ANZAC DAY

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1929, Page 6

ANZAC DAY

LOCAL COMM EMULATION

0 Valiant Hearts who to your glory

came Through dust of conflict and through

battle flame: Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue

proved Your memoiy hallowed in the land you loved.

The weather conditions yesterday lor the commemoration of Anzac Day were all that could be desired. A beautifully fine day with a mild, clear atmosphere prevailed and outdoor functions were possible, under most favourable circumstances. In the torenoon. services were held in the various churches from 9 o’clock onward, and reverent congregations assembled. Appropriate music and suitable references to the occasion were made. Tic public community service was held curly in the afternoon as last year, and was largely attended. A military church parade under Lieut. K. It. P. Ferguson moved 'lroin the Drill Ffall to the Princess Theatre where the service was held. The Municipal Hand headed the military procession, followed by the ex-service-men, upwards ol 40 strong, under Lieut. Bleach. Next came the firing party composed of Territorials under Sergt. .7. Kenton and the Cadets in considerable strength under Lieut. Hutchison. The Koy Scouts turned nut well nuclei- Scoutmaster Sutherland, and the Girl Guides were in charge of Commandant -Mrs Perry. The procession was of considerable length and made an imposing array. At the Anzac memorial service at the Princess Theatre, His Worship the Mayor, G. A. Perry, Esq., 0.8. E.. presided, and had with him on the platform, the Hon. H. L. Michel, M.L.C., members of the local clergy, including Pndre Nelson Wright. Herds. KnnwlesSmith, J. W. Hayward and Ensign Barnes. In addition the Maori concert party and Mr P. J. Evans, president of tiie K.S.A., were accommodated with seats. The large building was well filled, between 800 and 700 being seated, while many stood outside the doors.’ A collection taken up at the doors towards the cost of headstones for soldiers’ graves, realised Ci 10s Id. The service opened with the National Anthem, the Municipal Band leading with the music.

The Mayor in making the opening remarks said they had met together again to commemorate the immortal memory• of the lauding at Anzac Coie. That event was one of the most thrilling in our history. The-war developed°into the greatest struggle the nation had entered into, and came oul triumphantly. New Zealand though a small unit of the whole, did well, and the courage and tenacity of our troops was outstanding. What England did in the war had been well told by Owen Wister, an American critic, whose remarkable summary of England’s deeds had been published in the local papei the evening previously. Britain was responsible for tremendous efforts on land and sea. The occasion called for great efforts and sacrifices. The lesson of 'the war was that all effoits were in vain were it not for the unity of the British people. They should maintain Hint unity as a nation, oi they would lose the great 'freedom which had been purchased by our forefathers at so great a price. Mr Perry impressed on the young people to talctheir part in lile, and hold in high esteem and pride the comradeship and unity which had kept the nation together and maintained, be could say confidentlv.it would bo all for the good of the world.

Following thn hymn. “0 find Our TTolo.” Ensign Barnes read from the* epistle «f Ft. Paul to the Romans, a passage suitable to the occasion. The Maori Melody Party sang in the native tongue, the liynian “ 0 T)ivine Grace, as a sentet, and Rev. 11. NelsonWrighfc offered prayer, followed by tlm recital of the Lord’s Prayer. After the hymn “Fight the Good. Fight.” Revd. J. W. Hayward delivered the occasional address.

The reverend speaker referred .to the words of the Jewish patriach who had untold patriotism for Jerusalem, and whp wished dire things to happen to him iif he were to forget his city and homeland. It was so with the Anzac commemoration—some things might he forgotten to the peril of the national life. Great and glorious deeds had been done by the men of Anzac, and they should recall again and again those splendid actions, and bring hack vividly to the mind what the sacrifices made had left to us. 'l’he landing at Gallipoli was splendid proof of New Zealand and Australian manhood. The deed was without parallel in history. It was a great task accomplished with a wonderful spirit. The purpose of the Dardanelles campaign was to gain access to Russia by the Black Sea, and so affect the Turkish forces fighting with the enemy ; as also to impress the imagination of the Balkan States, then uncertain of action. The campaign was undertaken without adequate preparation and with, divided counsels. Yet the enterprise as undertaken was hut an episode in the world

war. Actually some 100,000 troops were engaged, and though that was twice the number of the troops engaged in the whole South African campaign, the force was small in relation to the major operations of the war. The Allied loss on Gallipoli was 115,000 killed and 100,000 sick. New Zealand had a strength of B,5W> in the campaign and lost 7447. Those figures tell the tale of the part played hv the Dominions. Belgium with a population of seven millions lost 10,000 in the .war. New Zealand with a million lost 15,0)00. Jliere is no

question that Now Zealand did its part in the war.

