ANZAC MEMORIAL SERVICE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1819, 27 April 1918, Page 2

ANZAC MEMORIAL SERVICE.

An United Memorial Service was held in the Town Hall on Thursday afternoon, in commemoration of i Anzac Day. A public holiday was observed, and all business places were closed. The hall was about three-parts filled, and the audience was representative of the town and district. The Mayor presided, and with him on the platform were the representatives of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, and Salvation Army. The Rev. W. Rain A (Anglican) was unavoidably absent in Wellington. The singing was led by representatives of the various choirs, under the conductorship of Mr R. T. Betty, while .Miss Betty, presided at the piano. After a hymn had been sung, and a prayer offered by the Rev. A. Harding, the Mayor extended a welcome to returned soldiers. He paid a tribute to what they had done, and no doubt some of them felt disappointed that they had been rendered unfit to see it through. He feelingly referred tb those who had made the supreme sacrifice, and to those who had suffered bereavement. Death was but a turning of the road which led to a larger life, and there was hope of a reunion. He moved the following motion, which was seconded by Mr A. J. Kellow, and carried unanimously : That this meeting of citizens gladly welcome all our returned soldiers, and trust that they will soon be restored to health and strength. We wish to pub- ' liely thank them for their faithful services to the Empire,' in defence of home, freedom, and national righteousness. Scripture lessons were read by Adjutant Herring and Lieut. Smith. The Rev. J. H. Bredin (Presbyterian) preached an eloquent sermon. He said at such a moment it is impossible that the religious sense should not be keenly alive, or thai our relations to the Great Arbiter of all events should not be deeply x’eal- < ised. The religion which we profess inculcates public spirit, it regards men in all their relations, and affords instructions and consolations suited to every condition of individuals and communities. It becomes every man to retlect on his oavu character and life, to enquire what he has done to bring down judgments on his nation, to confess and renounce his sins, and to obey the voice of God. A nation has reason to fear in proportion to. its guilt, and a virtuous nation, a people sensible of their dependence on God and faithfulness to God is sure of the Divine protection. How far have we sustained the character of a righteous, faithful people? That, should be our enquiry. And whose heart does not accuse him ? As we look around, do we not see many proofs of unrighteousness and ingratitude, much contempt for the law of God. Gan God look upon us with favour? Can our prayers prevail with Him? Why should they ? Surely we are called to earnest confession of sin to-day, not mere formal confession, but that confession which is the accompaniment of repentance and the foi’erunner of true reformation. This is a time when we should bring clearly and strongly before our minds our duties to Empire and country. Christianity admits and sa net ions a deep affection for the land of our father’s, and our right to fight in defence of it. \\ e cannot too ardently attach ourselves to the welfare of our land. Especially in its perils we should ily to its rescue with zeal and affection, resolved to partake of its sufferings, prepared to die in its defence. The present moment calls on us for the most fervent patriotism. And it should animate our patriotism when we remember that we have an Empire to fight for worthy of evex-y effort and sacrifice. Never has the sun shone on an empire so glorious, so full of liberty, so bright with the light of heaven, as the Bx’itish Empire. The present time also demands of us that we cherish a spirit of fortitude, coux’age and resolution. With God as our Helper and Guide, having the consciousness that we are fighting for a righteous cause, and looking at the brave men who have gone forth to uphold that cause, this spirit should be strong within us. To-day we erect a fresh memorial to those who have laid down their lives for King and countx*y. We place fresh wreaths oxx their graves. Anzac spells for us indomitable courage, dogged perseverance, tireless energy, boundless patriotism, and, alas, saddened hearts and desolated homes. Tho blood - of the sires runs in the veins of the children. British pluck and British daring, and British heroism have not suffered by being transplanted, but have gained fresh lustre, and shine forth with a brightness that cheers axxd gladdens our hearts, proves our lineage and confounds our enemies. We think with pride and joy of the gallant stand made by those who have gone from this land against superior numbers long trained in the art of war. Are they not worthy of reverence and gratitude, and are they who still carry on the fierce struggle not deserving of our Let us pray for them. Let us beseech Almighty God to infuse into them a spirit of courage and of power, and of endurance, and of faith in Him, to speedily accomplish His mighty purposes and early bring this, war, to an end. Our thoughts come back to the fallen to-day. We think of the bright young lives that have been sacrificed; we think of the mexx of maturer years who have fallen and left wives and children to mourn their loss, and as we think of them with pride we also think of them with sadness, for Anzac reminds us of ill-conceived plans,

But the heroism was there, and the glory was there, and the remembrance of duty valiantly done comes up vividly before our minds, and wo thank God that we can think of those brave men without the slightest feeling of shame, but'with joy and gladness. This should comfort those who mourn. They should feel happy that it was permitted them to 'send forth their loved ones to light and suffer and die for causes dear to the heart of God, to light and suffer and die for those who were persecuted, ravaged and driven from, home and country, for righteousness, truth and liberty, and when they remember how the Son of God lived and struggled and died for the same ends, should they not rejoice that their brave loved ones • are thus partnered with the Christ ? Think of them as you last saw them. Dwell not on their mangled bodies and scattered limbs. God, the risen Saviour, can at the last* gather the different fragments of the different bodies together and raise their transformed bodies to live in the brightness of His glory for ever. He will not forget those distant lonely graveyards in Gallipoli, France and Palestine. He will remember your dear ones laid to rest there. He will one day touch them with His pierced hand, and they shall rise to receive their re- ‘ ward. Let us then trust our risen Lord, and He will not fail us. During the offertory the choir; rendered an anthem. The singing of the National Anthem brought the service to an end. Subsequently the returned soldiers and their friends were entertained at afternoon tea. Gorpl. Bullard, on behalf of his comrades, thanked the ladies for their hospitality.