THE DECORATIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12698, 21 July 1919, Page 4

THE DECORATIONS.

THk CITY BEAUTIFUL.

A BRIGHT. INSPIRING SIGHT,

Tlie sun rose on Saturday on a city clad in gorgeous raiment. A white frost lay on the ground, and a multitude of flags flew freely in the crisp, invigorating air. No matter where one went—down Colombo Street, along High Street, Worcester Street, Hereford Street, Cashel Street, Armagh Street, and through Victoria and Cathedral Squares, a riot of gorgeous colour met the eye. Perhaps the pre-eminent feature-one which could bo seen from far and near—was the lofty Cathedral tower, from wliich was displayed many largo, flowing flags. It was a graceful and dignified inspiration tp tho city. The large arches which had grown, mushrooinlike, during the past few days, also held the gaze. The one on the north side of the Cathedral, its white and battlemcnted form flashing in the sun’s bright rays, and with “ Waimairi ” in bold lettering on its front, looked particularly well. As one 'ivalked along, arch upon arch came into view, some battlemcnted, some decked in greenery with a generous profusion of New Zealand’s beautiful ferns. . Great sti earners of flags hung from balconies and stretched up to the utmost tips of many of the city’s biggest buildings, bands of red, white and blue swung from shop to shop, and windows were draped with ribbons, flaos shields, and heraldry. Wonderful electric signs, beautiful by day, hut promising far greater tilings for the night, lay before the eye. and in Victoria Square there floated Nelson’s signal true to-day as when Trafalgar was fought, " England Expects Every Man will do his Duty.” Above the tramway shelter stood a handsome structure, half-circling a mapped globe and fronted with two resting British lions, their shaggy manes raised in their attitude of watchfulness. Everywhere were to be seen the passwords of the day, strikingly displayed, such as ‘Peace,” "Honour,” “Might of Right,” " Freedom.” From the humblest to the mightiest, the buildings of Christchurch displayed themselves in rejoicing, and as the sun grew m strength and the city lay basking in its rays, fluttering its gay decorations, the appellation " The City Beautiful” sprang to one’s lips Truly it was a splendid setting for the Peace tionsThe railway station was decorated wnth an artistic scheme which had been w.e!l thought out. In addition to flags, shields and streamers, there was an abundance of foliage, which made great borders and festoons. All of the Allies were represented by their national colours., In two corners of the buildings there were greeneries of native plants, and the whole effect wa-s very pleasing.