ANZAC DAY SERVICES

Chronicle (Levin), 9 August 1946, Page 4

ANZAC DAY SERVICES

mayor refers to current controversy

Reference to the current controversy about the form of Anzac Day services was made by the Mayor (Mr. H. B. Burdekin) at a meeting in Levin this week. The form of service which had been used for more than twenty years,- and which was followed in Levin last Anzac Day, had been criticised by a large section of the members of the R.S.A., particularly those of the Roman Catholic faith_, who were prohibited from participating in services conducted by ministers of other religions. Another objection raised by those opposing the present form of service was that it had become more of a civilian observance, whereas it really concerned only returned servicemen. A few R.S.A. branches conducted a form of service last Anzac Day at which all denominations were able to be present, but the majority of towns had used the old form. Mr. Burdekin said that Anzac Day would soon be embodied in a'n amending act, in which it would be made a day set aside to commemorate all those who had served in the forces in any war at any time. The question of the services had come before the last Dominion conference of the N.Z.R.S.A., confcinued Mr. Burdekin. There had been a feeling for some years past that there should be a service in -which all churches could take part, and an endeavour had been made to reach' a basis which would not offend any religion. Two members of the Roman Catholic hierarchy had met a committee of the R.S.A., and explained that it was impossible for clergy and members of the Catholic faith to take part in the old form of service. They suggested that some form of service be devised which would elimmate this bar. So far nothing definite had been decided, but the matter would be considered at the next Dominion conference. The R.S.A. would take no action which was 'likely to offend the susceptibilities of tliose who had been accustomed to the old form of service.