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 mid-day. 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 to-day 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.
Gargling for diphtheria
Dr Faris (district medical officer) has written to the Education Board suggesting that, in view of the number of cases of diphtheria and influenza at present in Otago, the following prophylactic measures be carried out:- At all schools the children to be lined up twice daily (preferably at the commencement of study in the morning and before being dismissed in the afternoon), and made to gargle the throat. Each child would be required to furnish a mug or cup, the gargle being kept in large quantities at each school. As these diseases are spread by children coughing and breathing over each other, the preliminary gargle before taking up study would disinfect the throat for a variable period afterwards, and thus lessen the spread of infection whilst the children were indoors. As potassium permanganate is not procurable in sufficient quantities just now, Dr Faris advises that Hycol be substituted at a strength of four drops to one pint of water, teachers to be enjoined to be careful in making up the gargle. The Education Board has addressed the school committees and headmasters, recommending that the arrangements suggested be carried out. - ODT, 6.11.1918.
