ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1920, Page 4

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION.

LOCAL OBSERVANCES. Yesterday, the fifth anniversary of tho Anaae Landing at Gallipoli, was commemorated under unusually wet conditions. It rained as it never had rained before, and it maintained its deluge for hours. A semi-boisterous northerly held sway at times, and to adventure out was to ensure a wetting. Yet the townspeople assembled in duo course according to the set programme, and solemnly they paid their homage to the noble dead. It seemed fitting that the commemoration should be surrounded with Sunday observances, for it became stripped of its holiday air, and was essentially a holy day.

Punctually at the appointed hour the .military forces in considerable strength assembled at the Drill Shed under Major Jeffries. Other officers present included Captain Colclough, Adjutant Southard, Lieuts Fricklcton Y.C., Downey, Davies, Tullocli, Niven, and Pnrkln'll, and Sergt.-Majors Mclntosh and Solomon. The returned soldiers put forward a good muster, there was a sprinkling of Territorials and a good number of Senior Cadets. The band paraded in full force, a very creditable muster indeed. There were also a lew veterans on parade. When the men fell in, Lieut Frieldeton was in charge of those attending the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, Sergt Ward vi charge of those attending the Roman Catholic Church, and Captain Colclougli in charge of the section proceeding to All Saints’ Church. The band led the parade, playing a spirited march up Revell Street, and by way of Stafford street to the respective churches. The services in tho various churches wore well attended by the general public. The services were all of a memorial character, special reference being made to the occasion in the addresses. Special hymns were sung, and the Dead March in “Saul” played as a tribute to the fallen. The services in the churches lasted an hour, and on dispersing, despite the continued rainfall, the military procession was reformed at the Diggers’ Monument in Stafford Street, and marched to Cass Square, where the foundation stone of the Westland War Memorial was to ho laid.

The baud led the procession, followed by a firing party of returned soldiers, ‘ marching with reversed arms. Then came the remainder of the military force on parade, and the public. Entering the square, the band played a funeral march, and the firing party marched with measured steps. on reaching the memorial site, the firing party lined two sides, and the public took what shelter they could under the friendly trees nearby. The .clergy and authorities were on a raised platform beside the stone to he laid. Despite the exceedingly moist conditions, and the unusual dampness of the surroundings, there was a very large gathering of the public, testifying to the groat public interest centred in the event. The proceedings at tho Memorial site opened with the singing of the “Old Hundredth,” the band leading the public singing. The Rev. P. B. Eraser then engaged in paryer, after which Lieut S. Friekleton Y.C. proceeded to lay the foundation stone of the memorial. The stone was hung from shear, legs, and Lieut Friekleton lowered it into place whore it will form, part of the base of the Woitla.nl Memorial to he reared upon it. After declaring the stone well and truly laid, Lieut Fricklcton addressed the assemblage briefiv. He said lie esteemed it a great honor to be asked to take part in the day’s ceremony. He congratulated the people on the movement, and said it was the duty of all to impress upon the rising generation what tho storm laid that, day stood for. When the memorial was finally erected, lie hoped no one would pass it without bearing in mind the sacrifice it typified, and he trusted they would salute it always in memory of the fallen. It was fitting that these memorials should be reared and in congratulating tli,e people on their public spirted action, he again expressed the great honor done him by asking him to assist at their memorable ceremony on Anzac Day—a day they must bear in mind always. At the close of Lieut Frickleton’s address, a, verse of the National Anthem was sung. The Union Jack was then placed bn the foundation stone, as also the side-arms and military hat of a soldier. _ The Mayor at this stage spoke briefly. He announced that the memorial fund now stood at about £IOOO, and with additional funds to come from the outside districts he thought it might rise to about £1,200. That would be a very fine response and something they might . he proud of. Probably ere the lists closed finally, the full amount of £1,500 would he derived through the fine spirit displayed by the people in response to patriotic appeals. Mr Perry said he desired to thank Lieut Friekleton lor coming from Westport that day to assist them. They ..were much beholden to him for liis presence fitid assistance.

The proceedings closed with the firings of three volleys by the Returned soldiers, and the sounding of the “Last Post” by Bugler Ross. While the requiem of the “Last Post” was sounded wreaths were deposited on the foundation stone by four little girls. The assemblage then dispersed, the band and military marching back to the Drill Shed where tlie parade was dismissed.