RONGOTEA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 126, 27 April 1940, Page 10

RONGOTEA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) RONGOTEA; April 25. Favoured with bright warm sunshine, and an almost entire absence of wind, the commemoration of Anzac Day in Rongotea was carried out, with fitting ceremonial. That the 25th of April still commands a foremost place in the minds and thoughts of people was shown, by the large assemblage of the public at the Coronation Hall. Members of the Bulls and Rongotea Returned Soldiers’ Associations, marched to the hall, headed by the Palmerston North Salvation Army Band. There was also a. largo company of Girl Guides present, in the charge of Captain Davis. The chair was taken by Mr L. 11. Yarrall, who extended a welcome to the visitors, stating that it was the twentieth Anzac service that had been celebrated in the hall, and the eighteenth occasion on which the hand had been present to brighten the proceedings with their music. The National Anthem was sung, and Rev. C. M. Roberts was called upon to address the assembly. Mr Roberts remarked that the world outlook had changed since last Anzac Day. Nevertheless they did not forget the meaning of Anzac nor the deeds of valour and the sacrifices of a quarter of a century ago. io many it was a day of sacred sorrow and sympathy was with them. Turning to current events the speaker said it was clear to the world that the struggle of Britain and her Allies was not one of aggression. It was solely for the defence of life and property, and liberty. Six months of war had demonstrated what a mad nationalism and totalitarianism meant. If Hitlerism won, what would it mean to Britain, to France, to the smaller Powers and to usY To save ourselves and others from the fate of the Poles, the Jews and the Finns we had entered upon this great struggle. Mr Roberts believed that the root cause of war was found in the hearts of men. in other words that at bottom the (rouble was a spiritual one and the ultimate solution must be a spiritual one too. Only when the age-long prayer, “Thy Kingdom Come” was answered would men he prepared to heat their swords into plough shares and their spears into prunmg-hooks and lasting peace reign in the earth. The Scripture reading was selected by Rev. N. S. Barnett from St. John's Gospel. Prayer was offered by Major V. Dick. Following the Benediction the Last Post ivas sounded. A procession, led by the hand, marched to the Square, where wreaths were placed on the memorial. In the large number were tributes from the citizens, the school, Masonic Lodge, Rongotea R.S.A., Bulls R.S.A.. Women’s Division, Old Pupils’ Association, Women’s Institute, Methodist Church,and Girl Guides. An adjournment was made to the hall, where members of the band, returned soldiers, and lady visi tors were entertained to afternoon tea. Major Dick and Mrs Dick extended thanks to the local ladies for their hospitality. Among the visitors present were Mr and Mrs W. J. Crouchcr, of Palmerston North, and Major R. W. Wriglitson, of the Ist. Wellington Battalion, now residing at Tangimoana. The Oddfellows’ Lodge bold their annual public installation of officers in the Coronation Hall on Tuesday evening. Visitors were in attendance from Bulls, Palmerston North, Rangiotu, and Fcikling. D.D.G.M. Bio. L. Sim invested tbe_ following with office: N.G., Bro. 11. N. I ox; V.G.. Bro. D. Fraser: Warden, Bro C. Donovan; Chaplain, Bro. R. King; R.S.S., Bro W Odgers; L.S.S.. Bro. P. Bottcher; R.S.N.G., Bro. R. Will; L.S.N.G., Bro. D. Carrington; R.S.V.G., Bro. F. Hancock: L.S.V.G., Bro. I*. Hill; 1.G., Bro. J. Major; 0.G., Bro. 11. Boyce. A dance followed, extras being played by Mrs Morn and Mr A. E. Maiheson. Vocal items were contributed by Mrs I?. Aird, Messrs R. Algar and A. Matheson. An impressive Anzac service was held at the school on Wednesday afternoon, when Miss Murdoch led the children in the singing of suitable hymns. Mr L. 11. Y arrall gave a brief address. Harvest thanksgiving services were held at the Rongotea Presbyterian Church on Sunday afternoon. There was a good display of fruit and produce brightened with i flowers. Miss Miller presided at the organ, and the preacher, Rev. J. W. Martin, took j as his subject “Offerings,” based on tho j 14th chapter of Leviticus.