OBSERVANCE OF ANZAC DAY

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 625, 19 April 1921, Page 4

OBSERVANCE OF ANZAC DAY

April 25 is now recognised as a general holiday throughout Australasia. This date is the anniversary of the memorable landing of the Anzacs on Gallipoli, and it is fitting that the memory of that great episode should be kept in mind. But An z ae Day has a much wider and deeper significance. It is recognised as a sacred dry in memory of the great sacrifices made by our boys for the cause of righteousness. In New Zealand April 25 will be observed as a sacred day—not merely as a public holiday. Other Australian States are following suit. If will be of interest to business people and the public generally to know that under the Act of 192 G Anzac J)ay is declared to be a natonal holiday in New Zealand. The Act reads: “In commemoration of the part taken by New Zealand troops in the Great War, and in memory of those of gave their lives for the Empire, the 25th day of April in each year (being the anniversary of the first landing of English, Australian and New Zealand troops on Gallipoli) shall be known as Anzac Day, and shall be observed throughout New Zealand as a public holiday.” The schedule to the Public Holidays Act is amended by adding thereto the words, “Anzac Day,” and the provisions of section 189 of the Licensing Act, 1908, shall hereafter be construed to require the closing of licensed premises on Anzac Day in the same manner as on Christmas Day and Good Friday, The final clause reads: “After the passing of this Act, the Minister for Interna! Affairs shall not grant a license under the Gaming Act, 1908, to any racing club to use the totalisator at any • horse race meeting proposed to be held on Anzac Day and shall not grant a license under the Race Meetings Act, 1909, to any club to conduct horse races on Anzac Day.”