In commemorating Anzac, Mr Mayward said, he would like them to visualise the task set the troops at the landing. They had to land in the. liist instance on an unfriendly shore—2o miles of rough, steep sea coast, without roads or water; scrub covered ridges held by a stubborn and resolute foe. The place was mined and wired, and swept with gunfire. The men left the ships ill the dark and landed at dawn heavily equipped. They landed under shell lire, and had to walk out of the water and charge an entrenched mid unseen enemy. Their next task was to dig in under a boiling sun and hold on. They held on for (lays, weeks, months. Only in this way can we realise what the feat meant. History records that no army had helore been set such a task and history records also that no army made a more heroic attack. What was this spirit, asked Mr Mayward? The men knew well the suffering and danger awaiting them. They sacrificed themselves freely. AY hen thov sailed from Mmlros for the landing they knew where tfioy were going. As they passed warship and transport they were cheered and cheered again, and responded. It was a never to be forgotten scene by those in the fight. Those who witnessed the moving scene were filled with wonder and gratitude at the spirit of the Anzaos. And that spirit did not fail in the hour of testing. They might well express their pride, and thank God in gratitude for such great service as the men rendered. Sir Jan Hamilton who witnessed the landing from a warship, marvelled at their courage and unselfish sacrifice. Sir William Birdwood had expressed complete confidence in the bearing and stcadlastncss ol tlie men. ami the efficiency of the New Zealand troops. As Scott wrote at the South Bole there were still men of English stock ready to meet heavy odds and face death as in the past, and show men can make sacrifices for other things than material gain, and for something more than life itself. A tremendous price had to he paid, said Mr Hayward in conclusion, to gain a sound and settled peace, which was won in tin*, end. It was our dut.\ to stir ourselves and put into lile and the affairs about us, the same spirit of courage and unselfishness, and a desiie to strike a blow for right, believing in the things commemorated that day which were necessary in the course of the war for material freedom. And all this should he remembered in a community ami national way lost, "u forget! The hymn “ 0 Valiant Hearts ” followed and then the Benediction P»’<>nouuced by Padre Wright. Hie Municipal Band rendered the Dead March in “Saul,” and the Last Post was sounded by Bugler L. Boss. visits TO MEMORIALS.

The parade then reformed, and visted the South African war memorial; the State School memorial, and the Cenotaph on Cass Square. At ea-li memorial the military saluted and fired volleys, and the Last Post was sounded. M.auy beautiful wreaths were laid on the memorials by relatives and friends. The Band headed the march hack to the Drill Hall, placing tlie .march “ Colonel Bogey.’ th" ports of. which were presented to the band by Lieut. Bleach.

AT GB EYMOUTH. (J KKYMOUTH, April 26. There was perfect weather and a large crowd suitably celebrated Anzac Day. The church services were largely attended and there was a public gathering addressed by civic beads.

D (INK 1) IX OBSEKVAX(IKS

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association )

DUNEDIN. April 25

Beautiful weather prevailed tor Anzac Day, which was solemnly observed. A large number of returned soldiers paraded, and, in company with general volunteers units, assembled in Queen’s Gardens, where a short‘military service was conducted in front of the handsome Returned Soldiers’ .Memorial. 'l’he troops then marched to the Kensington Drill Hall, where the Rev AY. .Maclean, M. 0.. of Oa.maru, delivered an inspiring address.

SERVICES AT CHRISTCHURCH

CHRISTC HUBCH. April 25,

Anzac Day was observed with the ceremonial now regularly followed in the city. There was a parade of Territorials and Cadets, with 81)0 returned men. Afterwards a. service was held in King Edward Barracks, at which Professor Shelley delivered the address. A large number of wreaths were Hi id ai the appointed spot in front of the Cathedral.

Special services were held in all the churches. The school mostly held their ceremonial yesterday, hut the Boys’ High School hud a service, with a. church parade of school Cadets, at the War Shrine in the grounds. The weather was fine for the whole day.

A I’CK LAND DBSER VANCE

AUCKLAND. April 25

Anzac Day was observed in dull, showery weather. A great crowd assembled at the Cenotaph outside the Town Hall.

Archbishop Averill addressed a crowded congregation at the service in the Town Hall.

