ANZAC DAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1540, 18 April 1916, Page 3

ANZAC DAY.

APRIL 25

The following memorandum for head teachers and chairmen of School Committees has been issued by the Wanganui Education Board: — It is the desire of the Board that throughout the education district teachers shall celebrate the anniversary of the day on which the New Zealand and • Australian troops made their heroic landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula. As the date (25th April) occurs this year, in the Easter vacation, the day will be commemorated on Thursday, 20th April. The following programme is recommended by the Acting-Senior Inspector ; Morning. —The morning lesson should include geography and history lessons suitable to the occasion, e.g. —Geography: Route to Egypt, talks about Egypt, Syria, valleys of Tigris and Euphrates, Asia Minor generally. Gallipoli and neighbouring waters, Black Sea and ports, Salonika, Balkan States in brief outline. History: Outline of Gallipoli campaign. Similar stirring deeds in British history: * Wolfe and the heights of Abraham ; Peninsular War —Torres Vedras, Badajoz ; Clive at Arcot; Marlborough at Malplaquet. Devotion to Country Arnold Winkelried, William Tell, Garibaldi, etc. Suggested Time-table.—9 to 9.30, days programme sketched by head teacher; how to help the men at the front —what children can do, 9.30 to 10: Reading associated with the topic of the day, e.g., soldiers' letters. 10 to 10.30: Geography lesson. 10.40 Tbn: All pupils at games, n to 11.30; History. 11.30 to 12: Second Geography lesson.

Afternoon. —The first hour should be devoted to a second history lesson, along with patriotic recitations and readings, or to the writing of letters to men at the front. During the second, hour there should be addresses by returned Anzacs, if possible, and perhaps by other gentlemen. Kipling’s “Lest We Forget” might be recited. Patriotic songs should be sung, the Honour Roll read, and the flag saluted, with the following declaration : —• “ 1 love God and my country ; I honour the Flag ; I will serve the King, and cheerfully obey my parents, my teachers, and the laws of the land.”

If a bugler is available the “Last Post” might be sounded. Before this is done the meaning of the call should be explained and during the sounding the whole school should stand reverently. The National Anthem should be sung, including the following verse “ God bless our splendid men, Send them safe home again, God save our men. Keep them victorious, Patient and chivalrous, They are so dear to us, God save our men.” As it is desired that the ceremony should be one of commemoration, even more than one of celebration, it is hoped that the addresses will dwell upon the sacrifices of our men, their splendid achievements ; also upon New Zealand’s debt and solemn responsibility to them and their families, and upon our grief at the great losses suffered, but also upon our proud recognition of their splendid worth. (Viet. Ed. Gaz.) Above all, everything of a jingoistic nature should be 'kept out of the ceremonies. This is a time to show quiet confidence, but not overweening pride.