End of the Boer War

[janwhin]

The Morpeth Herald of 7 June 1902, details how Amble celebrated the ending of the Boer War:
"The news that peace had been proclaimed reached Amble in a rather roundabout fashion, early on Sunday evening. At first a large element of uncertainty hung round the story, but later on it was confirmed beyond doubt, and then commenced such a hubbub as has rarely been witnessed in the small town. In our northern borderland there are still strong traces of Puritanical strictures on the Sabbath Day, and for a short while, but only a very short while, this restrained an extraordinary amount of exuberance which worked out later on. The harbour was the scene of a great pandemonium huge crowds making their way thither, attracted by the steamers in the harbour shrieking forth the glad news. This form of celebrating was soon stopped however, lest it should be mistaken for the colliery buzzers, and thus lay the pits idle. By eleven o'clock the excitement was almost at fever heat, and stealthy operations were being performed to have a great blaze. This was nipped in the bud by the interference of officials and policeman, but was carried out later. Law and order were set aside, and young bloods through the whole of the night did pretty much they liked. A good many took it for granted that the pits would be idle-a proposition of two years standing, and two of the neighbouring collieries were forced to suspend operations on account of men and boys absenting themselves. Enthusiasm not having attained its zenith at Broomhill, the colliery was set to work only to have the turn at holidaying next day. A great attempt at orderly celebration was proposed for Monday evening, when a huge bonfire, together with a brilliant fireworks display, was given in a field at the west of the town. This was a genuine treat for old and young, and brought together a crowd of people never before seen in Amble."

Don't you just love it