Peace, Glorious Peace.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 432, 3 June 1902, Page 3

Peace, Glorious Peace.

The following is from the Times’ second edition yesterday:— The following telegram was received at the Times Office on Monday morning from the Hon. J. G. Ward, ActingPremier:— “ It jg with intense pleaauro I have to inform you that Peace has been declared in South Africa.” Upon receipt of the joyful tidings at ten i o'clock the bells throughout the town were set ringing and the business premises were gaily decorated with bunting. A few minutes after the message had boon received the City Band turned out, and beaded by the Mayor, ringing a bell, marched down to the bridge where a tremendous crowd of spectators soon gathered. After much chcoring, His Worship addressed the gathering, stating that ho was pleased to have tho privilege of reading the message of peace received this morning from the Hon. J. Ward. The telegram was then read, and greeted with cheers. His Worship: “Wo should not stop at three cheers. Let us have o dozen.” The gathering then cheered lustily for some minutes. * His Worship: "The first thing we are going to have is ■ God Save tho King ’ from the Band,” and tuis having been given King Edward was also accorded three cheers. His Worship, in the course of his speech, said that they were glad to receive this message of peace, which had been looked forward to for si me time. New Zealand had taken a piominent part m the war, and they were delighted to find that the end had arrived. They were J.lighted because it bad been a just mi, and they were delighted because British arms had triumphed. In the early stages of the war the enemy had boasted that they would sweep the British into tho sea, and many of Britain’s detractors prophesied the same. His Worship quoted remarks recently made by Mr Stead as an instance of the disloyalty of somo of our own people. Peace had been declared, and Africa would now be a colony like New Zealand or Australia. (Cheers.) From the information ho could gather be thought that it was a good thing for the Boers that the war had taken place. South Africa would now have a settled Government and would succoed like Australia and New Zealand. There wore no details to hand with regard to the terms of peace, but they were satisfied with the broad principle that Peace had been declared, and that prosperity would ensue. He wished to express his thanks to the people for the way they had turned out, and he thought the best way to celebrate it was to have a holiday that day as well as to-day. “ It is tho best means of celebrating the declaration of Peace and let us all be glad and enjoy ourselves upon this occasion.” llis Worship made flattering reference to the services rendered to the country by the Premier, for whom he caUed three cheers. The call was enthusiastically responded to. “ Three cheers for Kitchener,” came from a voice in the crowd ; also “ Three cheers for Chamberlain,” and “ Three cheers for the New Zealand Contingents.”

Three cheers having been given for the Mayor, the band marched back to the firebell. They were afterwards driven through the town in a brake with four horses. When the bells rang the children marched into the girl’s playground and 'were addressed by the Chairman (Mr Bright), and Mr A. T. Hookey, a member of the Committee. Cheers were then given and short por tions of “ Buie Britannia ” and “ God Save the King ” were sung by the children.

Mr Bowley, the headmaster, intimated that there would be holidays until Wednesday morning. The bells were still ringing at noon. The Holiday Committee requested that all business places will be closed from noon. There will be a full holiday to-day (Tuesday). The following was given in a third edi tion of the Times : The town presented a most animated appearance this afternoon, and on all sides the greatest enthusiasm was displayed in regard to the joyful tidings received in the morning. There was a big procession through the main streets, a great concourse of people joining in, and the greatest enthusiam being manifested in the -proceedings. The East Coast Mounted Rifles, under Captain Colebourne and lieutenant Beere, the Gisborne Rifles under Captain Warren, and the Cadet Corps under Mr Kretchmer, took part in the procession, the whole being in c; mmand of Major McCredie. There was also a full muster of the Fire Brigade under Superintendent Wildish, and the boys being “ got up ” in holiday attire were responsible for a

lot of fun - The Fire Brigade and the City Band, under Bandmaster Morrison, assembled ' at the Victoria belfry, whilst the military, with the Rifle Band, marched from the drillshed. There was a public demonstration at the firebell tower. The troops were drawn up in line, and under the orders of Major McCredie fired a feu-de-joie Afterwards the Royal salute was given, together with cheers for His Majesty the King. ' The footpaths on both sides of the road were crowded with spectators. Afterwards a procession of the two bands, military corps, Friendly Societies, and the general public took place around se'eral of the chief blocks of the town. , . , Great preparations are being made for this evening. Collections were mafie in town this morning for funds for a fireworks display, and a goodly sum . was obtained. ' Upon returning to the firebell threa cheers were given for His Majesty the King, and the volunteers were then dismissed by Major McCredie. - There was great rejoicing throughout the district, and also throughout the Australasian colonies on the receipt of the news that peace had b.bn declared in South Africa.

