The Coming Peace Rejoicings at Newton Abbot: A public meeting was held at the Town Hall on Friday convened by Mr. J. W. Rowell, Chairman of the Urban Council, and Mr. W. S. Pinsent, Chairman of the High week Parish Council, to take preliminary steps to celebrate the event when peace is declared. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, said they were all acquainted with the object of the meeting, it was to make preparations for peace rejoicing at the close of the war. He proposed that the meeting approve of the suggestion to celebrate the restoration of peace on the day that would be appointed for general holiday. Rev Father Atkins seconded, and it was carried unanimously. Mr. Pinsent proposed that a committee appointed consisting of the members of the Urban Council and Highweek Parish Council, with the officers of each authority, also members of the general Committee appointed with respect to the fund for the relief of the sufferers at Mafeking with power to add to their number, and such Committee to be empowered to make the necessary arrangements for canvassing for subscriptions. Mr. Webb seconded, and at the suggestion of Mr. Martin proposed also that all those present at the meeting who sympathised with the object in view be included on the Committee. Mr. Pinsent consented to embody his resolution, and it was carried. The Chairman read a letter from the Rector of Wolborough (Rev W. E. Durham) who was unable to be present, stating that he should be pleased to co-operate with them and arrange for a thanksgiving service at St Leonard’s Church. The Chairman said he approved of a thanksgiving service but considered it should be held in the market buildings or other large place not connected with any particular body, and so arranged that the Ministers of all the Christian Denominations without regard to either church or chapel should take part in it and treat it as town affair free from any appearance of predominance or exclusiveness. Rev Levi Rees strongly supported the sentiments expressed by the Chairman and said if they were going to have a thanksgiving service it ought to be representative of all Christian people in the town. Dr. Ley also supported the sentiment expressed on the matter. A number of suggestions were mooted as to the best means of celebrating the event, but the consideration of them was left to the Committee. Mr. Pinsent proposed that Mr. C. Pope and W. H. Jarvis be the hon. secretaries. These gentlemen performed the duty at the Jubilee celebrations and did remarkably well. Rev Father Atkins seconded, and it was agreed to. On the motion of Mr. Stevens, seconded by Hoskin, Mr. Webb was appointed hon. treasurer. Several promises were made to the fund, and a vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings.
[see also Western Times: Tuesday 12th June 1900]
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive
Referenced
GRO0911 Devonport: William Swain Pinsent: 1843 – 1920