CEREMONY AT MEMORIAL

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28261, 26 April 1957, Page 12

CEREMONY AT MEMORIAL

Laying Of Wreaths Four red and three white roses with a sprig of greenery were among wreaths which were laid at the foot of the war memorial in Cathedral square after the citizens’ service. The wreaths covered the base of the memorial and were laid by representatives of military and civil organisations. A short dedication service was held before the memorial and the Bishop of Christchurch (the Rt. Rev. A. K. Warren) offered a prayer for the dead. The band of the Ist Canterbury Regiment led a procession of wreath-bearers and veterans from three wars into the memorial grounds, and under greying skies a large crowd paid tribute to the dead in prayer and hymns. Throughout the short service members of the Legion of Frontiersmen mounted guard, their heads bowed over reversed rifles.

Wreaths were laid by Mr J. R. Marshall (Attorney-General) for the New Zealand overnment, by Vice-Admiral Sir John Collins. Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, on behalf oL the

Australian Government, by representatives of the armed services, the Christchurch City Council, Returned Services’ Association. Homeservicemen’s Association, the Christchurch Police Force, and many Christchurch organisations.