ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1928, Page 1

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION

'lhe weather as usual on Anzac Day eonnneinoration, was very uni’avour-

I lie services in the iorenoon a

the churches were well attended in every case. For the united service in the alternoon there was also a large gathering, the weather holding fine while the people congregated. 'lhe military parade was an excellent one—one of the host seen here on such

an occasion lor some time. The -Municipal Hand led, followed by the Territorials and Cadets, the parade being tinder the command of Lieut, Bleach. In addition, the Hoy Scouts were in strong force, and there was a line muster of Girl Guides and Brownies, with a lull complement of officers. The parade marched to the Princess Theatre and were accommodated on the ground floor. Among others present were Matron Lloyd and some of the hospital stall who had a .Maori war veteran in their care. The tiirn-ouf ol Returned Soldiers was also a good one. those war veterans heading the military forces present. There were several South African veterans included in the muster.

Oil the stage at the Princess Theatre the Mayor. G. A. Perry. Esq.. 0.1t.F. presided, and being supported by IJev. ( anon 1 lainiltoii, Ifev. K nowles-Sniith Captain Barnes, S.A.. Mr .1. A. Murdoch, County Chairman, and M.r 1). J. Evans, President, ICS.A. The Municipal Baud led in the singing of tin hymns which was very hearty all through the united service.

Following the National Antliem. the .Mayor said that while deeds that won tin' Empire had been extolled in story and history, the Anzac landing and what followed was one of those deeds which had saved the Kmpire. They owed to their forefathers many privileges enjoyed in our time, hut those privileges would have been lost hut lor the outcome of the Great War. The deeds at Anzac gave them occasion to rejoice at the magnificent effort put forward, and the wounds dealt the enemy contributed towards ilia ultimate result of the war in no small degree. Gallipoli was a notable part of the war record and their Anzaes had aei|iiitted themselves well. The war had inflicted many deep wounds and there had been muih sorrow. The wounds had liealed but many scars remained. Still they remained quietly thankful and restrained. The day was not one for rejoicing. Bather was it a holy day of thanksgiving. and that was the reason why the public at large were ready and anxious to participate in the religious services which were in memorinm ol those who had fallen.

The iiymn “ (loti Our Help” Inllowod, mid next (iimo (i scripture recital by tho Rev. Knowles-Smitb. Captain Haruos engaged in prayer, billowed by tlio recital of a pnldio prayer ol thanksgiving. The hymn " l.oad Kindly Light ” was then snn.u. Kov. Canon llainiltoil in the noon sional address, told how the deeds done on A nzae had consecrated the day to the nation. They participated in the day to lie l mingled lecliug ol pride and sorrow. The war had hoen a liu'lit lor Ireedoin and honour, and many lives had I teen laid down. Although it was some thirteen years since the event, it was never likely to fade from memory. When younger the speaker had served in the liritish Navy and had seen Callipoli and the entrance to the Dardanelles. lie little thought that later one of his own sons would he in the storming ot those heights, lie had heard a good deal about the landing from his son. One ol the greatest wants of the men had been water. There was no water available at Dallipoli. and the water had to he brought IiOO miles Irom Malta, and "hen it reached the men in kerosene tins it was often filthy and difficult to drink. The landing was a memorable one. It happened on a Sunday, and personally he thought ii should lie kept in annicersarv on a Sunday so that the atmosphere for the occasion would he a right i,ne. Those directing the war in the Turkish zone had been responsible for , political blunder in ordering the bomW I’d incut of the Dardanelles so much n advance of the Landing. The break letween the two events gave the enemy lie cue and time to prepare for the atter. In the month's interval till mturnl places had been fortified, and distances for gun lire were known, S'o when the men poured out ol the River Clyde which brought them to the shore, it was only the lortunate (hitting of the landing barges out of the range of lire that saved the entire force from annihilation. Ceneral lan Hamilton had told the men in his order the day before the Landing that they were setting out on an adventure unprecedented. and later he was able to tell them they had accomplished a great feat of arms. The speaker went on to refer to the perils of the campaign and to the s;u rilioes made. All :»1« ( ' honoured and remembered in the memorial service. And he referred to the services of those at home—the women and old people who showed such quiet heroism and toiled through the war period doing what they could to help. They must all he thankful for the great freedom retained and now enjoyed to the full. i ’I be livmn "Abide with Me followed a,,d Rev. Knowles-Smitb pronounced the Benediction. The Band then played the Dead March in " Saul.” and Bugler Boss sounded the Last Post, on which note of farewell the service ended.

It was unfortunate that when the assemblage dispersed to visit the war memorials, the rain fell heavily. It was thought wise to march the parade had; to tiie Drill Hall for dismissal and this was done.

