On the 11th day of the 11th month, and just bordering on the 11th hour, the thrilling news came through on the phone to the ‘Express’ office that, ’The Prime Minister states that armistice was signed at 5a.m. today. Hostilities will cease on all fronts at 11a.m. today’.

The news spread with the most amazing rapidity and many were the callers at the ‘Express’ office personally and by telephone as to the authenticity of the report. Quite satisfied that it was true, the good old Union Jack and the White Ensign were quickly run up at the Victoria Hotel, Institute, Schools, Railway Works, McCorquodale’s and very soon this example was followed by flags, gaily fluttering from hundreds of buildings.

People grasped each other’s hands and offered mutual felicitations that the great hour had arrived when the booming of guns had given place to songs of victory. Small flags, red, white and blue ribbons and rosettes appeared like magic and the observer marvelled from whence they had been produced at such short notice. By 11-15 the news had gone into the Printing Works and the employees soon began to let themselves go with delight at the news.