WAIMATE ORDERLY CROWDS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23282, 18 August 1945, Page 7

WAIMATE ORDERLY CROWDS

V-J Day Celebrations Comment By Police Officers Although Waimate people entered wholeheartedly into the spirit of the occasion in celebration of the surrender of Japan, their behaviour, even when jollifications were at their highest pitch, was of a most orderly nature. Tribute to the orderly nature of the celebrations has been paid by officers of the Waimate Police Force. “We had nothing Whatever to do,” said one police officer. “We were able to enjoy the celebrations with the citizens.” Another officer said that the crowd on the first day was the most orderly he had seen during his service in several towns. A number of people had "celebrated” in time-honoured style, but none appeared to be the worse for liquor. At the dance, when fun was fast and furious, the behaviour of the large crowd was exemplary. Patients Entertained A concert party paid a visit to the Public Hospital on V-J night, and entertained the patients. They were warmly thanked at the conclusion of a varied programme by the chairman of the Hospital Committee (Major G. T. Hennessy), who contributed some amusing stories. The matron (Miss McDiarmid) entertained the party to supper. English, Scottish and Irish songs were contributed by a High School quartette (Norma Giles, Esme Collins, Janet Horsley and Zeala Benny). Miss Buchanan, Mrs A. H. Partridge, Mrs D. Mclnnes, Mr J. L. Stewart and Mrs G. L. Stewart (the latter also playing a medley of well-known songs on the pi .no>, contributed to the programme. Mr Blackman gave a much-appreciat-ed performance on his one-string fiddle. Mrs J. L. Stewart and Mr A. H. Partridge acted as accompanists.