HISTORIC DATES

London—The war ended officially at one minute after midnight, May 9. That was at 6.01 p.m., May 8, Picton time.

The final German surrender came at 2.41 a.m., May 7, which was 8.41 p.m., May 6 time. That was when the German delegates signed at Allied Headquarters.

Observance of V.E.-Day in Picton was very quiet, and consisted chiefly of the service of thanksgiving held Monday afternoon in the armories, and services in the churches Monday and Tuesday.

Monday night, a huge crowd gathered in town in expectation of an outburst of joyous celebration—but nothing had been planned. Sid Lockyer gathered a group of musicians who did their best to fill the gap with selections. The Kinsmen Club sponsored a dance for the Milk-for-Britain fund, Monday night. The torchlight procession failed to materialize.

Tuesday was an ideal day, though high winds prevailed, and hundreds of cars came to town, but there was nothing doing—much to their disappointment.

Unlike November 1918, there was no hysteria or impromptu celebrations. This may have been due to the fact that the end was known to be near for days previously, and there was realization that Japan must be beaten before V-day arrives. Then too, there was the sobering thought of those who will not return. This spirit of thanksgiving and rededication was reflected in the large throngs attending church services.

Stores which closed at noon Monday did not re-open until Thursday morning, excepting the drug stores. A few groceries were open a few hours Wednesday and shoppers rushed to replenish supplies, as the sudden closing, before the V.E.-day was officially announced caught them unawares.

Picton appears to have held its service a day ahead of most municipalities.

Not a little criticism was heard concerning the lack of parades, etc., and hope expressed by some, that these would be planned for V-Day, when Japan also is defeated.

Police report no damage done and crowds were orderly.