WAIMATE VICTORY DAY

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

WAIMATE VICTORY DAY

Thanksgiving Service Tribute To Allies The second day of Waimatc’s V-J celebrations opened in .sunny weather with a programme for the- young folk. Commencing about 10 a m., there was a well-organised and well-patronised series of sports events for juveniles in Queen Street. In spite of the rather keen breeze, a big attendance of the public encouraged tlTe efforts of the youngsters. At 10.30 a.m. the Waimate fire engine put in an appearance and made several trips round" the town with full loads of children, all of whom experienced for the first time in their lives the thrill of riding on a fire engine. After a break for lunch the proceedings were resumed at 2 p.m. when a public function was held in front of the Post Office. The Mayor (Mr W. F. Boland) said New Zealand had nobly answered the call, marching forward to victory, but at a tremendous cost for a young nation, and it was fitting that the day should be one on which fitting tribute could be paid to those who had given their lives for a high ideal. Mr Boland briefly traced the deeds of the New Zealand forces and said that now that victory had been won it was a duty and privilege to look to the men coming back to build a better land. They had a duty to the peoples overseas to provide food, and he paid a tribute to the efforts of the farmers in providing all they could. After paying a tribute to the women of the Services and those engaged in war industries, Mr Boland concluded by expressing a hope that the peace would be a just and lasting one. The Mercy of God This should be a day of thankfulness that God in his mercy preserved this land from war. said Mr John Bitchener, chairman of the County Council. He expressed a hope that the peace would be true in every sense of the word,

and paid a special tribute to the Chinese for their endurance over a long period. He concluded by hoping that there would be nothing to disturb the peace of the world in the years to come. The gathering then stood in silence as a tribute to those who had made the supreme sacrifice in the fight for world freedom. Mr D. Newall (president of the R.S.A.) said about 26 years ago a similar gathering had been held. Then it was felt that there would be no more war, but there had been no talk of a new order and thev really did not know what they were fighting for. In this war they had been fighting for an ideal, and in the victory they were celebrating they all must thank God for the courage and endurance He had given the Allied forces and thenpeoples, for without His help no one could have been there that day. Mr Newall then spoke of the indomitable spirit of the British race and the foundation of the new order laid in the Atlantic Charter, especially in the words expressed by the late Franklin D. Roosevelt. “Freedom from fear and want.” He then expressed thanks to the Government. Mr Churchill and the people of Britain for the inspiration of theii' leadership, to the Government and Cabinet in New Zealand, and to the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs W. F. Boland) for the work they had done for Waimate Service personnel. Thanks were also expressed to the unseen workers in the Red Cross and other iiatriotic organisations for their untiring efforts, and he concluded by expressing a hope that there would be no more war and that they would never again be called upon to celebrate a victory.

A service of thanksgiving arranged by the Waimate Ministers’ Association was then held in the Olympia Hall, which was taxed to capacity. The Rev. H. Benny conducted the service with the Rev. Mr Thompson giving the address. Scripture readings were given by Canon A. H. Acheson and Captain Lamond led the meeting in praver. The combined Silver and Salvation Army Bands provided appropriate music during the functions.