Today, on Remembrance Day, we commemorate the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts.
The local newspapers reported how the Avoca community came together upon learning of the armistice in 1918.
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| The War Ends. (1918, November 13). Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal (Vic. : 1900; 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved November 11, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151682037 |
From the Avoca Mail (Vic.), Friday 15 November 1918, page 2
THE ALLIED TRIUMPH.
Further Celebrated.
The signing of the Armistice by Germany, ending the greatest war ever known, of which word was received on Tuesday night last was further celebrated locally on Tuesday
As arranged a thanksgiving service was hold in High Street at 12 noon, conducted by the local-clergymen.
In the afternoon a gathering was held in the Public Park, the idea being to give the children an outing to commemorate the event. The Town Band, under Mr A. O. Summers, headed a procession to the ground shortly after two o'clock, where the townspeople exerted all their energies in giving the children the best time possible. races were run, swings and other amusements provided and refreshments served.
In the evening a torchlight procession was provided by the Fire Brigade under Captain Hempseed. This was headed by the Town Band and in addition to the firemen the girls of the Allies and a number of civilians marched. After parading High Street the Band lined up in front of the Shire Hall and gave a splendid programme.
A concert followed in the Shire Hall to which hundreds were unable to gain admission in fact many refrained from waiting to see the procession, preferring to make sure of their seats in the Hall.
Cr Samers presided and the proceedings opened with the National Anthem and special verse, played by the Band and sung by the vast assemblage.
The chairman called for three cheers for the Allies and these were enthusiastically given over and over again.
Mr Lalor said the warmth of the meeting was undoubted and he asked that the various speakers during the evening be given a hearing. In between the items they could cheer to their heart's content. He then led them in cheers for the King, the Allies, our own boys, etc.
The chairman said he desired to say, now that they had blown off a lot of steam, that he was delighted to see so many present. He ventured to say that it was the largest audience at any con cert ever held in Avoca. In addition to those inside there were hundreds outside at the doors and windows They had all met with the one object, to celebrate the great victory achieved the extent of which they could not express in words. The result showed that, although we had different religions, etc , when the British Empire was attacked we became as one and when united in this way neither the Kaiser or old Nick himself could smash us. We, however, want vengeance on the man who caused this war. No one would have anything to do with him now : in fact he firmly believed old Nick would refuse him. The people of Avoca, in common with other parts were rejoicing at the close of this terrible war and he felt sure they would have a good time that evening.
The audience led by Mr Wood (at the piano) then sang "Australia will be there" and Ex-Pte Barry Wilson got in a song "This bit of the world belongs to us."
A selection by the Fife and Drum Band (under Bandmaster Robinson) was followed by songs by Mrs Lalor, Mr Tymms and Mrs Crone.
The Rev. Nye said they all met in rejoicing over the victory of the Allied armies. In the midst of it all some thoughts of sadness occurred to them for many who had gone and nobly fought for freedom and righteousness would never return. The spirit of those who had given their lives are with them. Their gallant deeds will live after them. When he first went to foreign parts he quickly realised that no nation in the world can rule like our own British Empire. For years he lived in Fiji and what he saw there confirmed this When we re member that the Allies were fighting for right, for justice and for the free-dom of the world we can hardly won-der at the result. (Applause).
Song, Miss McMullan ; song, Miss Mollie Samers (encored); song, "Pack up your troubles in your Old Kit Bag," Miss Golder (encored) ; song, Mr Woods (encored and "Australia will be there" given).
Then followed the "March of the Allies" by the following suitably attired and carrying flags of the country each represented Misses A. Larkins and M. Golder (England), M. Larkins (Ireland), A. Coates (Scotland), P. Wolfe and F. Field (France), C. Wolfe and M. Bourke (Belgium), L. Downton and A. Kaye (Servia), E. Gee and Edna Redpath (Canada), P. Harris and F Harrowfield, (Roumania).,Eva Lusby (Japan), A. Jones (Italy), A. Mitchell and M. Derrick (India), R. Yates and O. Coates (America), K. Reynolds and V. Chambers (Australia), Britannia was represented by Miss Myra Hempseed. This item was, encored, again and again and the march had to be repeated.
A call for cheers for Mrs Chambers, who organised the Allies was responded to heartily.
At this stage the audience was so enthusiastic that the hundreds assembled gave vent to their feelings by cheering, applauding, and singing snatches of '"Australia will be there," causing the chairman to remark that they were the nosiest Australians it had been his lot to meet. With this the demonstration was renewed Mr Wood again leading them in "Australia will be there."
A selection by the Band was followed with " Tipperary" by the assemblage led by Mr Wood at the piano.
Cr Thomas said that over four years ago the war started and up to a little time ago the Allies were faced with great difficulties and met with many disappointments. Four months ago, however, the tide turned and ever since the Allies have been pushing on to victory, Without detracting from the fine achievements of all engaged in the struggle for right he ventured to say that the victory that is ours today is due to the British fleet. We are proud of what Australia has done and we are going to give the boys the best we can when they return. It is our bounden duty to do all within our power for those gallant lads who risk ed all that we might be saved. We must now show what we can do and show it in a worthy manner. (Applause)
Song, Mr J. O. Henderson ; song, "Good Luck to the Boys of the Allies," the Kookaburras (encored) ; duet, "There's a Long, Long Trail," Misses Downton (encored).
The Rev. Robinson said we are liable in the excitement and enthusiasm to forget ourselves. However, we can be thankful that we are not in Germany. We must remember that Germany is intact. he has all her industries, railways, etc. He wanted to impress upon them one or two things. Forty eight years ago, at the close of the Franco-Prussian war, certain States became federated and they laid themselves out to conquer the world. It took them 48 years to perfect their plans, which have been up-set. Their thoughts went back to good Queen Victoria, then to Edward the peacemaker and now to good King George. Where would we be without the mother country ? When a certain Association was formed and the National Anthem was being sung certain persons sat with their hats on and talked of cutting the painter. He trusted that would never happen.
Song, Mr Bevan (encored) ; recitation, Miss Golder; song, Mr A. Astbury (encored.)
The chairman said that he had just been informed that they made a mistake in holding this gathering in the hall instead of the park and that up wards of 150 persons had gone home. He regretted this, as they could very well hear all at the windows and doors. They were losing something they would regret all their lives.
Song, Mr Barry Wilson (encored).
Mr Stavely said if ever he felt thankful for anything in his life it was for the five minutes allotted him to say a few words on this great occasion. What is meant by the sweet word "peace.'" What does it mean to many. It means new life. It means the passing away of the cloud that has been hanging over us all. What does it mean when 55000 of the bravest and best lads of Australia are lying at peace on Gallipoli, in France and Belgium, and elsewhere.
They offered themselves for their King and country in a righteous cause and sacrificed themselves. Let us bind ourselves together in that bond of cement, love, so that, we will not have in this fair land of ours a false peace. Let us do that and we have indeed, accomplished something. He rejoiced that peace bad come and his heart went out to those who mourned the gallant boys who would never return. (Applause)
The singing of the National Anthem and special verse closed one of the most enthusiastic gatherings ever held in Avoca, a feeling of unbounded patriotism apparently permeating the whole proceedings.
The accompanists for the evening were Miss Samers, Miss Downton and Mr Wood.
The hall was then cleared and a couple of hours dancing, was indulged in to excellent music provided by Mrs Dowsley, Miss Samers and Mr Wood, with Mr H. C. Classen M C.
