On This Day, 14 November 1918

Birmingham Daily Post

Thursday 14 November 1918

BIRMINGHAM REJOICES CONTINUE

YOUTH MAKES MERRY IN AN ORDERLY FASHION

The third day of public rejoicings in Birmingham was in the nature of tapering off. A certain amount of business was done, but, speaking generally, holiday-makers outnumbered the workers. The number of people moving about the main central thoroughfares was considerably fewer than on the two previous days, but the disposition to make merry and be glad was still uppermost. The Square, New Street, and Corporation Street were crowded last night, and the usual singing, waving of flags, “Turkey-trotting and bunny-hugging” were indulged in. The people—mostly youngsters—kept their mirth and demonstrations within reasonable bounds, and no difficulty was experienced in controlling them. Their high spirits were evidently nearing exhaustion after three days of excitement. In the evening a thanksgiving service for the benefit of those who could not get in to the previous day’s celebration was held in St. Martin’s Church, but the congregation was only a limited one.

Before commencing the ordinary business at Birmingham Police Court, yesterday, the Stipendiary (Lord Ilkeston) said he should like to draw attention to the fact that the charge-sheets on Tuesday and that day showed an almost entire lack of charges which denoted any disorderly conduct on the part of the people of this city. He never had any doubt himself but that the people would behave in the way they had done. At the same time he thought it was matter for congratulation, and it should give them a feeling of pride that the people of this city had manifested their thankfulness of what had occurred in such an orderly manner and with such a complete lack of any rowdyism of any kind. The Stipendiary’s remarks were received with applause.