ANZAC DAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3028, 27 April 1926, Page 2

ANZAC DAY.

+ LOOAL COMMEMORATION SERVICES. The eleventh anniversary of the landing of the Anzaes at Gallipoli was fittingly celebrated locally on Sunday. A special word of praise is due to the Returned Soldiers for the interest they displayed in the parade, also to members of the local Friendly Societies, Fire Brigade, and last, but not least, the Foxton Band, whose stirring marches were much appreciated. Glorious sunshine attracted a large concourse of people to the Soldiers’ Memorial and many got a commanding view of the proceedings from Ihakara Garden adjoining. The Rev. AV. 11. Walton arranged the afternoon service, which was of an impressive nature. AT THE SCHOOL. The headmaster of the District High School (Mr. F. Mason) arranged a special service at the school at 10 a.m., which was attended by parents and scholars, members of committee and the public. ME F. AVoods (chairman of committee) in opening the proceedings, referred to the sacrifices made by the Anzaes at the landing on Gallipoli and urged the children to live up to their glorious example. The hymn, “0, God, our help in ages Past," was sung and the Rev. AAR H. A\ T alton offered up a prayer and Mr. George Huntley read a scriplure lesson. An appropriate address was delivered by the Rev. AAR 11. Walton bearing on the lessons to be taken to heart from the glorious deeds accomplished for the peace and liberty of the nation by those who had made the supreme sacrifice. He urged them to live up to the standard'of their-school motto: “Each for all.” Captain Yeo gave a stirring recital of the immortal landing which received" the close attention of the children and he concluded by urging them to play the game in acts of chivalry and unselfishness. The headmaster then read the school's roll of honour and floral tiibutes were placed'at the foot of the school tablet, followed by the sounding of the “Lust Post" by Mr. Basil AValls. The flag was then saluted, the National Anthem sung, followed by the recital of loyalty to God, King and Empire. The Benediction closed a most impressive ceremony. Miss Dent accompanied the singing on the piano. AFTERNOON CEREMONY. The Returned Soldiers, under Captain Yeo, Band, Eire Brigade, and representatives of local Friendly Societies assembled at the Council Chambers and marched in procession lo the Soldiers’ Memorial in the Triangle, where a large concourse of people wore assembled. Seating accommodation had been thoughtfully provided by the returned men outside the enclosure, which was much appreciated. The Mayor (Mr. Perreau) briefly referred to the object of the service and expressed pleasure in seeing so many returned men on parade and thanked them for the interest they had displayed in tho ceremony of remembrance, lie relerred to the early departure of those who had volunteered and offered their lives in support of a great cause. It was a day of remembrance and thankfulness. They could look back and say that those who had paid the supreme sacrifice had nobly done their duty, and their sacrifice would never be forgotten. They had paved the way for a permanent peace and they all looked forward to the time when war should be no more. Captain Stone (Salvation Army) read a scripture lesson from Isaiah 35. The Rev. S. Peryman delivered a brief address, bearing on remembrance, resolve and reconstruction. They had to remember that if God had not been for them in the Great AY'ar, we would have gone down to the dust. He l-pf cued to “the angel of Mons” as .indicating God’s intervention. The resolutions foi the future should be of the heart and mind, a pledge to live for those ideals for which the glorious dead had made sacrifice, ideals of truth, freedom and justice. There must be a reconstruction of thought, said the speaker. If their thoughts were of peace the time would come when swords would be converted into plough-shares and spears into pruning hooks and all bitterness, malice and hatred would be banned.

Captain Yeo placed a beautiful wreath at the foot of the memorial, made and donated by Mrs Heaseman in remembrance of fallen comrades by Foxton “Diggers,” and Mr J. Coley performed a similar tribute, amidst an impressive silence. The Band then rendered “The Garland of Flowers” and as Buglar Basil AA’lalls sounded the “Last Post” there were few dry eyes in the assemblage. The Benediction was pronounced by the Rev. AA r . H. AValton. During the service the National Anthem was sung followed hv the hymns, “O, God our Help in Ages Past,” the “Recessional,” “Peace Perfect Peace,” and “Nearer my God lo Thee. The base of the memorial was covered with beautiful wreaths from relatives and friends of those who had paid the supreme sacrifice.