ANZAC DAY.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2745, 14 April 1916, Page 6

ANZAC DAY.

Sir,—ln considering the important matter of the.various demonstrations that will take place throughout New Zealand on the 25th of this month to commemorate the glorious deeds of our brave colonial troops at AnzaCj I have come to the conclusion that this opportunity should be availed of to rendor practical service to the men of all ranks who are suffering as the outcome of their loyal service to the Empire. It is well that in every town and district throughout the country we should meet in our. thousands, with deepest reverence to honour our sacred dead, and l with the fondest goodwill to rejoice with those who remain. It should he a day (to be ever romembered) when we shall universally mark our deep indebtedness to our gallant heroes who fought with splendid valour at Gallipoli. With songs of praise and the bowed' head of reverent gratitude and faith we will do honour to the soldiers who have highly honoured their Empire and country by the bravery of their acts. Whilst express-, ing our universal respect and admiration, we must still remember how much remains to he done in connection with this great war for the liberation of humanity. For a long period of time our brave soldiers at the frcnt will he smitten with sickness and • laid aside with cruel wounds, and the cry for aid must ring incessantly in our ears, moving our hearts and hands to acts of justice and mercy. The angels of loving, kindness and mercy, are-found in the persons of the noble and'tender nurses, and helpers at the front now engaged in caring for the sick, the wounded, and the dying. For this great work of humanity meansand more means are ever urgently required. I can think of no way to more fittingly mark oiir high appreciation of the heroes of Anzac—who "were wounded in. -our defence"—than to present a universal gift of money and goods to the sick and wounded' soldiers. The Order of St. John, the Red Cross, and all guilds of mercy would receive fresh inspiration and stimulus in their noble work by the translation of this thought into definite action on Anzac Day. Surely, the celebration will be enhanc-. Ed in value' if from-end to end of the country; in all cities, towns, and com-, munities; from all callings, creeds, and persons the hands of real kindness are stretched forth' in giving freely to our •wounded soldiers at the front. _ The Government might lead this movement by making a handsome contribution to the Red Cross funds, the local bodies taking similar action; all private companies should add their quota, _ and the general body of private citizens come in (as I helieve they would gladly) to swell the grand total of New Zealand's Anzac Day Gift to our brave soldiers now fighting and suffering for the sacred cause of justice, liberty,- and right. I make these suggestions because I feel that Ansae Day will be still more glorious if we seek to mark its advent by giving service for service. If on that day we will universally emulate the spirit, of our (heroes of Anzao and give freely for our Empire and humanity such action must rejoice all Anzac men living, and cheer the loved ones of those who dying "gave all for us.' My appeal is for a temple and monument of free gifts in the sacred cause of justice and mercy; .the foundation of this proud structure to be laid on Anzac Day, 1916, in glorious remembrance of our hertes, living and dead, who grandly, gave themselves on the Gallipoli Peninsula, in 1915. Let the spirit; of Anzao speak. Thus may we most fittingly open our annual celebration of Anzac Day, the day of which New Zealand can be justly proud, her day of greatest ■saori-fice.-ram.etc.,. ,