Wreaths were placed on the three War Memorials and about a score ot returned men proceeded to the ( emetcry where tit wreaths were deposited on tin- graves of comrades and war workers, including the the nurses and others. A TIE-UNION. On returning to town, the returned men and several visitors were enteitained at afternoon tea by the Presi dent and his family. At the close of the refreshments, the President took tile opportunity of presenting the balance sheet of the local Club, as follows : HOKITIKA RETURNED SOLDIERS ASSOCIATION. BALANCE SHEET, for year ending April 2-ltli. 1925. RECEIPTS. £ s. d. To Bank Balance, 1927 ... IS 12 1 Rent of Hall 97 12 G .. Sale of Poppies ... 32 11 0 Proceeds Military Bali 9 5 b Proceeds Euchres ■ ... 32 0 3 .. Subscriptions o 0 .. Refund on Poppies ... 1 H 1 .. Interest Bank IS 6 I £192 19 7

EXPENDITURE. £ s. d. By Headquarters New Zealand ICS.A. Fees ... 11 11 .. Poppies 13 10 10 ~ Rates 3 (i 8 ~ Insurance 7 11 0 ~ Caretaker 13 5 0 ~ Cartage 5 5 0 ~ Electric Light 11 3 0 ~ Aggregate Prizes ... 10 0 0 ~ Labour 37 10 ft ~ Tuning Piano 1 Id (; ~ Donation to Wireless ... 3 3 0 ~ Sundry Accounts and Materials used in improvements 7!) 1-1 11 Bank Balance, 21/4/28 ... 510 0 .0102 10 7 ASSETS. £ s. d. Cash in Bank d Id () Hall ... 1150 0 0 Piano 50 0 0 Furnishings 25 0 0 £1230 10 0 LIABILITIES. Nil. All. It. PATERSON, lion. sec. I). .1. EVANS, President. Mr Evans said it was a line result and he thanked Mr Paterson and the members of the Committee for what had been done. Cordial thanks were expressed also to the ladies who had worked untiringly to help clear I lie hall from debt. The assistance given by the Borough Council was also acknowledged, and the help from the High School Board appreciated very gratefully. To the public at large for their sustained help thanks were also expressed.

Hon. 11. L. Michel, Rev. Knowles Smith. Canon Hamilton, and Mr G. A Perry also spoke, and in complimentin' the Chili on its position, spoke encour aginglv of the returned soldier move ment and wished it" every success. Tin singing of the National Anthem closet the gathering.

THE KING’S MESSAGE. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND. April 23. The Governor-General lias been commanded by the King to communicate to the people of New Zealand on the occasion of Anzac Day the following message from liis Majesty: On this solemn day consecrated to the memory of those who died so nobly at Gallipoli the thoughts ol the Queen and myself are with unpeople of Australia and New Zealand, and our hearts go out in sympathy to all who gave their loved ones. GEORGE. R.I.

ROYAL MESSAGE. AUCKLAND. April 20. The Governor-General lias sent ihe following reply to 11 is Majesty’s message: “Your Majesty’s gracious message has been received with deep appreciation by i lie people of New Zealand. whose hearts are touched by the continued sympathy evinced by Your Majesty and the Queen, with’' their feelings on this day of sacred remembrance. I beg to submit to Your Majesty expression of their grateful thanks.- Charles Eergiisson.’

IN OTHER PLACES. WESTPORT. April 25. The annual Anzac rommemora lift service was held in Victoria Theatre this afternoon, the Mayor, Mr . 11. Darkness, presiding over a large attendance of the public. CIIIIhSTCHURCII, April 25.

At the Anzac Day commemoration today. 3(1(10 troops paraded, 100 returned soldiers of the great war, and 45 veterans of other wars. A special service was held in the Barracks tit which about "'OOO were present. Other services were held at secondary schools and in churches. DUNEDIN, April 25. After a spell of line weather, rain set in this afternoon just prior to a big parade through the city to tin Drill Htill, where an Anzac Day commemorative service was held. Ihe at tendance was very large. Services were also held ill all city and suburban churches and in several ol the schools. A memorial tablet was unveiled at the University. 11 AM,I ETON. April 25. The Anzac service was very impressive. and about 4000 assembled at the Soldiers’ Memorial Park, where a tree is planted to every soldier Itom the district who fell in the late war. WELLINGTON. April 24. A cablegram was received by the Prime Minister from Mr .1. 11. Munson. S 'l rude Commissioner, and Government Agent. Melbourne, staling that be will place a wreath on the Anzac ( enotapli in Melbourne on Anzac Day, when some 27.000 troops, including New Zealand units, will take part in the service.

The Prime .Minister also received the following cablegram from Buenos Ayres, Argentina: "Australians and New Zealanders resident on tile Argentine are commemorating Anzac Day. Mr Coates has replied Very glad to learn Australians and New Zealanders are coniineinorating Anzac Day. and in sending greetings to our kinsfolk in the Argentine, the people ot the Dominion wholeheartedly associate wit I them in honouring the memory ot the n-allant dead. (Signed) Coates.” AUCKLAND. April 20.

Impressive An.'.ac services were held at Auckland to-day, a vast crowd assembling for the main service at the Town Hall. The Governor-General and Lady Alice Eergiisson attended, and Hon. Mr RollesUm represented the Government.