The Chronicle LEVIN. TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 1916. THE ANNIVERSARY OF ANZAC.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 11 April 1916, Page 2

The Chronicle LEVIN. TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 1916. THE ANNIVERSARY OF ANZAC.

• 'Anzac Bay'' fails on Tuesday, 25th I April, being the first anniversary ot the landing of Australian, -New Zealand ;md iii-itisli troops at the DarI dandles, in face of a murderous fire j from the defending Turks. This ! event will go down in Australasian i history as the occasion of a giorious | demonstration of flic courage and | daring of Australasians in most trying | and deadly circumstances. The "charge | of the light brigade" at Balaclava goes out- in history as the triumph oyer the forces" o't blundering direction, and the glory attaching to that woncirous exemplification of desperate daring in the "face of overwhelming odds shines in the eyes of aTNuations. Such heroism, though in military effect it achieves no tactical gain, does a great deal more (despite its failure) than hundreds of successful military, actions have achieved. The spirit 01 the nation rises in heartfelt appreciation of its bygone heroes whenever proper contemplation is made of the true aspects of such achievenents, and every true Briton feels a thrill of pride, and a sense of deep reverence 'for the sacrificed, as his thoughts dwell upon such historic events. Whether Anzac will go clown in history illumined witlT sucli superfine rays as Balaclava remains for dispassionate history to decide. In the qualities of courage and elan it shines in the ryes of all, but the regrettable lack of field discipline 011 the part of certain companies during the advance, and tintragedy tliat 'resulted 'therefrom will detract in some measure from its stronger points in the eyes erf military judges. But Anzac will have one characteristic in common with the greater event, to our mind: the landing was the coping-stone to a disastrous order, and was crowned # by the "supreme courage and self-sacrifice of the British troops of which our men from New- Zealand and Australia wore n component part. They did their duty to the end,' with a fearlessness and devotion that faltered not; and their unnumbered graves are tlie testimony to the fearsome nature ot the superhuman task that was set them. Having in mind all these matters, is is fit and proper that wo should resolve £0 make the annivarsary of Anzac Day an occasion for solemn celebration as every year revolves, and therefore the lead in' the matter now being given by the Government of New Zealand should meet with whole-hearted support. The , proclamation runs:— Prime Minister's Office, Wellington Sth Ann I. I hereby notify, for public information. that the Government have decided to observe a halMioliday, commencing at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, th« 25th April, in commemoration of "Anzac Day," and I shall be glad if the mayors of all cities and boroughs, the chairmen of city councils and town boards, as well as other local bodies, -as far as their districts are concerned. will similarly reserve the dav n remembrance of Hie notable deeds performed bv the Australians and our brave New Zealand soldiers on that memorable and historical j

occasion. It is specially fitting that oil this occasion special services of public worship be held by all religious demiioniinations, and L therefore appeal to all lijmisters of religion and ail eongrega-. tions to hokl services on behall ot tlie people of the Dominion at such hours during the lorenoon or afternoon as are found con veil ent." The New Zealand ensign iv.tl be displayed 011 all public 011 ldings in the Dominion from sunrise to sunset. it is requestedtha I managers and representatives of shipping companies should direct that all ships in the various harbours display their flags during that day. The Government is oi opinion that the (lay should; not ' be marked by the holding 01 sports or similar forms ol entertainment. It is considered, however, that the occasion is particularly one upon which opportunity should be token for all recruiting bodies and others to arrange patriotic meetings for the evening, not only to commemorate the anniversary, •but also with a view to assisting the recruiting campaign, the question of how this may best be done being left entirely to* the discretion of those immediately coneer'''ed.—'W. P. MXS&EY. Prime Minister.