DISTINCTIVE NOTE

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23281, 17 August 1945, Page 4

DISTINCTIVE NOTE

Display By Chinese Christchurch Procession (N.Z.P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 16. Although fewer people marched, the peace procession to-day was gayer and more comprehensive than the procession on V-E Day. A proposal to hold that march when Germany surrendered was ridiculed by many, yet it proved to be the most successful event of the celebration. Although more extensively organised to-day’s procession was, so far as the mass oi people participating, less successful. Unionists who were expected to march behind their banners preferred to stand on the sides of the streets and to enjoy the fun. The procession was seen by the biggest crowds ever assembled in Christchurch. They lined the streets from the marshalling point. All suburban Christchurch appeared to have come to town. Banners big in size and lettering were carried by prominent unionists, but obviously the most appreciated display was that by members of the Chinese community who were unrestrained in showing their joy at the defeat of the Japanese aggressors. The young Chinese who carried banners were dressed alike, in grey slacks and white onen shirts, and a prettily arranged tableau in which Chinese girls and a pagoda were prominent was one of the most distinctive displays. It was in every way an excellent show in which the younger generation let themselves go. The crowd, described by one of the speakers, the Minister of Supply (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan), as probably the largest ever to have assembled in Christchurch and, possibly, New Zealand, followed the big victory procession through the city streets to the terminal in Hagley Park. Speeches were given by Mr Sullivan, the deputyMayor (Mr M. E. Lyons) and Archbishop West-Watson. A salute of 21 guns was fired after the National Anthem had been played and silence for the fallen had been observed. A less formal celebration continued with band selections and community singing. All the speakers emphasised the future responsibility now that victory had been achieved.

Archbishop West-Watson Said that New Zealand had proved herself capable of the finest deeds in war and now had to prove herself capable of the best in peace. “I think we people know the sort of world we should like, where bunkum and propaganda give way to truth and honesty, national prejudice to national sympathy, where privilege corresponds to performance pf service, where man can trust his neighbour’s word and where man thinks more of what he puts into the world than what he takes out. We know the sort of world we want. That is going to cost, like war, blood, toil, sweat and tears.”