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REVELRY ENDS

BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS GARDEN PLACE CROWDS Reminiscent of the pre-war Guy Fawkes’ Day celebrations at tne Hamilton Lake, a bonfire at the rear of Garden Place was a spectacular feature of the final victory celebrations in Hamilton last night. The reappearance of sky-rockets and other fireworks, although not in large numbers, added to the gaiety of the scene, which was watched by many hundreds of people. Large numbers assembled around the fire and another big gallery secured vantage positions on the top of the Anglesea Street cutting. Hundreds of cars were parked in the vicinity. The bonfire was ignited shortly after 7.30 p.m. Fanned by a fairly strong south-westerly wind, the fire was soon blazing and continued until 9 p.m., when it was extinguished by fire brigade hoses after a change of wind resulted in sparks being borne in the direction of several business premises and a large tent where religious services are held. Of the large crowd assembled near the fire the majority were content to assume merely the role of spectators and did not take part in any vocal activities. However, several small groups made strenuous efforts to lead others in song, choruses made popular in both world wars being sung lustily and tunefully. Celebrations in Street The fine, clear night, which was in contrast to the showery conditions experienced the previous night, was probably large responsible for the greater amount of merry-making apparent in Victoria Street. Countless groups traversed the street, singing and generally conducting themselves in a manner befitting the occasion. Community singing broke out at several points and accordion players were given much encouragement. Later an exodus from theatres and dance halls provided an impetus to the gay scene, which was maintained until a late hour. CAMBRIDGE SERVICE At Cambridge yesterday the feature of the peace celebrations was a united thanksgiving service held in the Town Hall, where there were about 600 people present. The speakers were the Mayor, Mr Walter Moore, and the M.P. for the district, Mr W. S. Goosman. Prayers and an address on peace were given by the Vicar of Cambridge, Canon C. W. Chandler. At the conclusion of the service the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens of Cambridge and district, laid a wreath at the foot of the Cenotaph. The service was preceded by a parade of returned servicemen and other

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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19450817.2.16

Bibliographic details

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22689, 17 August 1945, Page 2

Word Count
394

REVELRY ENDS Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22689, 17 August 1945, Page 2

REVELRY ENDS Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22689, 17 August 1945, Page 2