[V.E. Day: Christchurch].

The exact date of these recordings is unclear. The official announcement of V.E. Day was 09 May 1945 New Zealand Time, with many official parades and celebrations were not held until 10 May, in order to coordinate with British celebrations.

The first two discs are probably from broadcasts of Christchurch's citizen's victory celebrations on 10 May when a parade was held from Latimer Square to Cathedral Square, followed by a 'community sing' in the Square. [See also ID 32418 for similar recordings of this event.]

[disc D2041.2 side 1] Station 3ZB commentary from the parade by an unidentified announcer (Bob?) as a band plays "Land of Hope and Glory". He describes the passing citizens, children dressed in the uniforms of the Allied nations and carrying their flags: China, the United States. Fathers in uniform carrying their children, mothers with babies in prams. Crowd singing "Tipperary" can be heard in the background. The Society for Greater Relations with the U.S.S.R,. pass by carrying a banner; The Young People's Club pass; Manchester Unity Oddfellows, band playing "Who's Your Lady Friend?"

A 3ZB studio announcer gives a time check and then crosses to announcer Jacko [Jack Maybury] who is broadcasting from the balcony of the United Services Hotel on Cathedral Square. He describes the procession as it enters the Square; children with flags, Air Force men wearing skirts made of bunting, police and traffic inspectors trying to hold crowds back. The Mayor and M.P. Hon. D.G. Sullivan pass. City councillors and Returned Services representatives pass by. There is only about 11 feet between the two sides of the road, the crowds are so thick. Soldiers with beer bottles, including one carrying a black and white spaniel.
The Crichton Cobbers Club Band pass, carrying toe-toe and flags. Jack Maybury notes some listeners will now have seen victory celebrations three times: for the South African War and World War I, as well as today.

[disc D2041.2 side 2 ] Recording of the 'community sing' in Cathedral Square. Crowd singing with band, crowd noise and a conductor who encourages the crowd to sing: "There'll Always Be an England", "It's a Long Way to Tipperary", "Māori Battalion March", "Roll Out the Barrel".
The Mayor of Christchurch (Ernest Andrews) introduces the massed bands and the national anthem, "God Save the King." He then introduces the massed choirs who sing the "Hallelujah Chorus" (Handel) Conductor Vic Peters conducts the choir. [incomplete]

Thanksgiving service V.E. Day, King Edward Barracks. Includes speech and music. [disc D2041.21 side 1]

Thanksgiving service" V.E. Day, King Edward Barracks
[disc D2041.21 side 2]

Mayor of Christchurch Mr. E.H. Andrews makes a short speech from home. This is cut short.

Starts with announcer inside rowdy hotel bar where customers sing "For he's a jolly good fellow".

Maternity hospital nursery where announcer Jack Maybury interviews Nurse Mackwell [?] and we hear the first 'peace baby', born since peace was declared.
[disc D2041.22 side 1]

RSA News contains announcements regarding meetings and RSA activities. [disc D2041.22 side 2]