NOTES BY THE WAY. His Worship the Mayor put in a very busy day yesterday, and it was mainly owing to the great enthusiasm that he put into the proceedings that everything went off so well. Being anxious to assist in ringing the joy-bells of peace, he seized the first bell at hand, which happened to be a dinner-bell, and he preceded the procession as bellman proclaiming the glad tidings. Mr W. F. Crawford took a photograph of His Worship, bell in hand, at the bridge, much to the amusement of the crowd of spectators. The Church was represented in the procession yesterday. First caruo the Revs. J. G. Paterson and W. Gillie?, in the former’s pony caniage, with the pony decorated with two Union Jacks,- and afterwards the Rev. B. F. Eothwoll, in his buggy, which was gaily decorated with bunting and flags. . The town decorations yesterday in the matter of bunting and flags were the best we have seen. i. Mr C. H. W. Dixon collected the sum of £5 in shillings yesterday in less than half-an-hour for the purpose of purchasing fireworks for the young people. Lieutenant Trotter was also to the front in this direction. By force of habit the Mayor last night called for cheers for the Queen. “ The King,” someone corrected. “ Yes, for the King," said Mr Townley. “ but I never forget the good old Queen -God bless fieri” (Cheers.) “ Let’s all be happy and have a holiday" esolaimed the Mayer in his speech

THE PROCLAMATION SIGNED. GREAT ENTHUSIASM. THE GLAD HEWS HAILED WITH .JOT.

A great crowd of country people came into town to witness the peace demonstrations last night. The town was gaily

illuminated, and there wore fireworks in all quarters. On the Kaiti and Whataupoko, some private residences were beautifu'iy illuminated. It is two years on Thursday since Pretoria £was occupied by the British. On Saturday last, two years ago, Johannesburg was entered. Mr Charles East had the honor of being the first to ring out the peace news yesterday, sounding the joyful if discordant notes on the upper firebell. In his speech last night the Bev. J. G. Paterson evoked a hearty cheer by reechoiDg Mr Seddon s wish that the blockhouses might soon be turned into dairy factories and creameries.

Many people have sent to us for copies of the Times extras, as mementos of the peace celebrations, and to meet these requests an additional supply has been printed. These may be obtained in the order of application.

AT THE “MUTUAL.” At the Mutual Improvement Society last night the President (Mr R. N. Jones) referred to the joyful tidmgs received that day. The occasion, he said, was fraught with great importance to the British nation and to the world, and to no part of the Empire more than to our own colony, whose sons had played such an important pari, in the war. (Applause.) He proposed that the meeting be adjourned so that the members could take part in the celebrations. Tho National Anthem was heartily sung, and tho members then dispersed to join in the jubilations at the belfry.

yesterday. “Make it a fortnight,” shouted one loyal citizen. Among those who were able to witness the festivities yesterday was Mr T. Ritchie. It was four weeks since he had found it necessary to becomo an inmate of the I Hospital, and he was given ieavo to have a drive out yesterday if the day were fine. The day did prove fine, and to the dolight of his many friends Mr Ritchie had the opportunity of witnessing the procession. Yesterday a prominent citizen, rushing out to ascertain the reason for all the noise, found a small hoy putting up the shutters. “ lih, my young fellow, what are you doing there?” the citizen asked. “ Why, don’t you know that peace has boen declared, and Mr Townley says we are'to have a holiday?” was the reply. After the City Band had marched through tho town yesterday morning, Mr J. A. Harding procured a four-horso brake, and himself taking the ribbons he drove tho band round the town and out as far as Makaraka. A halt was made at tho Freezing Works, where tho men turned out in great form. A couple of tunes were played, and as the brake left every available whistle and bell at the works were set going. The Makaraka residents having been serenaded, the brake returned to Gisborne, a visit being paid to the Hostal and Old Men's Home, where selections were given by the band. After returning to Lowo street with the band, Mr Harding took a crowd of boys aboard the brake, and treated them to the pleasure of a drive into the country. Mr Harding’s thought- , fulness in both matters was much appre- J cinted.

