ANZAC DAY CELEBRATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1918, Page 1

ANZAC DAY CELEBRATIONS.

GATHERINGS IN HOKITIKA

April 25th, 1915, memorable in history because of the landing of the British troops on Gallipoli Peninsula, is embalmed in New Zealand’s record of the war, by reason of our own troops being associated in that remarkable achievement. Yesterday was the third anniversary of an event which at the time of happening, thrilled the whole Dominion. The day was obessed»as a general holiday, and various functions were organised to mark the occasion.'

At 12..'10 o’clock the Patriotic Society gave a reunion luncheon to all returned soldiers at Kelljer’s {Hotel, where there was a substantial spread prepared. The Mayor (51 r. Perry) preand the County Chairman (.Mr. Ward) occupied the vice-chair. Several Defence officers were present, including Captain Colelough of Greymouth, but there was not a lull attendance of returned men. The* members of the''Patriotic Committee were present, as also leading .citizens who have been assisting' in patriotic work. After the Koval toast, the Mayor proposed “The Anzaes,” ex-Lieut. Tulloch briefly acknowledging. The County Chairman proposed ‘‘The Defence Forces of the Umpire,” Major Jeffries responding. Songs were given bv Major Jeffries and Mr 51 aek, and the gathering eon- i eluded with the singing of the British National Anthem, Mr Lawn kindly playing the accompaniments. 1 PATRIOTIC GATHERING. At 3 o’clock there was a fair muster of the public and school children in Hamilton Street, outside the Public Library. The Territorials, headed by a strong band marched to the rendezvous, and formed up before the steps, where a patriotic, meeting was conducted bv his Worship 'the Mayor, Mr. Perry, M.B.C. The Defence forces gave the general salute, and the band played the Na-

tional Anthem. The Mayor referred to Anzac Day and its associations with the Gallipolia'i campaign, which though not suc-ce-'sfril in itself, was helpful to the Allies in other theatres, by dividing the forces of the enemy. The deed performed three years ago deserved to go down in history and be remembered. Our own men took part in'that great event and displayed the highest heroism and hr Avery. The war taught us as a nation to he prepared to resist

utside aggression. Beyond our' bordix were the enemy from which ' our '■mitry must la* protected. Wai' was

di tasteful, hut it had become a necessi'v. and we must be prepared. They were at a great crisis now, and the deeds which had been done should never lie forgotten. The course of events proved that the British forces w re as good now as ever iii the uTill- Is of history. The same remark applied to the Navy which had just per. femed so gallant a deed at Ostend. T' e Navy showed that the British spirit was as brave and enterprising as ever it w:as. The Anzac spirit was t' riical of the race, and the records jvade bv our brave defenders would li>-<. in history for all time.

Mr. B. "Ward, County Chairman, s" id “Anzac” had become a household b -word, and the memory of the deeds it svmboliscd they were called on to r 'ehrate. He referred to the parti-e-lars of the landing carried through >• ; lli consummate skill and courage. The story of the event stirs one’s b’-iod. How gallantly our soldiers c’imhed the first hill, and then reached s' rapncl Valley, where they were in range of the Turkish guns. For eight months they hung on and lived like s- Idiers—our hoys who but l a few months before had had no thought of v-ir. Danger and death lurked, all. about them— the very trees, hiding t’■' snipers. General Bird wood had “ ibuted the Anzaes in the most glowi’g terms of appreciation, and their e-eat achievements would never be for-!'->tt«*n. Here in' New Zealand they should all be resolute to tile end, and e ntinue to support the war to that '•’ctorious. end all so greatly longed

I.icv. Dr. Holloway said the(*o "T re too many who would be glad to see the v ar over at any moment with peace at any price. But they must keep up (be public determination to continue (be war to victory. The Churches’ Pa("iotic Union stood for that determination. The A time landing taught them wlmt real determination meant, and what could he achieved by it. Picture ('tn* men. hanging on there for those eight months. The civilians at home must he no less determined to push the war through to victory. The a at would flunctuate and we would have, our dark '(lavs, hut the nation which kept, up its spirit would win through. AAV must keep on, buck up, that was the spirit, if the war ended without either side winning, n great sword would hang over our heads, till the enemy was ready to-begin again, and that time there would be no mistake. AVe would be in constant peril, a condition worse than defeat. The children of to-day would be the sufferers then— but would we have it so?'.lt was a horrible prospect to go on with the war,’ but wc must go on for our nation’s honor, for our children’s safety. AAV must display the spirit of detenu i nation as did the Anssacs three years ago; and in going on so, we must stick to our principle rights to the end, and fight for righteousness and justice, freedom and liberty. Mr. ,T. Grimmond, Mayor of Boss, spoke briefly, but vigorously, in supoort of carrying the war to a successful conclusion. The day occasioned mixed feelings, but what the Anzncs had done should inspire others to go and do likewise. Their duty now was j to find as utility men as they could for tin* cause of the Empire. They had Commissions running about the country to decide who should or should not go ; but every single eligible man should go if fit. They had all a dujA* to do, to uphold the honor of their country. Britain was along with the great democratic, countries of the world endeavouring to uphold the rights of democracies, and they should endeavour to secure the victory in the shortest possible time. Air. H. Ij. Michel speaking of the landing-at Gallipoli said the forces engaged included many British regiments with great historical records. It jras a proud occasion for the Anzacs to bo associated with such. The landing had its terrifying side, but the heroism of, it all would never be forgotten. The present was a time in the history .of the countrv when some were not with us. There'were rebels abroad in these days. Some were' not with its in the

