The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1933. THE MEMORIAL DAY.
To-.woitnow is, primarily, the Memorial Day for tJie fallen in the Great War, and it will be observed in solemn form throughout the Dominion. To those who served from New Zealand in the Great War the country made lavish promises to remember tile services. They were given in a time of great need, and very noble service was performed. It was a service of great sacrifice. Many went to their death inflinchingly in a spirit of true patriotism. The old Roman legend, “it is sweet ancl pleasant to die for one’s country,” seemed to be the motto of those who served, and their sacrifice was not in vain. The war was won, and a ruthless enemy was suppressed. Of the 100,COi) troops which left New Zealand for active service, nearly 17,000 lost their lives—a truly noble .sacrifice to ensuie the safety of the world. 'This Dominion played no mean part in the great conflict. Even at the time of the armistice New Zealand had 52,030 troops in the field, and another 10,000 were ready to embark or in training. The measure cf the country’s sacrifice for world safety has been given in percentages, The troops New Zeaiand provided for foreign service represented nearly ten per cent, of the Dominion population in 1914. But. what is remarkable still over forty per cent, of the- male population between the ages of 20 and 45 years went on seryice—a record which emphasises the gleet effort made, The wav, however, has taken a far heavier toll than the 17,Q0Q lost on active service, It is now upwards of fifteen years since the armistice, and in the interval many have died from the effects of war service, while' a great number developed mental trouble, and have to be cared for by the State. The State made every effort to fulfil the promises made when the men went away. Rehabilitation was carried out to the best advantage. Large sums were spent to settle ex-soldiers on the land. They were helped with their homes and in regard to pensions both permanent ‘and temporary as well as economic. Pensions arc now costing over a million a year with over 25,000 soldiers and dependants being assisted annually through this channel. Help is given also through economic pensions at a cost of about £150,000 a year. This expenditure is not begrudged, and with the other help given by the Skate there is the fullest approval. This community has not forgotten its obligations to the men who served. Every appeal for aid is responded to nobly. Much has been done through patriotic channels, and the Returned Soldiers’ organisation is doing all it can to help its comrades in distress. This is the right spirit, and pervading the people will tend to keep 'alive the proper reverence and respect of Anzac Day. The country has done well to set apart, .the day for special remembrance. The date commemorates a great feat by the New Zealanders when first going into action, and for the Sacrifices made then and subsequently, it is proper to pay respect and homage to the fallen. The reminder of the deeds and sacrifice is also a prompting of the debt still due to those in distress, and hv willing effort to do all that is possible to aid them and make them realise that the promises of old are- not forgotten, and that there its the desire to heln or relieve whenever possible and that is an indelible trait with Coasters in particular.
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Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1933, Page 4
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604The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1933. THE MEMORIAL DAY. Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1933, Page 4
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