One drapery establishment in Gladstone road yesterday sold between three and four miles of red, white, and blue ribbon. The Mayor forwarded the following telegram to the acting-Premier : “ Thanks

for your telegram conveying the good news of poaoe. The town is gay with flags and bands, and bells are making as much noiso as possible in honor of the joyful occasion.” Captain Gumming, Harbormaster, yesterday signalled the shipping in harbor, “ Peace proclaimed.” Mr G. Wildish had the honor of being the first to get to the big firebell and ring it. He was also first on the occasion of tho Ladysmith and Mafeking celebrations.

The illuminations last night were greatly admired,- especially the display at Mr Steele’s Albion Hotel, one very handsome design emblematic of peace attracting great attention. ‘‘There must,” exclaimed Mr W. L. Bees last night, in one of his impassioned flights of oratory voicing his belief that there must be one great nation if the world’s peace is to be assured, “be only one ruler on land and sea.” “ We’ve got him —Dick Seddon,” shouted someone in the crowd. The City Band yesterday paid a graceful compliment to the respected Mr James Brown, an old member of the Band who is recovering from a severe illness. The brake was pulled up in front of Mr Brown’s residence, and tunes were played there.

LAST NIGHT’S GATHERING. An enormous orowd gathered in Gladstone road last night. At 8 o’clock the main crowd assembled in the vie nily of : ihe belfry. The members of the Salvation ] Army acted as torcb-bearers. The City Band (under Bandmaster Morrison) played patriotic airs, and then His Worship the Mayor, who was received with prolonged cheering, addressed the people. ' He made a stirring patriotic speech. He : said that the contost bad been a great one, 1 more difficult than anyone had anticipated. Taken altogether the Boers bad proved a worthy foe. Now thatthe Boers had come under the British rule, it would ! be for the benefit of the Boers. He concluded by calling for three cheers for the 1 King, and then at the Mayor’s request, i the Band played the National Anthem. Mr J. W. Bright was the next speaker, and also made an able speech, concluding by calling on the assemblage to sing “ Buie Britannia,” which was done heartily, the band also playing. Tneßev. J. G. Paterson next spoke. In the course of his remarks ho lamented that the good Queen Victoria had not lived to soe that glorious day. He also expressed regret that Mr Seddon had not been at" Pretoria when the proclamation was signed. He concluded by reciting one of Burns’ beautiful poems, the band paying the rev. gentleman the compliment of playing a Scotch tune. The Bev. B. F. Bothwell also mado a stirring speech appropriate to the occasion, concluding by reciting Kipling’s “ Lest We Forgot.” Mr W. L. Bees intensified the enthusiasm by a vigorous patriotic speech. Deferring to New Zealand’s part, he said that it had contributed more according to its population than any other part of the Empire. He concluded by reciting one of Longfellow’s beautiful poems, after which the band played, and the populace joined iu singing, -‘ The Bed, White and Blue.” The Bev. W. Welsh was the next speaker, and he also made a fine speech, appropriate to the occasion. The Captain of the Salvation Army then spoke. He showed that the tenets of the Army were all for peace, and none rejoiced more heartily than they at the glad tidings. The Mayor referred to the splendid way in which the people had assembled, and the great success of the impromptu gathering. He would, however, ask them to make next Sunday a great thanksgiving day, and he hoped that all the churches would then be full with grateful congregations. He referred to the noble way in which the mothers and fathers had allowed their sons to go forth at the country’s call, and he called for cheers — which were given with great enthusiasm —for the mothers and fathers of the brave sons who had gone to the war. In response to calls Lieutenant Trotter t came forward, and in the course of his remarks he said that the Boers had proved ; a worthy foe, and they would be even i more pleased than the British that peace s with honor had been proclaimed. He r then called for oheers for the Boers, which 3 were heartily given. The gathering dispersed to other parts • of the town after oheers had been given i {or the Mayor aad the Band.

