. Acland, M.P.. Mr F. W. Morgan (president of Geraldine R.S.A.), Mr P. G. Withers (for the patriotic organisations) and the Rev. H. A. Childs (for the churches >.

A successful community sing followed with Messrs F. R. Wilks and C. C. Knight as song leaders, and Mr C. S. Davies as accompanist. Solo items were given by Miss Mary Rowe. Messrs Geo. Knibb and A. E. Benbow. The song leaders were in fancy dress. A community fancy dress frolic and dance followed, music being provided by the Geraldine Band and residents. All present relaxed and it was a

hilariously happy gathering. The celebrations were organised by a committee with Mr J. E. Thomas as chairman, and Mr W. H. Norton and Miss Janet Gresnam as joint secretaries. Bright Procession A bright procession of revelry, leaving Mole's corner at 1.30 p.m., was the feature of yesterdays programme. Headed by a traction engine (with the lace of Tojo painted in front) pulling two trailers ol happy children, the carnival steam whistled and sang its way along the two mile procession route to the secondary school grounds wnere fun was continued. The community responded well with floats, decorated cars and fancy dress, and many ot the contributions were most original and humorous. The Geraldine Players, on H.M.S. Geraldine Players, attired in fancy costume, and including Mr Winston Churchill (with cigar), President Truman and Joe Stalin, provided entertainment on the way and at the school grounds. Near the head of the procession were the Geraldine District Band and returned soldiers m positions of honour. “The Atomic Bomb: the Sun has Set for Tojo," was, perhaps, one of the most original of the floats. Others included “Back to Our Selection: Back to Snake Gully”; "The Honeymoon Express”; Dark Town Fire Brigade; “Make a Clean Sweep”; "Old Mother Hubbari and her Many Children” from the Orari Bridge School; United Nations float; boys and girls iron the Linen Flax; Red Cross V.A.D.’s; St. John Ambulance: Dusky Aotca-Roa Girls; High and Dry to Victory with Churchill and dozens of others, including decorated cars. Some were pulled by tractors, cars and lorries, and others were horse drawn. Many of them provided entertainment and fun as they went.. Many individual items were excellent. Near the tail of the procession rode a “lady” on a side saddle. A sports programme for children was originated at, the grounds, and the children were given buns, apples, lemonade, and a Churchill badge. Hundreds of children and adults, roving the grounds in a wide variety ol fancy dress, gave a colourful touch to the gathering, and parties of happy singers gave a sense of gaiety to it, all. Savage guerrillas, gypsies, and a realistic firing squad with a beheaded Tojo ranged side by side with toddlers and others in the most dainty and charming of fancy dress Afternoon tea was dispensed by a committee ol women. A torchlight, procession and bonfire, together with a Dark Town Fire