How Nar Nar Goon celebrated the Armistice in 1918

The Pakenham Gazette had this article about the Armistice Celebrations at Nar Nar Goon in their December 6, 1918 edition.  The report said that 1,000 people attended the event, that's an a amazing number.  You can see the whole article on Trove, here, but I have transcribed it, below.

NAR NAR GOON
A PEACE CELEBRATION

Wednesday last was a red letter day in the history of Nar Nar Goon, the occasion being a public demonstration and picnic in connection with the celebration of peace. The day was observed as a public holiday, all business places being closed, and it may be safely asserted that most of the residents of the district not only took part in the demonstration but did their best towards making it a
success.

About a fortnight ago the towns people decided that it was desirable that something should be done to mark their appreciation of the glad news that an armistice had been declared and that there was every indication of an early and lasting peace. An appeal was made for funds to meet the expenses of the celebration, and this met with a most generous response, about £50 being raised.

Wednesday's event was a credit to the town and district, and it will always be looked back upon with
interest. Both young and old entered into the spirit of the day, and as a result everything worked smoothly and all had an enjoyable outing.

The day's proceedings opened with a monster procession, which completely eclipsed anything of the kind ever seen in the district, comprising 130 vehicles and numerous horsemen. A number of the vehicles, including buggies, jinkers and lorries, were nicely decorated with greenery and flowers, and there was a profusion of flags, all the Allies being represented.

An effigy of the Kaiser, the handiwork of Mr Mappin, of Tynong, was mounted on a horse. This was safe guarded by Master J. Ede, in the character of  'John Bull'  and was a special attraction.

Space will not permit of a description of the various vehicles, but it may be said that all were attractive, those of Mr E. Oram, representing 'The Day'  and Mr J. Spencer, representing 'Peace', being worthy of special mention.

Amongst those with decorated vehicles were :- Messrs A. Harris, M. Dore, J. Mortimer, J. Mulcare, T. Eves, A. Thorn, J. Kenny, J. Gray, S. Collins, T. Garrett, J. Latta, R. Brooke, T. Grigg, E. Oram, J. Spencer, jun., and J. R. Spencer, the last named driving a fine team of four greys in a buggy. There was also a decorated motor, driven by Mr Donald. Some of the riders were in fancy costume amongst the number.being Miss M. Raftis (Ireland) and Master Wadsley (England).

The procession was formed into line at about 11 o'clock, and, headed by the Richmond Juvenile Brass Band, marched from the township to the place chosen for the day's picnic.

Four returned soldiers, viz., Ptes. W. Comely, P. Neilsson and H. J. Lennon, of Tynong, and Pte. G. Bjursten, of Cora Lynn, held a prominent position in the procession.

On arrival at the ground judging took place for prizes in connection with the procession, and the awards were asfollows:
Best decorated vehicle: Mr E. Oram, Tynong, 'The Day'
Best Group: Nar Nar Goon.
Most original character: Master Ede, Tynong, 'John Bull'
Special prize: The Kaiser.
There were about 1000 persons on the ground, and a sports programme was carried through, providing plenty of enjoyment for young and old. A merry-go-round was provided for the
children.

Thanks to the excellent management of the committee and the cordial cooperation of all present, the celebrations throughout were a decided success.

How Iona and Cora Lynn celebrated the Armistice in 1918

The Bunyip and Garfield Express of December 13, 1918 published this account of the Armistice celebration at Cora Lynn and Iona -

Armistice celebration
Victory picnic by Iona and Cora Lynn Combined

The Committee of the 'Victory' picnic which was held on the 4th inst were fortunate as far as weather conditions were concerned and the ground selected - Robinson's Hill - was an ideal camping place.
The procession left the Iona State School about 12 noon, and the many various costumes were both artistic and original. Mr J. Donald, well mounted, acted as marshal and kept the procession well up to time. Mr G. Osborn, head teacher Cora Lynn, had charge of the children, and the manner in which he handled them was the subject of favourable comment. The Iona Brass Band, under the baton of Mr W. Legge had the pride of place and was followed by Mr D. Donald, a returned soldier, carrying the Flag. Then came 12 returned soldiers in uniform, followed by various dressed groups and beautifully decorated vehicles, the procession being over  a mile long.


Immediately on arrival at the grounds the judging was completed and the results announced, after which the vast crowds formed themselves into picnic groups, and those who failed to fetch hampers were quickly supplied with edibles. The following gentlemen worked hard to make the gathering a success - Crs Cunningham, Walsh, Dowd, Messrs Donald, Dessent,  Holian, Quigley, Reidy, Pitt and others.             

 Subjoined are the results: -

Best dressed vehicle - C.Pitt - 1 
Red Indian - Alan Murdoch  1
Purple Cross - Nellie Bellman and Mary Fitzgerald 1 and 2
Sundowner - Harry Schmutter
Milkmaids - Annie Leithead and Dolly Pitt 1 and 2
Red Cross nurses - Jean Murdoch and Ada Dessent
Japanese lady - Phyllis Winter
Newspaper boy - Billie Blake
Silver starch - Lily Murdoch
Dunces - Hazel Pitt and Rose Leithead
Salesgirls - Mary Stewart and Nellie Taylor
Ruination - Alice Burleigh
Peanuts - May Taylor
Fancy dressed bicycle - M. Fitzgerald
Boys Siamese race - M. and J. Cunningham,  T.Taylor and D. Dowd 2
Girls Siamese race - B. Cunningham and Irene Hart 1
Married men's race  - W. Hart 1, P. Cunningham 2
The school's relay race caused some excitement; 4 schools of 8 boys each competed and the event was won by the Iona Convent school, with the Cora Lynn Convent school second.
Tug of war - Iona schools combined defeated Cora Lynn schools combined.
Cutting of the Kaiser's head caused a lot of amusement, and a number of boys and girls races were also keenly competed.

100 years ago this week - Koo Wee Rup is overrun by hoodlums

100 years ago this week - this letter about crime in Koo Wee Rup was published in The Argus of December 24, 1918.

The Argus December 24, 1918

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1405287

POLICE PROTECTION WANTED.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS
For some time the residents of Koo Wee Rup have had to submit to a large number of robberies, petty thefts without any hope of retracing the stolen property or punishing the offender. Added to that the conduct of a number of hoodlums at public functions had become so unbearable that promoters of public entertainments were fearful of the consequences. The  local  hall is generally  in a state of siege from the onslaughts of these ruffians, who rush the doors and endeavour to break into the supper room, using the most horrible language around the doors, and frequently bombarding the roof with road metal. 
All this was thrashed out at a public meeting some weeks ago and a letter was forwarded  to the Chief Secretary asking for police protection at Koo Wee Rup.  Up to the present time no reply his been received. 
It is no uncommon sight to see a stand up fight in the main street.  On Saturday night a number of men surged for over an hour in the main thoroughfare and into the early hours of Sunday,  while the air was filled with profanity, oaths and curses to which peaceable citizens had to listen. 
On Sunday night another scene took place when the great Australian adjective was heard to advantage as a preface to loud allegations of untruthfulness.  There is a policeman stationed at Lang Lang on the extreme edge of the district who has to patrol or endeavour to keep the peace in a district about 50 square miles in extent. Needless to say his energy must necessarily be somewhat distributed until it reaches vanishing point. 
Yours &c
A VICTIM
Koo Wee Rup December 23.