Peace to celebrate the end of WWI was officially marked in NZ over the three days of July 19-21 1919. Saturday 19 July was designated Soldier’s Day, Sunday was Thanksgiving Day and Monday Children’s day. Peace celebrations were postponed from the November 1918 cessation of the War due to the devastating outbreak of the influenza epidemic.
Two impressive peace arches were built in Jackson Street, Petone to highlight their peace celebrations. Peace was celebrated joyously in Petone over the 3 days of July 19-21 1919 with street processions, parades, music, ‘patriotic meetings’, thanksgiving services, fireworks and a bonfire.
![15747[1]](https://i0.wp.com/heritage.huttcitylibraries.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/157471.jpg?resize=647%2C500&ssl=1)
Luckily the Gear peace arch was lit by electricity, as Cabinet banned the use of coal for all peace illuminations.
Wainuiomata celebrated peace on Saturday 19 July with children’s sports and games. There was a replete tea in the local hall to celebrate the local returned service people and the ladies who helped with the war effort. In the evening songs and dances were rounded off by singing the national anthem.
On Monday 21 July was Children’s Day. Children in both Petone and Lower Hutt attended ‘patriotic meetings’ in the morning. In the afternoon they received treats and enjoyed movie screenings – at The Grand and the Empire Theatre in Petone and at the King George Theatre in Lower Hutt.
Lower Hutt chose to mark the occasion solely on Monday 21 July, but because the weather was so wild and rainy most of their celebrations were indoors. The planned Monday night bonfire and fireworks had to be cancelled.
2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the 1919 Petone Peace Celebrations in Lower Hutt.
2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the 1919 Petone Peace Celebrations in Lower Hutt.
For how you can commemorate this anniversary in July 2019 see the Petone Settlers Museum on Facebook or join us at our talk on WWI Peace Celebrations in the Hutt Valley on Sunday 28 July 2019, 1pm.