ANZAC DAY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4691, 28 April 1924, Page 2

ANZAC DAY.

1 MPRESSIVE SEIITJCEB. “LEST WE FORGET.” In common with other parts of New Zealand Anzac Day was observed with a spirit of reverence in Paeroa on Friday last, the day being a close holiday. At the various churches during the morning special services were held, and feeling references were made to the commemoration or those who laid down their lives >n the Great War, and especially those who made the supreme sacrifice m the historic landing at Gallipoli bn April 25, 1915. As has been the custom in the pas:, a Citizens’ Commemoration Service was held in the Gaiety Theatre in the afternoon, and there was a fair attendance of the public. Prior to the commencement of the service ths Salvation Army Band, under the eonductoiship of Bandmaster E. Brock, rendered a number of selections outside the theatre, and afterwards took up a position on the stage and, witn Mrs Cook at the piano, acconipanieu the singing of the hymns. The ser - vice was presided over by His 'Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall), and scaled on the stage with him wee the Revs. F. B. Dobson (Church of. England), F. Morgan (Presbyterian), A. E. Jefferson (Methodist), and Captain Prince (Salvation Army):

in introducing the .speakers His Wo’-slnp said it was gratifying to observe that a large section of the public realised the deep debt of gratitude they owed to the men who had laid down their lives in the Great Wur and for the sacrifices made by th-? soldiers. He trusted that commercialism would never be permitted to crowd out thoughts of reverence for the fallen, and he earnestly hoped that Anzac Day would always be the day set aside to pay tribute to New Zealand’s sons for the gallant part played by them in the Great War. The service commenced with the singiim of. the National Anthem. Then followed a band selection “Belgium , hymn, “O God our help in ages past”; prayer, Rev. F. Morgan ; hymn, “For all the Saints”; Scriptural reading. Capt. Prince ; hymn, “O valiant hearts": address, Rev, F. R. Dobson ; prayer Rev, A. E. Jefferson ; Benediction, Rev. F. B. Dobson. At the conclusion of the service the “Last Post” was sounded by Bandsmaji E. Martin. AT THE SCHOOL.

A large number of citizens visited the senool during the day and laid wreaths at the foot of the Roll of HonotlJ. Many of the wreaths were beautiful, and bore silent testimony of the love and veneration felt for the fallen. Among the many beautiful floral emblems was one, a simple wreath of laurel leaves, bearing the inscription “In proud and loving m<mory of an only brother." The loving thoughts and memories that were entwined in that tribute can be welf imagined.

Particularly noticeable was the number of wreaths made by the school children. The work of Mr G. H Taylor (headmaster) and his .staff in fostering and cultivating the fitting remembrance of our 'lead heroes ana the meaning of Anzac among the cbihlren was highly commented upon. Wreaths were placed at the foot ci: the R<ll of Honour by the following : kfayor and Borough' Councillors, Col. and Mrs Porritt and Captain E. and Mi's Porritt, teachers and pupils of Paeroa District High School, Mr and Mrs G. H. Taylor, Dr. and Mrs Smith, Mr ami Mrs W, L. Lawrence, Mr and M’ s Barclay, Mrs and Miss Emctt, Mr ami Mrs Sanderson, Mr and Mrs A. U. Lawrence, Mr and Mrs W. Smith, Mrs Anderson and Mi.ss Whitten. Mrs Malkovich, Mrs R. M. Sorensen, Misses I. and C. Taylor, Misses Vuglar an.l Rickard, Mr Barr. Girls : G. Gwilliam, E. Hayward, M. ami J. Say, R. and B. Alexander, H. Laurence, M. and L. Buchanan, S. and L. Slylield, J. McKee, M. Williams, MCampbel], L. Hamilton, J. Otter, R. Swann, F. Wilson, J. and J. Taiboys, A. Pennell. M. Matkovich, W. Ulph, M. Mcttani, D. .Robinson, L Cartlett.

Boys : P. Barklay, E. Verran, M. Taylor, B. and J. Parry, C. Say, T. Pennell, B. Buchanan, K/McKee, S. Morgan, N. Jefferson-, 11. Campbell, J. Williams, R. Otter, R. Alp, B. Miller, N. Robinson, and others unnamed.