HOW THE NEWS WAS RECEIVED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7418, 2 June 1902, Page 3

HOW THE NEWS WAS RECEIVED.

IN THE CITY. MUCH EXCITEMENT. FLAGS FLYING AND GUNS BOOMING. The announcement took nearly everybody N by surprise. Though the hour was comparatively -arly, in/ an incredibly short time the streets, embellished by many flags and de- 1 vices, held in readiness for many days, were crowded with pedestrians, while cyclists flew in large and reckless crowds. At many of the large factories thte upBtairs windows were lined with boys, and. cheers were given. The scene in Cathedral Square was very similar to those that have taken place before in connection witSi ithe war. To-day, in the 'Square, so far as appearances went, might have been a facsimile of the relief of Ladysmith or Kimberley. Very large crowds passed to . and' fro, and- now and again a small impromptu procession, such affl that of the foundrymen from Lucas's foundry, with a "Long Tom," marched across the Square with flags and banners, giving voice to occasional cheers. In the northern, part of the city the E Battery of Artillery fired thirty-one guns on the banks of the river opposite Victoria Square. A large crowd assembled around the guns cheers were given for the j British troops and for the colonials. After the firing those assembled sang " God Save the King." A procession was then formed and marched through the principal streets. People who had no fixed idea in re- j gard to the proper method of celebrating the occasion soon flocked to the spot Where the Volunteers were giving their tribute to the- great occasion. ■ Tbe Boys' High School was given a holiday,, and the pupils rushing pell-mell down Worcester Street helped materially to swell the crowd. •..•■-■- The "city viewed from above, appears as almost a forest of flags, every available piece of bunting, evidently, having been displayed.