Armistice Day

On November 11 1918 the Great War, the war to end all wars, World War One, ended with Germany’s defeat. Gareth Winter from the Wairarapa Archive looks back 90 years. Historians like to say the World War One helped forge New Zealand’s identity, claiming the birth of our independence took place on the bloody hills at Gallipoli. Others New Zealanders’ sense of themselves is older than that, but all agree the war brought Kiwis together in a way that has seldom been matched. Communities rallied behind the King, the Empire and the country in a way they had never done and even small towns held concerts and gala days to raise funds for the troops. The troops to leave Masterton were escorted to the railway station by a grass band and given a huge send off. Young New Zealand men were off on a glorious adventure. Nearly over 100,000 New Zealanders, of a population of just over a million, served overseas. There was no happy ending for the 18,500 who died in, or because of, the war. Another 50,000 were injured. As the war’s end approached the country’s plans for celebration were enthusiastic. In Masterton very elaborate plans were laid out. When the announcement arrived in town the gas works siren would be sounded and the various church bells tolled. The Mayor would make the official announcement from the Municipal buildings, and a procession would form in the vicinity of the Drill Hall (now the car park opposite McDonalds in Lincoln Road) before heading for the usual public gathering place – Masterton Park. A complicated and detailed order of procession was announced in the newspapers, lead by “Veterans and South Africans; Hospital Patients in carriages and attending nurses, Mothers and Fathers of deceased soldiers” and ending, much later, with “Maoris in Native Dress, Fire Brigade, Industrial Unions and Motor Cars.” This planning had failed to take the influenza epidemic into account. The first reported cases of the flu in Wairarapa were reported from Featherston Military Training Camp where, by November 8, unit was reported 1000 men were suffering. The following day the numbers were 1500 and the first six men had already perished. Local authorities quickly realised they needed to prevent public gatherings and Masterton schools were closed. The Boroguh Council also inserted an advertisement in the newspaper, on November 12: “Owing to the serious outbreak of influenza, it has been decided that all festivities, processions etc in connection with the Armistice announcement will be abandoned. When the official news of the signing of the armistice is received, the public will be warned, and the official telegram will be read the by Deputy Mayor in the Public Park” It did not stop general mayhem. The Wairarapa Daily Times described it thus: At 9 o’clock the news the Germany had signed the armistice was officially announced and a few minutes afterwards pandemonium reigned in Masterton. Whistles screeched out, bells rang, people cheered and

screeched with joy, bands played, and there was such a scene in Queen Street has never before been recorded. Employers down tools, businessmen and employees in shops raced with each other to get on the streets first. Shops were closed and business came to an end. Autocracy had been smashed, and democracy triumphed. Right had prevailed over Might, and Masterton was out to celebrate triumph is a fitting manner.” The Union Jack was hoisted on the Post Office building and a large crowd quickly gathered on the corner. The Central Band appeared, breathless but still keen to play. They quickly struck up the National Anthem (God Save the King) and played with such feeling that many in the crowd raised their hats, while others quietly wept. The parade, which had been officially called off, unofficially formed – territorials and cadets in uniform joined returned soldiers, and fell into line behind the band as they marched up and down Queen Street. Scores of gaily decorated cars joined the procession, filled with singing children. It seemed most people carried flags. One enterprising businessman in Queen Street had been advertising he had a full range, in various sizes. As well as the to be expected Union Jack and New Zealand flag, he had flags of our allies, including the Stars and Stripes, and even the Rising Sun, Japan being an ally. These flags were also prominent in Queen Elizabeth Park, where a hastily formed dais was erected in front of the grandstand, decorated with a multitude of flags. It was from this stage the Deputy –mayor F W Temple read the official announcement ‘in somber tones”. The crowd responded with thunderous applause and cheering, continuing as appropriately patriotic speeches were given, and hymns and patriotic songs were sung. The day was not without its own tragedy. Cars and trucks paraded up and down Queen Street throughout the afternoon, with crowds of spectators gathered oin the footpaths. One truck, loaded with wool, attracted a number of young boys, who somehow clambered on board. A seven year old lad, Thomas cross, tried to join them, but missed his grip on the side of the truck and fell. He was killed instantly. In the park, a young woman collapsed. Her friends first thought she was overcome with excitement at the victory, but a doctor examined her and said she had the flu. She was rushed away to the hospital. The Masterton newspapers were fulsome in their joy at the armistice. The Wairarapa Age said: “The war was ended! Blood had ceased to flow! The cause of Righteousness had prevailed, and the world was emancipated! But those same newspapers devoted more space to the upcoming battle with influenza than to the day’s celebrations. Councils called meeting to organise Vigilant Committees to help battle the epidemic. Stores remained closed, for health not patriotic reasons. And the real celebration of the victory was not held until July the following year when a huge parade, featuring tanks and even a

battleship, once more made the familiar journey down Queen Street to Masterton Park.