ANZAC DAY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 67, 27 April 1943, Page 5

ANZAC DAY

WHAKATANE REMEMBERS

representative parade

| CEREMONIAL AT POHATUROA Historic Pohaturoa Rock was the scene of yet another Anzac Memorial Service last Suncfay, when in spite overcast skies and a chilling wind a crowd of many hundreds gathered to watch the parade of ex soldiers. Home Guardsmen and other district units and to participate in the siolemn service in memory of the fallen. The same deep note of sincerity and feeling which has characterised past services was present though the speakers suffered considerable handicap from the strong norwesterlv which swept across the plainsi for the whole of vhe afternoon. The particle was perhaps the largest r VVhakatane lias seen in connection with Anzac the ex soldiers unit being' Increased noticeably by the number of younger men repatriated from the present war. The Home Guardsmen comprised 1 the largest section of the parade and were followed by the local and auxiliary fire brigade, the V.A.D. unit, looking particularly smart and, marching well, the Scout troops (Scottish and Citizens), and Cub pack. and the Girl Guides. The Caledonian Society's Pixie Band headed the parade swinging along to the brisk step of John Bain McKenzie' march. The procession made an imposing sight as it entered the Strand which it more than filled at the lime when the head reached, the Cenotaph. R.S.A. Pride of Place As in the past the. R.S.A. held pride of place and was drawn up to the right of the memorial and the temporary dais on the . green. The usual large cross was marked out on the grass, to be later filled with the poppies planted therein by the Returned Soldiers as a gesture to their comrades of former years, and who did not come home. This simple gesture as always was the most impressive, of the service. On the dais the official party composed His Worship the Mayor (Mr B. S. Barry) who presided, Rev. H. Hogg (Presbyterian), Rev. G. V. Thomas (Methodist), Rev..J. G. J. Wilson (Anglican), Mr W. Sullivan M.P., representatives of town and district local bodies. The parade was under the command of Major C. W. Wilson. Official Wreaths The placing of the official wreaths on the Cenotaph was the signal for the Boys Band to strike up the beautiful funereal piece 'A Garland of Flowers' which it played with mark-, ed effect, nicety of balance and feeling. Once more the line of mourners who by their sincerity and. remembrance help to keep the spirit of Anzac so green, came forward with their offerings. Beautiful wreaths of autumn tones predominated but some were mere bun--chcs of flo Avers or sprigs of greenery offered to mark the memory of some dear one lost either twenty-five years ago or more recently. The base of the memorial was soon a glowing mass of colour and the observer could not fail to note the posy laid by the tiny girl in air force blue who came forward with the rest and made her own gesture. March Back to Town

The entire parade, headed once more by the pipes, then marched down Commerce Street as far as the tank trap, where it wheeled and returned to the rock to perform the last act of ceremony or as the official programme put it, a salute to the glorious dead. Past the four silent figures with rfcversed arms, who had stood guard at the cenotaph throughout the whole service, the .long line marched. Tlv- steady beat of marching feet, being only broken by the. crisp commands of 'eyes right' as each unit came abreast with the. centre of attention. The Pipes struck up again as the parade entered the. Strand and headed off to the monument, where after coming 'to a halt and being briefly addressed by Major Wilson the gathering dispersed. Thus one more Anzac Day service came to an end. The order of service was as under: National Anthem; ITymn 'All People That on Earth do Dwell'; Prayer, Rev. G. V. Thomas; Hymn 'Kipling's Recessional; Scripture reading, Rev. J. C. J. Wilson (120tli Chap John); Hymn, 'O God Our Help in Ages Past': Address, Rev. 11. Hogg; Hymn, 'Abide With Me'; Benediction, Rev. H. Hogg; Last Post and Reveille (Mr W. Jarrctt). Two minutes silence.