Large Anzac Parade At Arrowtown

Lake County Mail, Issue 47, 28 April 1948, Page 4

Large Anzac Parade At Arrowtown

A large number of returned servicemen and school children paraded in front of the school and marched to the Memorial Hill.

The president of the local R.S.A., Mr G. Douglas, in addressing the large gathering present, said it was again his privilege to speak to the girls and boys of Arrowtown on this day of remembrance. He thanked all for their attendance, stating it was good to instil into young minds the significance of the day, sacred to the memory of men who from this little part of the Empire gave their lives to win two world wars that peojfle may live in safety and freedom. “ Cannot we dedicate our lives to winning the peace so that the great sacrifice made by millions of men has not been in vain? To-day there is so much unrest in the world that many wonder how soon war will break out again.

“It is the duty of every living person —man, woman and child —to do his or her part towards bringing about a bettQ’r understanding amopg individuals and groups of people in their own land and so lead on to a better understanding among the nations. We must be worthy of what these fallen soldiers have done for us.”

In conclusion, Mr Douglas thanked Captain Bell for coming over to conduct the service.

Captain Bell, in his address, used for his text, “ Better love hath no man than this that he lay down his life for a friend.”

“ Thirty-eight years ago to-day the world was stirred by the valiant efforts of the Anzacs, who, in the face of great odds, stormed the shores of Gallipoli and formed a beach-head. They faced a formidable foe—the* Turks! —and while they fought excellently, they did not drive the Turks back and 15 months later it was decided to evacuate these brave men. “We meet this afternoon to honour these men because of their bravery and willingness. “Just under five years ago, for the second time in New Zealand’s history, men of this country faced something similar to the Anzac landing. New Zealanders, assisted by Americans, stormed the shores of the Treasury Islands in face of the Japanese resistance. I was privileged to be among the group of New Zealanders,” said Captain Bell.

A few months later this was repeated in the Green Isles. The landing itself was made without resistance.

“ I read to you of Joshua leading the Israelites through the Jordan to emphasise the fact that God helped them. “We at Arrowtown honour these men who gave us Anzae because of their bravery and willingness to leave home, to face battle, and to face death.”