LONDON'S JUBILATIONS. IMMENSE CROWDS. SING PATRIOTIC SONGS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrigh London, June 1.

There was great jubilation in London at the proclamation of peace. Immense crowds gathered, singing patriotic songs, carrying flags, and wearing rosettes, and processioned the streets till a late hour.

ADDRESS BY LOED MAYOB. PEACE WITH HONOB. By Telegraph—Preßß Association —Copyright London, June 2. Tho Lord Mayor, in his speech announcing peace, amidst defeaning cheers at the Mansion House, remarked that whilo the nation was thankful, it was prepared for tho moans and determined, if ncec-ssary, to make greater sacrifices to support its soldiers sustaining the honor and integrity of the Empire. He emphasised tho Colonies’ support. The Motherland had prayed long for a happy peace. He asked for three cheers for the King and mighty cheers rang out. Then others were given for tho Queen, the soldiers, and those who had fallen for their country.

TEEMS OF SURRENDER, DOCUMENT SIGNED AT 10.30 AT NIGH I. UNANIMOUS DECISION. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright London, June 2.

After signifying their acceptance of the terms of peace all the delegates arrived at Pretoria on Saturday and signed at 10.30 at night, the document containing the terms of surrender. Lord Kitchener despatched the message to England and added that Lord Milner and himself had also signed. The Conference at Vereeniging on Saturday came to a unanimous decision, and the principal leaders accompanied the delegates to Pretoria.

THE NEWS AT DURBAN. HOLIDAY IN LONDON. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, June 2. Congregations at Durban sang the National Anthem, and there was great joy on the streets. It is a general holiday in London to-day.

JOY IN CANADA AND PBOVINCES. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Juno 2. There is general joy in Canada and in tho English provinces. AMEBICA AND CONTINENT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, June 2. Satisfaction at the termination of the war is expressed in America and on the Continent.

PBESS OPINIONS. THE KNOT OF IRRECONCILABLES. By Telegraph—Pres3 Association—Copyright London, June 2.

Tho Standard says that as long as the drama unfolded itself the feelings of the spectators underwent a change. The closing act, it stated, would add to Great Britain’s prestige and weight in the councils of tho world. England’s gratitude would be associated with ungrudging admiration of the most valiant adversaries the Motherland and colonies had ever encountered. There was no cause for humiliation, the dofoated had not been disgraced. The Chronicle says that t :''ce with honor may, if the statesmen will use ti;a opportunities, bo also peace with goodwill. The Daily Express says that a knot of irreconeilables were told that they would have to fight alone, and it was only then that they yielded. INTERESTING ITEMS. LONDON ILLUMINATIONS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, June 2. The City and West End are illuminated. THANKSGIVINGS. The hymn “ Now Thank We All Our God ” was sung at the close of the service at St. Paul’s Chapel Royal. Thanksgiving services have been held in most of the churches. A PROPOSAL REJECTED. The Daily Mail says that Great Britain early in the week rejected a proposal for submitting the claims for the ratification of Kruger and the delegates in Holland. KRUGER’S EXCLAMATION. Tho Daily Express states that Kruger, on hearing that peace had been signed, exclaimed : “My God ! it is impossible.”

GOLDEN BBIDGE FOB BBAVE ENEMY., The Tagleblatt, a Berlin journal," says thstEngland will build a golden bridge for the brave aod vanquished enemy. A BEOTHEB BOEB. McCallum, in a late speech, eulogised Louis Botha as a prospective Natal colonist. He strongly appealed to the races for fraternal co-operation in upbuilding the country. JOY IN PBETOBIA.

Bennett Burleigh sayß that the people of Pretoria paraded after midnight, singing “ God Save the King,” cheering, and in other ways expressing delight. OELEBBATIONS IN QUEENSLANDBrisbane, June 2. There was great jubilation over peace. Bells were rung out and flags bedecked the publio buildings. CABLE TO GOVEBNOB-GENEBAL. OPINIONS OF AU STB ALLAN PBESS Melbourne, Juno 2. The first news of peace was received by Lord Hopetoun in a cable from Lord Kitchener, followed by one from Mr Chamberlain. When the news was communicated to the Federal Government a holiday in the Federal Departments was at once proclaimed. Mr Deakin said that it was to Australia and others under the flag that British arms had triumphed. He hoped that the bulk of the British Army, including the Australian Contingents, would be relieved from a difficult task. Sir W. Lyne, as acting Minister of Defence, said ho hoped the terms of peace would be magnanimous to the conquered foe, who had proved themselves brave men.

