ANZAC DAY.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1924, Page 1

ANZAC DAY.

CELEBRATION AT HOKITIKA. 'The weather yesterday proved fine for Anzac Day,which was observed as a ciuse holiday. In the morning, the Church parade of returned soldiers 1 and Territorials Jeft the Drill Hall at ' 10 o’clock, headed by the Municipal Band. There was a good attendance

of all ranks, and the streets held a good many onlookers, who wended their way to the respective churches where speciall services were 'held. The Band was in full strength, the Returned Soldiers numbered about 30, and the Territorials were over 40 strong. AT THE SCHOOL. The parade reformed after the Church services and marched to the Victoria State School, where a wreath

was placed on the school memorial, the parade came to attention, and the bugled sounded tho Last Post. The parade then marched to Cass Square. AT THE CENOTAPH. There was a very largo gathering oil Cass Square al the Cenotaph, where 1 the parade halted and the memorial service was held. A large number of handsome wreaths were laid on the cenotaph. The proceedings opened with a selection by the Municipal Band under Conductor Ross, followed bv the National Anthem. Tile Mayor (..Mr. Geo. 'Perry, 0.8. E.) then addressed the assemblage at.

some length, referring to the landing at Gallipoli, in which the Australian and New Zealand soldiers had shown such gallantly and bravery, that they bad earned a name that was a glory that could never be effaced. The Rev. A. C. Purchas followed with a prayer, and then Mr T. AY. Duff (County Chairman), Mr Armstrong (.Mayor of Akaroa) and the Hon 11. E. Michel, .M.L.C., followed, each delivering stirring addresses on the great landing that they were celebrating that day. A hymn was then sung, the Returned Soldiers firing party fired Ihree volleys, and Bugler Boss sounded the

" Last Post. The National Anthem concluded the service. AT THE CLOCK TOWER.

The parade then marched off to the Clock Tower, tho memorial to the South African soldiers, where wreaths were placed, three volleys wore fired, and the “ Last Post ” sounded. The National Anthem was played and then tlie parade marched off to the Drill Hall, and was dismissed. AT THE CEMETERY.

In the afternoon a large number of Returned Soldiers visited the cemetery whore wreaths were placed on the graves of deceased spldiors and nurses. ANZAC DAY IN AUSTRALIA. IUSTRAT.IAN ANII N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION SYDNEY, April 2-3. Anzac Day was observed as a public holiday throughout the Commonwealth anil it was generally spent quietly and reverently. Special commemorative services ill tlie 'Town Halls and various churches were largely attended. In tins capitals detachments of different defence forces marched to the official services and (lowers were lavishly placed on the monuments, honours boards, ami soldiers’ graves. Business, excepting in .Melbourne, where many simps remained open, was practically suspended. In Melbourne and Hobart, the weather was cobl and wet. but elsewhere it was line.