Fighting in Europe came to an end at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. But this armistice was only a ceasefire, and not the end of the First World War.
The war officially ended and peace was proclaimed on 28 June 1919 when the warring parties signed the Treaty of Versailles. This was celebrated across New Zealand and the whole British empire in July 1919 with elaborate public events over several days. You can read more about this here.
Waipori joined in the festivities. An organising committee was formed, of course, which was headed by Robert (Bob) Cotton. A triumphal arch was erected in the main street and the village hall extensively decorated. There were solemn moments of remembrance and earnest displays of patriotism. There was fun too, with a fancy dress ball and musical performances, parades, races and dancing. An effigy of the German kaiser was burnt at the stake, and “some (gun)powder had been placed in his innards and he blew up, much to the delight of those present.”
This was all reported in a lengthy article in the Tuapeka Times. By referring to the results of the fancy dress competition it’s possible to work out who many of the people in the photos are.