war. Disloyal statements were being made from time to time. Such people should realise what the Anzac spirit had done for their safety and security. What’ Britain is doing to-day is fighting for the freedom and liberty of the nations of the earth. Never since history 1 Kigali did their flag symbolise so much as the Union Jack of Old England did to-day. Like the Maoris of old wo must fight on and on, and not allow the red flag of rebellion to take the place of the Old Flag. Along with the other flags of tho Allies he hoped that—

The meteor flag of England Shall yet terrific burn,

Till dangers troubled night he passed. And the Star of Peace return.

Surgeon-Major .Teichelmnnn, (who served in the Eastern Mediterranean and France) spoke briefly on behalf of the returned soldiers. He said the Anzaes were like himself, better fighters than talkers, and there was a difficulty in getting any of them to come forward to address them. The .people all knew the record the Anzaes put up on Gallipoli. The men from New Zealand were doing as well in France, and lie trusted their efforts there would lie crowned with more successful results.

•The speechifying being concluded, the Territorials presented arms, and the dirge of the “Last Post” was sounded in memory of,the fallen An. zaes. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem, and tile gathering dispersed, the Defence forces of which there was a creditable parade) beaded by the band, marching hack to the Drill Shod! for dismissal. -V ' CHURCH SERVICES.

Church services of a memorial character were held in the evening, and drew considerable congregations.

PATRIOTIC CONCERT

Tho patriotic concert at the Town Hall was very largely attended. Mr Ivon Wilson had got together li. quartette of singers who were hosts in them selves and there was no difficulty in supplying an hour’s programme which was quite to the taste of the audience.' Mesdames Brook and Doctor and Messrs Short , and Wilson were the vocalists; and with s'olos and duets, quartettes and choruses, gave a most entertaining concert. Every item was ’encored,- some numbers fhree and four times. To tll,e more serious and classical numbers, songs in lighter vein of a humorous turn were added, and v the variety was very much to the delight of the audience. It was a surprisingly good programme, the rendition of which was heightened immeasurably by the accompaniments played by Mrs Ivon Wilson. A cordial vote of thanks to the performers, and the singing of the National Anthem closed this ■ delightful musical treat. RETURNED SOLDIERS’ DANCE. The social was held at the Drill Shed ami was much enjoyed. Good music was supplied, and the arrangements were such that all had a pleasant even ing. The ladies of the Overseas Club provided a tasteful supper, and the whole ‘function passed off very anjoylil v.

IN OTHER CENTRES,

AT WANGANUI.

WANGANUI, April 25

Anzac Day was celebrated by religious services and military demonstrations.

IN SOUTHLAND

INVERCARGILL, April 25

Anzac Day was celebrated in fine weather. A close holiday was observed. Services held in all churches in tho morning were well attended. A military parade was held and speeches given in the open in tho afternoon and (( ) a large patriotic meeting in the Theatre at night. The public entered sympathetically, into the purpose of the day, the observance .of which was in everv way satisfactory.

AT FEILDING

EETLDTNn, April 25

Anzac Day was celebrated by a Church Parade, to the Anglican Church this morning, at which a large number of returned officers and men were present, and at a .united service in the Hall in the afternoon all ministers took part. There wait a Very large gathering.

GENERAL BIRDWOOD’S, MESSAGE " WELLINGTON, April 25.

/ The Governor-General has received the following telegram From Genera, Birdwood: “On this, the third anniversary ol Anzac Day, I desire to convey the greetings of' the mtjinbfcrs of. the Australian and Imperial Force to the people of New Zealand, and to assure them that, the New Zealand anu Australian troops are - continuing to uphold the great traditions established on the 25th of April, 1915. The many months during which the Now Zeahiiid. and Australian troops have fought literally shoulder to shoulder in tin common cause, can never lie forgotten hv ' either. ' All who are fighting today realise the safety and honour or their home and people are as much in their safe custody, as they were three years ago and in this trust they win not fail.”

AT SYDNEY. SYDNEY, April 25

At Sydney Anzac Day was celebrated by a parade of returned soldiers. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed Recruiting rallies and intercession services were held.