LARGE CROWD ATTENDS SIMPLE BUT IMPRESSIVE DISTRICT ANZAC DAY CEREMONY IN FINE WEATHER

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 26, 26 April 1950, Page 5

LARGE CROWD ATTENDS SIMPLE BUT IMPRESSIVE DISTRICT ANZAC DAY CEREMONY IN FINE WEATHER

A large crowd ifci both the procession and the service itself attended the united Anzac Day service held at the Pohaturoa Rock, Whakatane, yesterday in brilliantly fine weather. Visitors from all over the district took part wholeheartedly in an impressive ceremony, while the great number of wreaths laid on the cenotaph in all their coloured floral glory certainly mirrored the beauty of the memories and thoughts of those who presented them.

The service was brief b|ut memorable and all the more touching in its full simplicity. It was held after the main procession which was led by the Saint Andrew’s Pipe Band. Then came returned servicemen, Legion of Frontiersmen, Boys’ Brigade, Scouts, Cubs and Life Guards. . v

The cadets of the Whakatane High School supplied the guard of honour. Music was played by the Whakatane Citizens’ Band and the service was presided over by the Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry. Also on the official platform were the Hon. W. Sullivan M.P., Mr J. L. Burnett, chairman of the Whakatane County Council, and Mr J. Mullins, chairman of the Bay of Plenty Hospital Hoard. The ministers in attendance were the Reverend T. Loten, who gave the service address, the Reverend R. T. Dodds, who led the _prayer, and the Reverend W. Jen.km, who read the sciipture. '• The procession marched through

the town from the old wharf. This was followed by the service. The last post was sounded, wreaths were laid and then the procession moved away, saluting the cenotaph in the march past.

LASTING PEACE WILL COME WITH HELP OF GOD

“We must work for a lasting peace now that we have won the war and in working for peace we must spare no effort in establishing peace—God’s peace,” said the Reverend T. Loten in an address at the .Anzac Day ceremony at Whakatane yesterday. During the war the nation had followed one man, and mow in peace there was another man to follow—Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Anzac Day, the Reverend Loten continued, was not only the time for a few moments'in which to remember. It was something more.

A time when it should be resolved that the destruction and .misery of war would never be repeated. “As we pause and honour those men who gave us so much let us pray for peace. Let us walk with God, in his steps, for his purpose to establish a lasting and righteous peace.”'

The Reverend Loten reminded the gathering that Anzac Day was the day when the whole nation paid .homage to brave men. When a tribute was paid to those who had in three wars. Old wounds were opened by those who had suffered some loss, but at the same time it should remind all that all. the bloodshed, misery and horror of another war should be avoided.

Anzac Day represented a challenge to the people to put into practice the high principles for which so many died.

Brief Service Is Well Attended At Taneatua

A similar Anzac service impressive in its simplicity was held at Taneatua yesterday afternoon and was attended by a large crowd from the surrounding district. The procession was led by the Saint Andrew’s Pipe Band. Those who marched were returned servicemen and women, Boys’ Brigade and Girl Guides.

At the service, which was presided over by Mr A. F. McGougan, the address was given by the Reverend T. Loten while the scripture was read by the Reverend Humble, Taneatua.

The music was played by the Whakatane Citizens’ Band.