V.E. Day Celebrations Christchurch

Excerpts of radio broadcasts of the Victory Celebration Parade in Christchurch, marking the surrender of Germany in World War II.
(The parade marched from Latimer Square to Cathedral Square, which is where the recordings were made in front of Warners Hotel.)

Side 1: Commentary by an unidentified broadcaster as an unidentified pipe band marches past. He notes C.W. Russell, President of the Canterbury Returned Soldiers Association has just arrived.
The Burnham Camp Band plays "The Standard of St George."
The crowd cheers, which the announcer says is for the arrival of the Scottish Society Band, featuring boys from St Andrews College.
The Crichton Cobbers Band plays "Sussex by the Sea". The announcer notes a number of small boys are part of this band.
The City of Christchurch Pipe Band plays an unidentified number.

The announcer notes two boys have entered the Square carrying the flag of Soviet Russia. He observes he is looking forward to hearing the Ladies Pipe Band which is taking part in the parade but has not been heard yet: "Sturdy young ladies, very well set-up and undoubtedly well-trained."

He announces the programme for the ceremony which is due to begin shortly:
The Woolston Brass Band will play the National Anthem, conducted by Mr R.J. Estall; the massed choirs will sing the Hallelujah Chorus, conducted by Vic Peters; His Worship the Mayor will speak, followed by Hon. D.G. Sullivan M.P.; then a community sing, led by Mr Lyn Christie.
He observes a motion picture camera is on the rostrum filming proceedings.
A 21-gun salute will be heard from Hagley Park at 3pm.

Side 2: Items from the community sing portion of the Victory Celebrations in Cathedral Square. Each song is introduced by a male conductor (possibly Mr Lyn Christie?) 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 National Anthem, ("God Save the King") played by the massed bands, conducted by Mr Estall.