NEWS QUIETLY RECEIVED IN SYDNEY. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Sydney, Juno 2. The Governor-General received the following cables: —From Lord Kitchener : “Peace declared last night.” From Mr Chamberlain : “ The representatives of the Boer forces now in the field accepted the terms of surrender offered by His Majesty.” The good news was received very quietly iu Sydney, and there was no demonstration.

SHAME ON SYDNEY/; Sydney, June 2. Whatever the private feelings of the populace of Sydney may have been there was no public manifestation of enthusiasm over the declaration of peace. The Chairman of the Stock Exchange was cautious, and anxious to know the terms on which peace had been concluded before giving to jubilation. The Government took no steps to give voice to the elation. They may possibly mafie 60816 manifestation to-morrow.

THE NEWS IN AUCKLAND,

By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, last night. There was a great demonstration in Auekland. All the bells in the city rang a merry peal, steam whistles blew, and flags were hoisted in the city and on the vessels in port, amid general rejoicing. A salute of twenty guns was fired from the forts. The public schools were closed, after the pupils had saluted the flag and sung tho National Anthem. The Stock Exchange celebrated the event with a champagne lunch. WELLINGTON CELEBRATIONS.

Wellington, last night. [ Tho Empire City was not behind in its demonstrations, the greatest enthusiasm being shown. The first announcement was the ringing of the Post Office bells, and immediately after the firing of guns. Immediately excitement rose, and two or three thousand persons quickly gathered at tho Post Office. The Mayor of Wellington announced the good news, and asked the citizens to observe a holiday. The National Anthem was sung. Sir Joseph Ward read a further cablegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies that “ The representatives of the Boer forces still left in the field have accepted the terms of peace put forward by His . Majesty’s Government.” Cheers were given for the King, Governor, Mr Seddon, c Sir Chamberlain, Lord Roberts, and Sir J. Ward. Patriotic songs were sung, and afterwards the horses were taken out of Sir J. Ward’s carriage, which was dragged two or three miles through the streets. Most of the business places in the city closed, and bunting was freely displayed.

VETERANS’ CONGRATULATIONS. Auckland last night. The Governor has sent the following cablo to His Majesty tho King : 11 One thousand officers and men, veterans carrying war medals of every campaign from the Seinde in 1843, belonging to the Auckland district, desire to convey their hearty congratulations to His Majesty the King on the triumphal issue of tho war.” JUBILATIONS CONTINUED. Napier, last night. The jubilations in connection with the declaration of peace were continued this evening, when there was a torchlight procession and fireworks display, and a huge bonfire was lit on the beach. This was visible for several miles. Many of the private residences of tho citizens were illuminated, and the whole town was given-up to rejoicing. THANKSGIVING SERVICE.

Wellington, last night. The Central Drill Shed was crowded tonight, when a public thanksgiving service was held. The actiug-Premier an 1 Minister for Public Works were present. Prayers were offered, and an address delivered by the Rev. Jas. Paterson. Bishop Wallis pronounced the blessing at the conclusion of the servico. CONGRATULATONS. Wellington, last night. Sir Joseph Ward has received hundreds of telegrams from all parts of the colony, expressing tho delight of the senders at the conclusion of the war.

A COLONY REJOICES. Wellington, last night. Telegrams from all parts of the colony, from the Bay of Islands to Invercargill, and from both coasts, have poured into Wellington to-day, with the announcement that tho news of the declaration of peace was received with the utmost enthusiasm, and that the whole population had given vent to their feelings in some tangible manner. THE OFFICIAL MESSAGE. Auckland, last night, Lord Kitchener wires from Pretoria to the Governor : “ Peace signed last night.” Lord Kitchener’s message to his Excellency the Governor was dated June 1. A further cable to the Governor from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated London, June Ist, states:—“The representative Boer forces still-in the field have accepted the terms of surrender ottered by His Majesty’s Government.”