The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1931. A GREAT ANNIVERSARY.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1931. A GREAT ANNIVERSARY.

Dksimte all other factors, New Zealand in particular will find occasion to-morrow to mark the commemoration of Anzac Day. It is a very 1101-1 1 able anniversary for both this Dominion and the Commonwealth, marking the occasion as it docs of the baptism by tire of 1 lie overseas troop-, which went to the assistance of the Motherland in the Great War. Although nominally the Anzac commemoration day, it has come to be regarded as the day of special memory for all New Zealanders who fell in the war, and mi to-morrow the simple duty will he performed of remembering the fallen, visiting the memorials, and laying wreaths on the graves of comrades who have since passed away. It is, therefore, a solemn occasion hut rich in memories of great services and triumphant fonts. The call to arms in flic time of stress and peril was answered magnificently, New Zealanders trooped to the colours in a manly way, and reaffirmed in the most practical manner the inbred loyalty of the people. The country as a whole did nobly in the time which called for action, and none need lie ashamed of New Zealand’s part in the war. The troops were trained, armed and despatched with great facility. It was remarkable how the country rose to the occasion, and there was no faltering. When it came to real sendee at the front, the New Zealand troops along with their Australian comrades won the highest praise. In the first desperate action they were called upon to meet the enemy, they comported themselves to the admiration of all table to pass judgment on their feat. A difficult and dangerous task was set them. They had to approach an unseen but entrenched foe, attacking the enemy from the open coast, raiding the enemy fastnesses and driving back the Turks, that they might themselves secure a foothold from which to launch subsequent- attacks. It was a remarkable undertaking for untried troops, but all that was asked of them was performed, and with that beginning, the troops held their own throughout the war. But at every stage the fierceness of the conflict, and the vigors of t}re war, took their toll, and many paid the supreme price in the Empire’s service. Many, too, were broken in health, and arc still suffering from phyajeial debility resulting from war service. 'The memory of all those who died or suffered will he called to mind to-morrow at the solemn services and by the commemorative nets which will mark the occasion. The first Anzac Day was the beginning of a notable military career for tile colonial troops. From that wonderful beginning they went on. and their colours were carred to the fore in the final victorious stages of the war. None can cavil at the services of the oversea troops at the war. It was sincere and earnest, and a notable contribution to the final result. Their achievements called for the greatest of sacrifice and their deeds can nevei fade from history. The Anzac landing was an epic event of the war, and the forerunner to other distinctive achievements. The knowledge of them has created a pride in the work of the civilian soldiers called hurriedly to active service. Tn remembering the fallen tomorrow, it will he recalled they died nohlv in the service of their country, -«nd for world security. Those who served with them and were fortunate to return, served no less nobly, and their deeds must not he overlooked. Anzac Day and all that is impled afterwards has given New Zealand a proud heritage, worthy of memory for all time.