A STRIKING ADDRESS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2755, 26 April 1916, Page 4

A STRIKING ADDRESS

The Rev. Dr. Gibb indulged in some plain speaking in his address at the Anzac memorial service held in the Town Hall yesterday afternoon. He took a comprehensive and rational view of the situation. It was not a pessimistic picture that he-'painted, but it was a true one. ■He reminded his hearers that tha enemy is not beaten yet, and that the Allies are still confronted by an enormously difficult task. He gave no encouragement to that spirit of shallow optimism that rests contentedly in the comforting belief that the stars in their courses are fighting on our side, ajid that we are bound to win in the end, almost in spite of ourselves. , Dr. Gibb declared that we are not going to win this war until we prove that we deserve to win it, and said the best way of showing our gratitude to the Anzac heroes is to carry the work which they commenced to a triumphant conclusion. De. Gibb is evidently no't afraid of being accused of acting as a recruiting agent, for he made a direct and powerful appeal to the young men of New Zealand to. join the colours, and take their part in the great fight for the world's • freedom. -It would be a fine thing if all the men required could be obtained under the voluntary system, but Dr. Gibb realises that all the men. needed must he found, and he asserted that if some measure of compulsion should prove to be necessary the Government must, not be afraid to do its duty. He also laid proper stress upon the necessity of-making ample provision for tho dependents of the brave men who sacrifice their lives for us. There must be no failure in this national obligation. Tho address was full of good points. It was thoughtful and thought-provoking, and was inevery way worthy of. the occasion.