ANZAC DAY CELEBRATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 April 1925, Page 1

ANZAC DAY CELEBRATIONS.

IN AIEAIORIAAL Tub Citoss Of Sacrifice. Pence unto these! Eternal peace! Nor song of bird. nAr bleat of sheep Shall stir them from their dreamless sleep, '.Midst shifting shadows numberless: A common purpose drove them on; Africa’s hope and Europe's pride And Asia's joy lay side by side— A common .stiff’ring made them one.

Beneath this cross of Sacrifice They for the nations’ guilt atone With their last anguish: lor their own; Let them this deed of love suffice.

For them; and for us who still flout Tlry long forbearance and misuse The Power and Place Thou gayest its— From Thy remembrance blot it put.

Anzac Day was commemorated in solemn form on Saturday. The weather was very unfavourable for outdoor gatherings. The genial weather of the preeedings days gave place to rain and gloom. The former increased as the day advanced, and culminated in a heavy downpour. For the public gatherings large numbers of people were moving about. All the churches held memorial services, and they were well attended. The official recognition of the Day began with the assembly of the Returned Soldiers and the military. These, headed by the Municipal Baud marched to the respective churches. There was a very fair muster of Returned Soldiers, lint a small muster of Territorials, who paraded under Lieut. Ferguson. Lieut. Loach was on parade also, and Scrgt. Hutchison was in charge .if the firing party. Iho usual route was followed to the churches. At All Saints’ there was a large congregation, and a choral scr'vice was held. On an improvised bier at the altar rails several wreaths were deposited, and a very beantiiid wreath was placed on the brass tablet to comnioniorale the services of the members of tiie Church Institute, who fell in the war. A special anthem, “Lead Kindly Light," was sung, as also hymns appropriate to the occasion. At the close of the service. Miss Davies played the Dead March in

“Saul.” and the congregation sang the National Anthem. 'lhe Rcvd. J. Perkins delivered the sermon.

The military parade reassembled after the church services, and on reforming mil-relied to the State School. Wreaths from the Returned Soldiers, (lie School, and parents were placed on the memorial. The firing party presented arms and Bugler Boss sounded the Last Post.

The parade then moved to Cass Square and took up a position around the Cenoatph, where, despite the rain there was a, large gathering of the public. Many very beautiful wreaths were deposited oil the memorial, ineluding one from the Returned Soldiers’ Association.

PUBLIC ADDRESSES. At noon the Mayor and others took (heir stand on the steps of the Cenotaph, and the National Anthem was placed hy the Band. Mr G. A. Perry. 0.8. E., Mayor of Hokitika, said they were gathered there to commemorate the sacrifice ol their men. who along with other soldiers in the Great War, had won imperishable fame and renown. They all realised the courage and bravery displaced in the Great War, blit the phase they had to remember most of all. was the death of those who made the supreme sacrifice lor national security. They would all extend their sympathies to the parents and relatives of the fallen, and he hoped the public sympathy shown and expressed would help to soothe the sorrow ol those who had lost loved ones. II there had not been the response there was in the hour of danger and difficulty. the secur'd v of the Empire would' have gone. That fact made us remember with the deepest gratitude (he great sacrifice many were called on to make. They would all be Imping and praying that the lasi of the gieat wars had been ex|K-rienced. and that the time was at band when war would lie no more and peace would-reign. The ißev. JL Hutson engaged in prn vcr. M,. H. M. Coulson, Deputy Mayer, said he was glad to see so many present recognising their obligations, anu standing out in the wet and cold to honor tin* mommy ol ihoso wlio luu! made sacrifice for them. The Cenotaph which was before them with the man v names inscribed thereon, bore witness to what extent that sacrifice had been made. They might think today what it would have meant if the men had fought and failed, and the sacrifice had been in vain. During the war period they watched with anxious hearts the cream of their manhood 'ruing forth to defend their liberty and freedom. Afterwards they were thinking of that great feat, the landing at 'Gallipoli. The men loit the ships in open boats, landed on a bullet swept shore and had to scale difficult heights. Next, they would recall the feelings as the casualty lists came through, wounding relatives and friends with the saddening news. I lie scars of those days remained. But all through courage, fortitude and devotion endured. The story ot the wai was passing into one of history rather than memory. The children should he made cognisant ol the great- saerdiee in (he magnitude of the engagements It was right to sd aside that day ami concentrate their thoughts on u gront occurrence. They should try and seek inspiration from the deeds nobly done, and must all realise that: those who Fell did not die in vam. As loyal subj,,cls of the Empire they should rmillbate high ideals. It: was not a day of mourning, but for subdued rejoicing and thankfulness that the sacrifice of I he Groat War had not been in vam. As had happened at that time, so now it was our duty to do our utmost te uphold the traditions of the race, a; did the men and women who went with songs to battle. The Rcvd. .1. Perkins said he felt that as the Day came round, year by voar it was not a time for speaking. Vie knew what a Hood of tender memories the Day brought, for it recalled the time when sad news tlashei from the seat of intelligence ot the death of loved ones. Still, it was good to meet together and assemble, not to erieve over, the prodigal waste ”1 “fe. Thev could see here in the Cenotaph a Morions record of suffering, borne, for righteousness. By and by, it we played our part worthily we would look upon the scene and undeistan that the blood of martyrs and witness hearers was a source of Ido am strencth. It was for us to catch somethin'' of the spirit of sacrifice performed by those who gave their Wes for us. We witnessed their sacrifice, and should imitate it, and not measure our loyalty by fear, but by service To do that we must foster and maintain the principles of justice anti righteousness. This we might well do t,> the sacred memory of those fell, and to the glory of God. At the close of the speeches, the bv'mii ”0 God. our Help” was sung. The Territorial party fired three volleys. and Bugler Ross sounded the Last Post. The playing of the National Anthem hy the band, concluded an impressive public service. " The parade reformed and marched to the South African Memorial at the Clock Tower, where wreaths were deposited bv the Returned Soldiers' Association'and South African comrades. Three vollevs were .fired by the leiritorials, and the Last Post sounded. The placing of the National Anthem concluded the forenoon services. • afternoon PROGRAMME. The rain descended more insistently

