A RED-LETTER ANZAC SERVICE AT TURUA.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4825, 1 May 1925, Page 2

A RED-LETTER ANZAC SERVICE AT TURUA.

(To the Editor}. Sir,—Anzac Day was observed as usualon April 25 in Tuma, The hall in which the gathering was held being too small to accommodate those 'present, as many had to stand outside. Now, writing as au interested onlooker, i am safe in saying that Mr Miller, the chairman, piloted a public service that was in every sense of the word a success. After devotional exercises there were solo items- —all of a sacred or semi-sacred character, which was just as it should be on such an occasion—and the singing , was of a high order and much enjoyed. The Rev, Brooker offered prayer and read an appropriate Scripture lesson. Evidently Quite a number were keen on hearing tho Rev. Charteris, who was the only speaker. A few weeks ago, and prior to Mr Charteris arriving in Tuvua, a paragraph appeared in the “Hauraki Plains .Gazette” stating that Mr Charteris would be much missed in the West Coast of the South Island, and the paragraph further stated that Mr Charteris stood in the front rank of public speakers in New Zealand, and some of us certainly thought .that such a statement was going a long way. But after listening to him speak for about thirty-five minutes bn "Freedom” I feel quite confident that the statement as to his being in the front rank of public speakers in New Zealand was no idle boast, as the emigre-, gation was held spellbound, except for a little touch of Scotch humour which he used very judiciously to illustrate his points. The gathering was a reverent one, yet bright anl inspiring. Next year a much larger hall will be weeded for our Anzac Commemoi ation Service. After the Benediction all assembled opposite the post office, where Mr McConnell placed a handsome, wreath upon the Roil of Honour. The National Anthem being sung bro’nglit to a close a. helpful gathering. A RESIDENT.