The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, APRIL 24th, 1924. ANZAC DAY.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1924, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, APRIL 24th, 1924. ANZAC DAY.

On April 25, 1915, the Australian and New Zealand forces landed on the coverless peninsula of Gallipoli. It was a very gallant feat of amis, because the attackers were met with a withering fire. It was the first essay of the troops under fire, and it would l>e difficult to set a more hazardous field for such an ordeal. The conditions supplied all the stern realities of war. But a landing had to be effected, and a base established. The consolidation of this had to be accomplished in the face of sustained Turkish attacks. It was epic warfare for the colonials, and their determination against all the odds of the game won the admiration of the world. The first news contained a great tribute to their hearing under fire and the remarkable achievement accomplished. The notice paid to the aciton suggested that it was no small encounter, and the following black days with their growing casualty lists left no doubt as to the serious nature of the fust conflict the troops were engaged upon. Since then Anzae Day has been remembered with pride and reverence all round the Empire. It i* a day of commemoration for tho gallant dead who fell in Franoo, Belgium, Egypt, Pc’ tine, as well as the heroes of Gallipoli. It. is natural our thoughts should revert . in the main to. the opening battle the New Zealanders were engaged in. It was their baptism of fire. A standard was set as it were on that occasion, and with pride and pleasure we may say the standard was never departed from in any later action which called for the courage, resource and bravery of the New Zealand troops on the field of action. Anzae Day is specially revered in New Zealand, which has appropriated the date as its day of mournino- for those vrho died in the war. Tne day is so reserved by Act- of Parliament. but before that dedication, the people by common consent, and in reverent memory bad set the occason apart ns a commemorative day. for those who laid down their lives in the Great War, that New Zealand in common with’ the rest of the fjmpire might be

free from a tyrannical over-lord, who, had the result of the war been otherwise, would have scourged our nation as no other nation has yet been dominated. Our soldiers at the war, whether at Gallipoli, or in other seats of war, bore themselves right well. Particularly striking of course was their bearing on the occasion of the Anzac landing and in the weeks which followed as they held on to their dearly bought positions. Their endurance then was typical of what followed when in other sectors of the war they stood up manfully to their tasks and maintained a soldierly reputation which will stand always to the glory of New Zealand. Tlie toll was heavy, and to-morrow is the day set apart to respect in memory and outward action all that was done for world safety. To-morrow the mighty dead are to lie remembered. Their sacrifice was supreme. It was the highest which could ho performed. ft is well that it is not to he forgotten. It is right that, it should he honored. It is proper to recall the groat national service in memory of the dead, and ns a reminder that in all times of need, national safety is in the hands of the people themselves, and that ns they comport themselves so will their country be maintained. The men of Anzac and those who came after did their part to the fullest. Let ns with all reverence and sincerity honor and revere their memory at this time of solemn commemoration.