than ever for the afternoon, which the Returned Soldiers devoted to a visit to the Cemetery. Messrs Coulson, Kerr, and Newman Bros very kindly placed motor ears at the service of the men, and over twenty returned men were transported to and front the cemetery.

Wreaths of greenery and poppies were placed on the graves of the following comrades interred at the cemetery:—Atkins, Glass, Halligan, Hatch, St George and Winchester. Also on comrades killed in action, whose names are engraved on family headstones, Karnbach, Head, Brown, Mackey. Jones, Preston, Spence, Shannon ; and on the following war-workers:— Matron Little, Sisters Dixon and Davies, Afosdames Evans and Connors. The wreaths were provided by the Returned Soldiers’ Association, kindly made hy Mrs Rutland, assisted by Airs Benjamin and-Miss J. Ross. On returning to town the men and their friends were entertained at the 'Soldiers’ Hull by the President. Alesdaines Appleton and Stuart were the hostesses. About thirty returned men attended and aflnong others present were Sister Clarke, His AYorship the Mayor and Airs Perry; Air Coulson, Depuly-Afayor; Airs Rutland, Afrs Piikington, Airs Coles, Revs J. Perkins and R. Hutson. Air Coles and others. During the afternoon the now rooms being added to the Soldiers’ Hall were inspected, and regarded as a capital addition to the building.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION AT GitEYAIOUTH. GREYAIOUTH, April 27. Anzac Day, 192.3, was fittingly celebrated in Grevmoutli on Saturday when the customary memorial service was held in the Opera House. The theatre was packed. After the service in the Opera House the returned soldiers, headed hy the Afunicipal Band and Territorials, marched to the Cenotaph, and a number of wreaths were placed thereon, the onlookers standing with bowed and bared beads. A fitting ceremony was also held at the State school, where the Hon. 0. ,T. Anderson and Air J. O’Brien, M.P., addressed the scholars, and the flag was saluted. AT OTHER CENTRES. WESTPORT, April 26. Anzac Day was celebrated yesterday with a memorial service at the Theatre Royal, the Alayor, Air John Alcnzies, presiding and giving a brief address. The clergymen of different denominations look part in the service, the main address being given by the Rev. Pickering (Methodist), and subsequently a brief service was conducted at the

Gates of Remembrance, Victoria Squar c The Salvation Army Band, returned soldiers of the South African and Great Wars, and the territorials took part in the procession, the territorials providing a firing party, and Bandsman Larsen sounding “The Last Post.” A wealth of wreaths was laid on the .Memorial. Rain fell throughout the sci-

CHHISTCMRCH, April 20. Anzac Day was observed here with lilting solemnity. A special commemoration service was held in the Anglican Cathedral on Saturday morning, when the handsome war memorial tablet and altar which Imvo been set up in the south-western portion of the building were dedicated. The Cat helm I was crowded. The sermon was preached hy the Rev. It. C. Crosse, Headmaster of Christ’s College. Dean Carrington, who led the great congregation in prayer, asked the people to pray for the Prime Minister in his illness.

In the afternoon, a parade ol the returned soldiers and terriioi in& through the streets to the King ltdward Barracks made an impressive spectacle. About mie thousand returned soldiers were in the procession. The citizens united memorial service in the Barracks was attended by about eight thousand people. During the day services were held in other churches, the llealhcoio War Aleimirial was unveiled, and the tundatiun stone of New Brighton Memorial was Haiti.

