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Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1917, Page 4

Gathering on Cass Square. 1

6elf * for h,B c ° a “ tr /’. Th ® a ° “ en have shown that their patriotism is a

There was a large gathering of townspeople yesterday afternoon at the Town Hall, where the procession was formed and marched to Cass Square, Headed by the Town Bind, there was a good parade of returred soldiers, the Senior Cadets were over fifty strong under Lfint Ricbardeon, and tbe sobool children and general public were in good force. Ou ariival at Cass Square the adverlissd programme was carried out, the Band playing and the assemblage joining in the National Anthem and set hymns.

higher and sweeter thing than the patriotism asaociated with the waving 0 f fl a g ß and beating of drums. He cherished tbe hope that out of this wa r there will come a better, happier atid sweeter world. These men of Anzac have done their dnty. They had done their bit loyally and Well, He trusted that future years will bring muoh of the sunshine and joy of life, and peace of mind and health to every Arzao. (Applause.) Mr H. L. Michei said they were only doing whtM is right iu remembering Ar z*e Day, and iu commemorating

Mi H. M. Oouison, Denary Mayor, was the first speaker, and her apologised for the absence of Mr Perry through illness. Mr Coulson taid they had gathered together that day to show their outward and visible signs of appreciation of the gallant acts of the heroes who took part in the landing at Gallipoli two years ago. They could well feel proud of the way iu which the sons of the Empire had answered the call to defend tbe honor of the Empire against the ravages of the tyrant foe and her Allies, a nation which has violated all the usages of

one of the most fateful incidents of our history. ' We. know that tbe Gallipoli landing was a feat that the military authorities had said was an impossible one. The nation was prond of them and their fame would be remembered for many generations. There was the magnificent side to the landing, but there was also the sad one and he oondoled with those who had lost their loved ones. He repeated Mr Bonar Law’s hope of the end of the war being speedily effected and that Britain would be successful.

humanity and proved herself unfit to mix with the peoples of the world. In a leDgthy speech Mr Oonlson continued that we must not foiget the men who fell at Gallipoli. They had died bravely, fighting nobly for their country. Neither must we forget those who had lost their loved ones. The fice record of men of Gallipoli was one that the oountry would always look back on with the greatest of pride. ( J E. Holloway asked his audience to think of two words, independence and patriotism. Independence, l once English man’s proud boast was now seen to mean nothing bat selfishness, 3 It used to bo a word greatly loved by T Englishmen, but the war had taught its true meaning. He instanced a family life. The perent gives com. mand for the good of the family. The r children's part is obedience, for the 1 honor of the family. Woe to the family with lack of authority. The i nation is as the family and must Have authority and obedience. It was this want of authority that oaussd the British race to be the laugbiug stock of the German people befoie the war broke out, but it won’t occur again. The naticm, like tbe children of a family, must bave authority and obedience. God grant that tbe war last long enough to enable us to learn that lesson properly. (Applause.) Another word on independence. There must be authority and he was glad the authorities in New Zealand are giving us a stronger lead. It wonld be a most ominous thing if they did not do so. They did not intend to allow one member cf the family to dictate to the res*. It was “ up to up,” a great expression, to do our duty. It was up to us to back them up and obey them t It was up to us to uphold con. Bcription, the only way by which the war would be carried on to a successful conclusion. Love and honor wore the controllers of the progress of the State, and we must if we desire to bo snccessfal back up the head by every means. These men who went to Gallipoli went for love of country and died for their country. It was patriotism in the highest sense that one oan think of. From out of this a real patriotism is coming a thorough obedienoe to authority which God grant, wa will render. (Applause). Mr H. Normao, Councy Chairman, expressed his pleasure at being present that day to do honor to the men who had so gallantly upheld tbe British arms in that great landing at Gallipoli. It was a feat that. they were all proud of and one that would go down to history, and will long be remembered and written of by the chroniolers of history in the future. R6v H. Ryan expressed his appreciation at being able to welcome the returned soldiers and to bave tbe honor of thanking the Anzios for what they havo been and what they have : done. They were all as one in the • expression of welcome .">nd expression of thanks to the men who went away 1 to help to smash the foe. The men 1 of Anzac had done deeds that were almost impossible and they deserved their best thanks for saving us from the dangers that threatened the na- : tion. As a nation we thank these 1 Anzac men and he prayed that New • Zealand would not forget them and 1 what they had done. The authorities I mast be made to recognise their dnty, I so that no returned soldier in the - future should be in want or have to go < cap in hand seeking means of livelihood for he has not hesitated to give i up his dearest possession—his life it- c i

A further anthem was then sung and the assemblage stood bareheaded in tribute to those who fell. The National Anthem then brought the gathering to a successful conclusion.

WESTPORT, April 23,

Anzao Day was celebrated with a great procession and a very largely attended memorial service, at which stirring adresses wore delivered by Rev, Patcliett of Greymoutli and other speakers. The anti-strike remarks being demonstratively applauded.