Armistice joy in Otago
THE NEWS of the armistice with Austria was received joyously in Balclutha. A general halfholiday was observed and all the bells and whistles in the precincts of the town made the echoes ring. A spontaneous demonstration was held at the Municipal Chambers early in the afternoon, when the local clergymen and several members of the Patriotic Committee gave speeches appropriate to the occasion. Throughout the afternoon the brass band played patriotic airs in the main street. A combined religious thanksgiving
service was held at 3.30, and in the evening a free concert was given, the hall being packed.
In Kaitangata , the blowing of the whistles and the ringing of bells proclaimed the news of the surrender of Austria. A monster meeting was held in the evening when a programme of patriotic songs, music, and recitations were provided. The Municipal and Enterprise Bands joined forces and enlivened things considerably, both on the streets and later in the hall. The workmen employed in the mines immediately downed tools. Business places were closed for the day, and the early dismissal of the children from school brought about a complete cessation of restraint.
The news of surrender was joyously received in Palmerston about midday. Bells were rung, flags were flown, and the school children were given a half-holiday. At 1 o’clock most of the business places were closed in honour of the occasion.
Austria’s surrender, was fittingly
celebrated in Cromwell. On receipt of the news all work immediately ceased, flags were flown, and the ringing of bells quickly spread the news of something unusual.
At Middlemarch a public meeting was held to celebrate the news of Austria’s surrender. A procession, headed by the brass band, marched through the township streets to the A. and P. Hall, where a large meeting was held.
At Waimate, a whole holiday today and a half holiday yesterday were observed in celebration of the Austrian armistice. There was a torchlight procession and a huge bonfire last night, and a grand procession and a solemn thanksgiving service this forenoon.