At ihe annual reunion of Old Comratios of the Great War, held under the Returned Soldiers’ Association, the guest ol honour was Mr Justice Alpers, who was responsible for initiating the campaign which resulted in the erection of the present fine Soldiers Club building, said to l>e the best of its kind in the ,Southern Hemisphere, and was honorary solicitor of the Association till his elevation to the Bench. A tribute to 11 is Honour's services was paid by Colonel Hugh Stewart. Chairman of the Association, who then presented him with an enlarged photograph of the official group taken at the opening of the club in 1921. 11 is Honour, in returning thanks for the welcome and presentation, paid a tribute to the work of the Association and its Secretary, and said the reason the Association had kept on side with the public was because the members were not given to grousing without good cause.

AUCKLAND. April 26. The Governor-General has lorwanled the following telegram to the King in reply to Ills Majesty's Anzac Day message: “Your Majesty's gracious message is deeply and gratefully •>]>- iirecialed by Hid Government amt people of New Zealand, who are touched - |,y the continued consideration evinced by Your Majesty in this sympathy with their feelings on. Anzac Dav' Thev desire to take Gils opportunity of expressing their unswerving allegiance to Your .Majesty and their earnest hope that the solemn commemoration hold throughout the Dominion on this dav will keep alive in generations vet to conic the tradition of loyalty and devotion to the Throne and Empire, for which their fathers willingly gave their lives.” The chief Anzac Day celebration >» Auckland was a service at the Town H ill where addresses were given by Archbishop Averill and Dr Law (Methodist). The Governor-General was present. There was a- large parade of ex-soldiers, and the Cenotaph outside the Town Hall was heaped high with wreaths. SYDM'A - April 2b. Anzac Day was celebrated throughout the Commonwealth as a day ot solemn remembrance. Sports meetin,,* in all the States were postponed. The weather in Sydney was fine but. dnll ' LONDON. April 25. Field Marshal Sir AY. Birdwood presided at a- dinner attended by 46 Anzaes at the Hotel Victoria, to commemorate Anzac Day The toast Absent Comrades” was honoured in silence The chairman read a telegram from Sir lan Hamilton affectionate greetings and also fJ eet - from Anzoes in the India Army Marshal Birdwood said be would be delighted to convey their greetings to the Twenty-ninth Division at He ’.t tor’s dinner to-morrow. H ««« Division, he said, winch had g showed the Anzaes wlmt the l.ntt n s bl er really was. He was surprised tfi on” Australian State had tabooed the \nzac observance because imaintained the spirit of He continued: “I send Anzac Sheetings to that State, the same as to t rest of Australia, but I P°}£ out that nobody need teai L”. , tering the spirit of militansm Rather thev should feel grateful that their

comrades proved themselves the men they did. It is ill that spirit we wish to see Anzac Day observed. It is the biggest day in Australia’s history. Australia remembers the anniversary of Captain Cook’s landing, but Anzac Day signalised Australia’s stepping into nationhood.

Other speakers pointed out the paradox that Sir AY. Birdwood is a Field Marshal in the British Army list, but is a General in the Australian list.

Marshal Birdwood, in a message to New Zealand sends ‘'heartiest greetings to the Government and people. I know to-day the memory of fallen comrades is very vividly with us. They will never be forgotten by us, who, by God’s grace, returned to our home lands. My sympathy and sincere thoughts go out to the people of New Zealand in their anxiety concerning the health of their great Prime Minister.”

General Godlcy requested Sir Janies Allen to transmit his Anzac greetings to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, also his concern at Air Massey’s illness. AT AY ALT ON-ON-THAMES. (Received this day at 8 a.m.l LONDON, April 26. At- the procession through the Anzac graves at AValton-on-tlie-Thamee, Sir James Allen (N.Z. High Commissioner) who was accompanied by the New Zealand commanders Generals Russell and Ciiaytor, thanked the people.of AValton for their care of the graves and kindness shown to the New Zealand hoys in England which was remembered with groat thankfulness by the mothers and people of New Zealand. AN IMPRESSIVE SCENE. LONDON, April 25. Thousands of men and women from Yorkshire- and Wales,- who had arrived in London to attend the soccer cup final, wearing football colours, ranged on both sides of the road, all reverent and quiet, contrasting with their previous hilarity and excitement whilo journeying through the streets sn charabancs and on foot, doffed their wieldly coloured hats. The ceasing of fire of rattles and the hushing ing of clamorous voices was more impressive than any organised demonstration of respect.

The crowd waited all the morning with bunches of Powers, including scores of buttonholes pluc-kled impulsively from coat lapels, the wearers laying them at the foot of the Cenotaph, At the service at St. Clement Danes during the singing of “Jesus Lover of My Soul,” ex-service men placed wreaths on the war shrine, after which the Anzac Hjmii, “Father King Immortal,” was sung, followed hy a solo “Abide With Ale,” and the Last Post-. The ceremony concluded with the playing of Chopins funeral march hi the organist.

NEW ZEALANDERS ATTEND. LONDON, April 26.

The Anzac Service at St, Clement Danes, in the Strand, was attended by a large number ol ex-members of the Aus India n and New Zealand forces. Sir Joseph Cook and Sir James Allen were present. Ex-soldiers paraded in front of the war shrine where wreaths were laid on behalf of Australia and New Zealand.