AT WANGANUI

WANGANUI. April 25

Tlh> services commemorating Anzac Day in Wanganui were largely attended. A Maori service in Moutoa (hardens was impresive. and significant ,because it marked the first appearance

in Wanganui of flic Bishop of Aotearoa. the Kt. Kev. T. A. Bennett. Later a a combined service in Cooks Gardens, about seven thousand were present.

PRIME MIXISTEirs MESSAGE

WELLINGTON 7 . April 24. Sir .1. Ward’s Anzac Day message is as follows:

“(In the fourteenth anniversary ol the memorable landing at Anzac. I would like as Prime Minister to recall the glorious deeds and sacrifices of our gallant soldiers in the Great YYai. While we mourn the loss ol so many of the flower of our manhood not only at Gallipoli, hut on other battlefields, we take pride in the tact that they worthily upheld the best traditions of our race and that their names livetli for evermore. It is for all of us to <}p everything possible to ensure that tiemendous sacrifices then made ha\e riot been in vain, and to strive earnestly to prevent a repetition of such a. ‘conflict in future. The Government join with all citizens in honouring the memory of those who foil.”

YVESTPOBT CELEBRATIONS

YY'ESTPOKT. April 25

Glorious weather prevailed to-day. and a large gathering assembled f<»' the memorial services held in Victoria Square. His Worship the Mayor (Mi J Tf. Hark ness) presided and in his remarks dwelt on the nature of service entailing sacrifice.

AT YYELLTNGTON

WELLINGTON

April 25

One of the largest ami most representative assemblages of returned soldiers and the general public since Anzae Day services wore instituted, gathered this morning at the Cenotaph. opposite Parliament Buildings when they were addressed by the Gov-ernor-General. Sir Charles Fergusson. just prior to his laying the foundation sft)lie of the Wellington Citizens War Memorial.

“Wo looked on this day now. he said. “in a different light from when it was inaugurated. YVo thought less of the pain, the agonies and the miseries of that time, and more of tlie deeds of noble self-sacrifice, and it wa« right these should he remembered. •‘it is but fitting, continued Sir Charles; referring to YY’ellington’s YVar MomofiaL “that on this day wo should inaugurate, something which will stand •is ;m inspiration for generations still Id come'.' T 1 is not that wo are likely to forget 1 those who diode Iheii memories hire ever Ircsli to ns: hut there tire the; young people who are comim l ' on. am! we are anxious that they will got from this monument, some of it* inspiration—and what is> that inspiration ? Is it the call to (service? Yes. undoubtedly. YVo remember bow those men went unhesitatingly at the call ol duty. Is it the call to noble deeds?— lignin, yes—for never in the history of the world has a greater epic been wnten. nml in tlmso noble deeds is an inspiration ifor all; and every boy and girl. Biglitly understood this Memorial will -revolutionise mankind.” In illustration of this, his Excellency related a seem’ at Cambfaron October. 1,918. when at the end of four years’ occupation, the Germans- were driven v IVom it In- the Allies. There, at Cambrai. was a large cemetery, planned .by a German general: amt in it were laid, without distinction, Germans. English. (‘French, Canadians, Indians New Zealanders. South-Africans. Australians. Russian*. and Italians. Lac grave was carefully set, and had sV the head a stone and a cross; Cm' cross hearing the name, number am 7 regiment of the dead soldier. At tin west end of the cemetery was a huge cross, and on it. in four languages, had been written these words: “I In sword divides, the sword unites.” A‘ the setting sun threw the shadow o this cross over the cemetery, it was ~,, 1,1,. scene. “Remember.”

-ns a German genera 1 vho had manned that cemeter.'

s -a S'" ’’ a scene had ill it tw

iii(>s A message of groat comfort 1,, f -• • wlio bad lost tboir deal ones. in their groat lovo and solfsacrifice. The realisation, of that message would do more to end .war than any league or pact or formula. \Yai might he, and indeed was, inevitable, so long as human nature was what it was. but those things that caused wai

- jealousy, pride, "reed and bitterness—would, if eliminated Irom tin individual mind, react on tlie whole people and all nations, and go a lonway towards ending war. The-mem cry of such a scene as he saw at Cambrai would help to do that.

“Those men who have done most P advance the world,” concluded Sii Charles. “haVe been those who ha most loved their fellow .men.” Hasked them to remember the words oi Lincoln: “With malice towards none with charity for all: with, firmness ii the right as (bid gives us to see the right, let us finish the work we arc doing to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphans: to do which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all na-

tions.”

