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Hokitika Guardian, 27 April 1921, Page 2

The 'yonthcr conditions on Monday in respect to the Anzno commemoration, were in keeping with the natural soundness of the occasion. We are so close to the event itself; knew so intimately many of those who made the supreme sacrifice for the public safety ; that the occasion possesses a solemnity which the holiday spirit cannot overcome, The reyerent nir if ft]] Piirtici-

pating in the services; the orderliness of the proceedings; tho heartiness of the singing, and the quiet attention to the ; proceedings, all helped to mark the great occasion with that spirit of reverent commemoration which was no mean mark of respect to all who had served in Hie war. The day was observed in the right spirit and as a proper tribute of observance. It was a manifestation of loyalty and appreciation showing clearly how true and thorough,are the heart throbs prompting the respectful observance of the day. One outstanding feature of the day was not on tho official programme, yet it in itself marked the true inwardness of the occasion. We refer to the Returned men fore- 1 | gathering in the afternoon and inarcli- : ing to the local cemetery where silent tribute was paid to their former, comrades laid to i«st there, and to some < the workers who during the period of the war had not been unmindful of those serving across the seas. Truly in this simple act we had the seal of genuine comradeship and a demonstration of all that is best in human nature. It would not be right to dose this reference to the day without an appreciation of the sterling address delivered by “Padre” Cuttle of Greymouth, who struck a simple yet effective note in bis remarks from the text of “home,” | which precious word sums up all that is host and happiest in life. Mr Cuttle rightly deducted that with the home life in the right key, all else with a nation is on a good foundation. Tt is in the home where loyalty and patriotism are cultivated in the right atmosphere, and the duty and responsibility learned there can never be forgotten in after life except one is deliberately deaf to the voice of conscience.

With memories of Anzac Day in mind, and the feeling that the occasion was so genuinely observed, one can only marvel at reading in the Greymouth morning paper that next Monday in the northern town a demonstration is to he held at which “rebel songs ’ are to be a feature. Rebel against what? A rebel is one who rebels, and to rebel is to renounce authority or to take up arms against it; also tt) oppose any lawful authority. Tt were well if this spirit of rebellion were nipped in the bud and those organising snob a gathering put in their place. Far too m countenance has been given to this rebellious spirit, and the authorities would do well to take up a more definite attitude in kdbpiiifr with loyal and peaceable desires of the communities at large If authority is to lie flouted at Greymouth next Monday in the manner proposed, it will he a negation ol the service and commemoration solonnv ly held there a week earlier. Are we to believe that was a sham, a mere theatrical display? Me are persuaded that there was a genuine spirit behind it, grateful for the patriotism displayed by the men and women who laid down their lives in the war. and that to attempt to discount, that spirit now with a show of rebellions attitude will be but to inflame the righteous feeling more and more. Perhaps there are times when the rebel spirit can he ignored, but the coming occasion duly advertised is not one of them. We .hall not insist on the Government doing its duty in the matter, for wo shall expect the Government to be active in enforcing law and order, and seeing that it is maintained in keeping with the true spirit of the times. This rebel attitude would be worth defining in an explanatory way, were it not that we feel that it arises from the agitator class who traffic in the expression of extreme views. Rut these can be carried too far, and when we see such an occasion openly advertised a week in advance it is time to call attention to the matter publicly, and as we say, expect the authorities to do their part, as sternly as the circumstances warrant.