[Page 1.]

[Stamped in red ink: 'HOME & TERRITORIES', '1918', '16420'.]

[Letterhead in blue ink showing the coat of arms of the U.K., with the text 'GOVERNMENT HOUSE, NORFOLK ISLAND.'

No. 18/111.

23^rd November, 1918.

MEMORANDUM for

The Honorable the Minister for Home and Territories.

[Stamped:] DEC 30 1918 9AM

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of the 12^th instant, containing the terms of the Armistice.

The news was received by the residents with frantic demonstrations of joy. Every available staff was beflagged; joy-bells were rung; processions were formed of decorated vehicles, which ultimately halted at Government House gates. They sang the National Anthem, the Marsellaise [sic], the Doxology, and numerous patriotic songs, and cheers were given for Britain and her Allies. Such a demonstration was never witnessed here before.

The Administrator addressed the assemblage, and on behalf of His Majesty thanked them for their loyal and patriotic demonstrations. He was carried on the shoulders of the excited crowd up the hill on to the Government House lawn, while they sang Rule Britannia and other patriotic songs.

A united thanksgiving service was held in the Church of England on the 17^th instant, when the Administrator was escorted into church by the returned soldiers.

[Handwritten annotation in margin: 'For inform. [information] MV 31/12'.]

Wednesday, the 20^th, was proclaimed a Public Holiday for Peace Celebrations, and a huge public picnic was held in Government House grounds, with sports for the children. On the 21^st the Administrator gave a Public Ball in Rawson Hall, to which all were cordially invited. The hall was full, and about supper time he was enabled, through the courtesy of the

[Page] 2.

No. 18/111.

[Stamped in red ink: 'HOME & TERRITORIES', '1918', '16420'.]

Superintendent of the Cable Station, to announce that the German Fleet was about that time being handed over to the British Admiral in the presence of the combined allied fleets, in which Australia was well represented. The effect was electric, the whole assemblage rose spontaneously and sang the National Anthem, the Marsellaise and other national patriotic airs. The scene was one which will be ever remembered by all those who were present.

On the whole our little island has been wildly excited at the good news, which towards the last came swiftly upon us. The collapse of Bulgaria – Turkey – Austria, and at last Germany seemed almost too good to be true.

[Handwritten signature:] M.V. Murphy

Administrator.

[Illegible handwritten signature in different handwriting.]

[Handwritten addition at the bottom of the page:]

Reply that Minister read the despatch with much interest & was specially pleased to note the manifestations of loyalty.

A.H.

9.1.19