CEREMONY LARGELY ATTENDED

Chronicle (Levin), 26 April 1946, Page 8

CEREMONY LARGELY ATTENDED

Anzac services in Otaki and district were largely attended and, as usual, rpuch •mterest was taken in the proceedings. The day was fine, and the Levin Pipe Band under Drum-Major L. ■S. -Carmichael and the Otaki Brass Band under Bancimaster Dinnison were in attendance for the parade, which was comprised of an exceilent assemblage of retutned men of both Wars, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, Cubs and school children. The parade was from tlie Otaki State School to the Civic Theatre, where the memojial service w^s held.

On the stage were the Mayor' (Mr. C. F. Atmore ) , Canon Fry, tne Revs. x'ickering, Temuera aua Asnwm, Generai R. Young, Colonel C. G. ^owies, Mr. Cooksey arid Mr. Hariy Elderton, a Souon Atrican veteran. In opening tne proceedings, His Worship -said t-hat Anzac Day was originany set aside that we mighi pay our proud tribute to the memory of an tnose ganant men and women who had given then lives in the great -cause of freedom during World War I, but after the outoreak of World War II by common consem we honoured that aay, too, the proud memory of all tnose who hau fought and died for the great victory which had so recenny been •won. In other words Anzac Day oommemorated the lliustrious deaa of both wars. Atter neany six long years of terrific struggie nnzac Da> once again dawned to find the world at peace. The speaker said it •vvas the nope of all that tnat peace would be ev-eiiasting.

Then followed the hymn, "O God Our Help in Ages Past," accompanied by the Otaki Brass Band, a prayer by Mr. Ashwin, another hymn, "Onward Christian Soldiers,' ana a Script-ure reading by Mr. Pickering. Mr. Atmore then introduce4d Mr. Cooksey, Dominion Presi- | fient, who gave the address. Mr. Cooksey stated that it was a privilege to attend at ' Otaki to give an address. He explained that the day had been set asids to •eommsmorate the doings of the men whc had laid down their lives in Woria Wtar I, and he regretted that man; relatives and friends had suffereo grievous losses. He offered all his sympathy. It was gratifying to stx jso many men of the tv/o wars pres- ! ent, and he assured them that tne;, ; v/ould not be forgotten. The mei iwho had laid down their lives a-nc I those who had returned, had gainea !a high reputation for their bravery, and all were ■ proud of them. Mr.- Cooksey spoke of tlie doings ot the Mother Country, and mentionec j the glowing ref erences to the fight iing abifity : of the New Zeaianuer. Ilt had to be admitted that all were propd to belong to such an Empire. He spoke of the spirit of Anzac Day, which had to be continued, and paid a tribute to all the fighting | forces of the war. In the future it : behov.ed all to wear the armour of God, and .do their duty, realising at the same time that the wars nad jnot been fought in vain. (Appiause) . The Benediction was then proInounced in Maori by Mr, Temuera, jprior to which a hymn, "For Those I at Sea," was sung. Then followed 'the National Anthem, after wnicn the procession was reformed aiid. under Mr . Fearnley, marched to the cenotaph for the placing of wreaths, prior to which Generai Young stated that after paying expense^ for the service the proceeds would. be used to relieve distress among local returned soldiers. | At the cenotaph wreaths were laid by the Mayor on behalf of the Otaki Borough Council and Generai | Young on behalf of the Otaki R.S.A., followed by the Boy Scouts, :Girl .Guides, school children and the ! public. Many were the beautiful j wreaths placed on the memorial. ( The Lev-in Pipe Band played- a ! Highland lament and then the Last Post was sftunded by Bandmas'ter Dinnison. The. - arrangements throughout Were well carried out with credit to m-emfoers -of the Otaki R.S.A.