ANZAC DAY

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1927, Page 1

ANZAC DAY

Anzac Day broke wet after a very •stormy night and heavy rain, and continued to ho very inclement. There was a break at 10 o’clock, hut hy II.: 10 the ruin set tied down again and lor the next lew hours the rain was very heavy and shortly after 12.H0 there was a very vivid lightning and heavy thunder storm, with the rain coming down m n regular downpour. Under the circumstances il was decided to cancel the speech-making at the Cenotaph. very heavy rain falling at that period ol the day's ceremonies. There was a very large military attendance in spite ot the inclement weather, the Town Rand. Returned Soldiers. Territorials, Senior Cadets, Girl Guides, and Roy Scouts till turning out in large number.- and making a very imposing array as the parade marched up Revel! Street on route to the various churches, which were .ill well filled lor the special services. The parade re-asseinhled shortly before noon and marched to the State Sc hool, where the School memorial was saluted, throe volleys being tired and the Last: Post .sounded hy Bugler Ross, several wreath- being placed at. it;-, base. The parade then marched to Cass Square where there was a goad assemblage of the public. Here a large- number of wreaths were placed and the- proceedings were shortened to the military displav. tin- salute-, firing of three volleys, the Last: Post living then sounded. The parade- them moved off to the South African nu-inorial. where there was a .similar ceremony and some wreaths were placed, and men moved oil' to the Drill Hall, heavy rain falling all tlie- lime, and giving the- parallel's a good wetting. A very heavy thunderstorm followed shortly afterwards lasting over an

Yesterday afternoon the Returned Soldiers proceeded to the Hokitika Cemetery where some thirty-one wreaths were deposited on the graves of returned men, nurses and war workers. Between twenty and thirty men were present lor the sail ceremony. On returning to the Soldiers’ Ilal! from the cemetery yesterday afternoon the men and their friends were entertained at afternoon tea. His Worship the Mayor and Mrs Perry were among those present. Mr Evans (President) who presided gave a synopsis of the funds. Hie expenditure for the past year had been £llO (Is 2d, and the revenue £11!) Is 2d. The year had opened with a credit balance of £9. and the funds at present in hand totalled £lB. with one account owing. The sum of £O3 7s (id was derived from the quelire tournaments last year. Mr Evans considered the financial position satisfactory due to the care exercised by the Secretary (Mr R. Paterson). Thanks were expressed to those who had assisted with the Anzac Day celebrations, and the hope also expressed that the men would continue to associate themselves in local organisations to the benefit of their (oinradcs. Mr Pony also spoke and congratulated the Club on their building which was a useful community hall. Tie referred to the good work which had been done and extended good wishes to all present. The local executive of the. R.S.A. desires to express thanks publicly to all who assisted at the Anzac commemorations and also wishes in particular to thank the ladies and others who assisted in providing the wreaths for the cemetery and the local war memorials. Wreaths on behalf of the R.S.A. were laid on the Cenotaph in C'ass Square, the school war memorial and the South African war memorial. Listeners-iu hy the wireless last evening were able to hear splendid broadcasts from Sydney. Melbourne, Brisbane, anti elsewhere of the Anzac Day celebrations. The transmissions were all very clear. There were many notable gatherings judging by the volume of applause following several of the stirring speeches. Many hands wore to he heard playing suitable music. Tn particular the rendering ot the Dead March in “ Saul ” by a ’ Brisbane hand was a most impressive performance. It was followed hy a soul-stirring address on loyalty by ■ Canon Garland, who had participated , in the Gallopoli fighting. Several Anzac heroes spoke also at other gatherings.