DISTRICT NEWS.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 629, 3 May 1921, Page 5

DISTRICT NEWS.

BUCKLAND. SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL. Anzac Day was observed here by the residents turning out en masse to do honour to our fallen soldiers. The school children were mustered at the school under the headmaster (Mr Wily) and his assistants (Miss Morgan, Miss Knowles and Mr Coyle, and marched to the ground adjoining the railway station, where the monument has been built, a handsome structure of some 6ft solid cemented foundation and some 3ft of rough bluestone, which is ■ surmounted by rough dressed Australian marble in the form of a wreathed cross, the whole structure being some 16ft in height. On the side facing Hamilton’s Road the marble is polished and bears the simple- inscription “In memory of the men from this district who fell in the Great War, 1914-18.” Punctually at 11 o’clock Mr Allan ascended the platform and commenced the service by giving out the hymn “Oh God Our Help in Ages Past,” All joined in repeating the Lord's prayer, the school children sang “God our Fathers.” Mr Allan then briefly addressed the gathering, narrating the steps taken which culminated in the erection. He explained why no names had been put on and exhorted the young people to honour and protect the erection and obtained their promise to do their utmost to care for the ground. Master Charles McPherson was then called upon to unveil, all standing in silence for a moment, then Rev. Olphert engaged in prayer. “Nearer My God to Thee” was sung, and the rev. gentleman delivered a very fine address. Cr. Wilcox, an old resident, added a few words of sympathy with the bereaved and counsel for the young folk. “Lead, Kindly Light” was then sung, the Benediction pronounced and a very simple and impressive service ended with the National Anthem. Mr J. Danes led the singing, Miss Allan piesided at the organ kindly lent by the Methodist Church trustees. During the singing of a hymn the school children deposited two beautiful wreaths with the inscription:-

STANDARDS. We, the children of our district. With a tender, reverent thought: Bring a wreath in simple token. Of our safety dearly bought. In loving memory of our soldiers, For their names are honoured yet It shall not be said of Buckland That they lived just to “Forget.” PRIMERS. We the babies of our district, With a tender, reverent thought: Bring a wreath in simple token Of our safety dearly bought. We’ll remember our brave soldiers; All the years before us yet; ’Twill not he said of Buckland babies That they live and they forget. The returned soldiers also had a most artistic wreath of white chrysanthemums which was placed by Mr Bert Leighton, who wore his military medal. The wreath bore the inscription, “In memory of our fallen comrades, fi-om Buckland returned soldiers.” The school children and some of the residents s ,placed wreaths and crosses, many little ones coming forward with little bunches until the monument was garlanded. The Union Jack and New Zealand Ensign was flown half-mast.