AT HAMILTON

■HAMILTON. April 2.1

The Anzae Ray celebrations wore held indoors on account of the rain, but many floral tributes were placed on the Cenotaph at the Memorial Park.

Addressing a crowded meeting of veterans. Scouts and Guidos, and the public, at the Theatre llovnl. Bishop Cherrington said before long the triumphant aspect of Anssuc Pay, rathei

Ilian the sad side, would he emphasised. Some people were so embittered against war. they wanted to abolish all armaments, hut it was more necessary that each one should individually he converted to the idea that war was wrong. YY'lien that had been attained, and they had comniunicated this belief to their Governments, then they could think the sacrifices of war had not been in vain. Sincere men desired to show that war had never satisfactorily settled any dispute. The Bishop thought war helped to show how stupid and wrong was snobbery.

OBSEK VANCE IN AUSTRALIA

(Australian Press Association)

(Received this day at 8 a.m.) MELBOURNE. April 25

Anzac Day was observed as a dose holiday, even petrol garages being compelled to shut. Flags were at hall mast and special services were held at a majority of the city and suburban churches. Twenty-live thousand lormer service men paraded through the city, accompanied bv hands, to the exhibition building, where a memorial service was held.

Sir John Mmiasli. the famous leader of the A.I.E. led returned men, while Lord Somers (Governor of Y'ictoria) led the Imperial servicers. The Governor delayed his departure for England specially to enable him to take part, and immediately afterwards took bis departure by the Oronsoy.

AT HOBART

HOBART. A pi’iT 20.

Heavy rain marred the Anzac celebrations and outdoor fixtures had to he abandoned. A great memorial service was then hold in the city hall, which seats five thousand.

AT SYDNEY

SYDNEY, April 25

For the Anzac celebrations, Australia observed a general holiday and groat interest was shown in the outi(Ioor impressive ceremonies. Tlie cities were beflagged and stirrime speeches wore delivered. The nation to-day worshipped one God. one ideal, one memory. Cele brat ion in Sydney took the form oi a march past of twenty thousand men. with nurses, who took port in the Great YVar, headed by Victoria , Cross winners.

The procession began in Government House grounds, and went along tin main city thoroughfares, which were lined with people, and ended in tin Domain, where a united commemoration ceremony was held in the present* of one hundred thousand persons. Different -units formed up to repre sent the sun’s rays.

Governor De Chair was the chief speaker and appropriate hymns were sung with the utmost fervour, massed bands providing the accompaniments. The Cenotaph in Martin Place was almost completely hidden by wreaths placed there by relatives and friends oi dead soldiers. One wreath was to tlie memory of Boh Hitchcock, the missing avaitor. from his former comrades.

A pretty gathering was held at Government House where hundreds of girls of the Junior Red Cross in white frocks brought with them tiny flora tributes to the dead <>l Anzac and later placed them at the gates o f-bites of Memory through which the majority of our soldiers passed on the wav to embarkation.

Mr Barnett, acting for the New Zea land Government agent in Sydney, it’ conjunction with the Returned Soldioi: and Sailors League placed a wreath or the Cenotaph at sundown on the Government and people of New Zealand.

CANBERRA. April 25

There was a.noteworthy gathering a: the Federal capital when'the Governor general laid the '.foundation stone of the Australian War Memorial, which will he of majestic character, in the presence of detachments of returned men with a guard'of honour from the Koval Military College, the Prime Min ister and heads of churches, followed bv a devotional service which was broadcast throughout Australia.

LON DON’S T IMPUTE. (Received this day at 9. a.m.) LONDON, April 26.

Impressive ceremonies characterised the Anzae Day memorial service which was held at St. Clements, which contained gorgeous floral decorations. Sir L. Parr was present. Reverend Gordon. a he-medalled Australian padre, •ireached emotionally: “Amsac('Gleams Like an Altar on Highway of Time.” The High Commissioners lead the procession to the Australian war shrine in the church, where wreaths were laid. An Anzae hymn was sung.

The Cenotaph ceremony followed. Thousands looked on and traffic was held up. Lord .Jcllicoe placed the first iced

wreath of New Zealand wild flowers on behalf of New Zealand Returned Softie rs.

A French officer laid' a Flanders poppy' and arum lillies wreath ‘‘From Old french Dardanelles Comrades.” Sir J. Parr and Lord Rvrie placed wreaths on behalf of their Governments.

Thousands filed past the Cenotaph for reverent inspection of the magnificent wreaths.