History: Richmond Peace Day celebrations

BY ROBYN PARKES

Ideal weather and elaborate arrangements made the Peace Day celebrations around the region memorable events.

In Richmond, more than 1000 adults and 500 children assembled at Richmond Park on 19, July 1919 to mark the close of the Great War, with more gathering in nearby Nelson.

The day’s festivities began when all those who took part in the lengthy procession assembled at Richmond School. The National Reserve Band headed the procession, followed by Britannia (on horseback with returned soldiers as out-riders), the Allies (also mounted), the mayor and councillors, residents of the Special School for Girls in decorated cars, residents of the Old People’s Home, Croucher’s Dug-out Bakery, ambulance cart, decorated cycles and motor cycles, motor cars, and traps.

The children of Richmond, Hope, Ranzau, and Appleby Schools were conveyed to the park in four waggons and eight express carts drawn by a traction engine driven by Mr G Webby. The many decorated vehicles and the hundreds of waving flags presented a spectacle which would live long in the minds of the children. Many of the exhibits in the procession were of an ingenious character, in particular and special mention may be made of Dr Pirie’s ambulance cart (first prize) Mr Warren’s decorated car, Mr P. Savage’s battle cruiser, and Mr Button’s submarine.

On arrival at the park, the school children and adults gathered in front of the grandstand where the mayor (Mr W.E. Wilkes) read the King’s proclamation and addressed the children in reference to the great historical and important event that was being commemorated throughout the country. In memory of the brave and dead and in compliance with the Government’s request, at noon five minutes silence was observed and the Last Post was played by the band and afterwards by two buglers.

The feeding of a large number of children was a huge task but one that was enjoyed by all. The peace celebration committee provided a special luncheon for the returned soldiers, and 44 men accepted the invitation extended to them with the mayor and councillors also being present.

The soldiers were honoured for their sacrifice and were wished the best as they again took their places in civilian life.

The school children were entertained by the teachers, who provided games and sports for them. The adult had their own sports and games, and the older folks were able to reunite with old friends. After the departure of the Nelson band in the early afternoon, a hurriedly-organised local band provided the music.

In the evening a large crowd gathered to witness the torchlight display organised by the Fire Brigade.

Considerable amusement was caused by several who dressed in clownish clothes and by their antics ensured all they could to promote the people’s enjoyment.

The day went off without incident and was enjoyed by both workers and the public. The executive committee and the sports committee had completed a huge task to ensure that Richmond celebrated the end of war in an appropriate and enjoyable fashion.

This ended a day that during five dark years all hearts had longed for and prayed for—the day when the bells would ring, proclaiming that we were once more at peace.