ON ANZAC DAY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 182, 28 April 1919, Page 7

ON ANZAC DAY

AN INTERESTING FUNCTION. An interesting function in connection' with Auzac week took place in the Presbyterian Church, Island Bay, on Wednesday evening last, : when "tlie roll of honour of the congregation was unveiled by Colohcl-J. G. Hughes. 'Following the religious part of the ceremony- a --'welcome" social was tendered to the returned soldiers of tho , district, - and a programino of national songs and recitations woe rendered in a very spirited manner by the "Rainbow" Choir. A "welcome" eong, entitled "Haeremai," composed by the Rov. J. M. Thomson, was stirringly given by the boys and girls. Tho Maori phrases introduced into the chorus had a line, effect, and >t rousing Maori cheer fit' 'the end wna given by the boys with great susto. This song, which has been harmonised by Mr. Robert Parker, was written as tho children's special contribution to the ''welcome home" of tlia soldiers, and is well worthy of a place in connection with tho forthcoming pence' celebrations/ The second verse is as follows:—

"Stoutly you faced the dancers 6! the BDas ( Swiftly sailed Samoa's Isle to seize. Bravely fought Turk, German, end' disoaso ' Tor honour, light, and liberty. Gnlllpoli's stoores could.not forbid attack. Sleep oMffß frowning could not hold you back You scaled thorn pToudly, with bay'net ana pack, Tor honour, right, and liberty.' • . Another ewcet liltlo song on Anzao Day, also written by the Rev. J. M< Thomson, and sung by his two children, contained several very touching verses, of which we quote these two:—"Uiiflroven yot on battlefields. -Unstained with war's red tears; Unclouded ekiee, unshadowed eyes Of the Amac voluntcere. "No grimmer task was over, known Than that, stern shore up-rcars; They stand the test: and somo "went West.' Of the Anzae vohuitcere." Colonel Hughes intensely interested the audience, old and young, willi his many fine reminiscences'of Anzae .Day, nnd of the great effort made in llio following August, when tho New Zralnmlers and Australians gninod oil tlioir five objectives, holding Ciiunuk Hair itself for two days. • Hearty cheers wcro given for . the colonel, for the Anpc.boys, anrl f ,fnr.4ho "gallant 29th Division.". ■■-'' Mr. Keys received a woll-deservcd enoore for his song, "Tho Deathless Army,"• and Mesdames Bath nnd Webloy noted aa nccompiiniste. A collection for the Eβ* turned Soldiers' funds realised .£3. -Supj por was dispensed by .the ladies at tfie close, and proceedings wero brought to a oloss Tvlth tho National Antlem*