N.Z. CONTINGENT

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 30, 6 May 1938, Page 4

N.Z. CONTINGENT

ANZAC DAY IN . BRIEF IMPRESSIONS A very intereating account of the visit to the Sydney Arizac Day celebrations in Sydney by the / New Zealand Contingent, lias been supplied to the “News” by Mr. T. H. Pearson, one of the four Opotiki reprsentatives who made-the trip. Mr Pearson writes as follows

It would be iihpossible to adequately describe the events or impressions of the wonderful trip to SStfhe^:'' - 'An excellent spirit prevailed throughout the trip and men from all walks of life mingled together and retained that espirit-de-corps right through; The weather throughout the trip was perfect, not a man on my boat was sea-sick. The send-off front- Wellington was truly wonderful and will never be forgotten. On our arrival at Sydney the first ’ function 'which all attended was the march through the streets of Sydney to the Cenotaph where the wreath prepared in New Zealand was laid. The luncheon held at the Trocodera was attended by over 2000 men and splendid enthusiasm prevailed. Sunday was a> free day and many took advantage of facilities offered for trips to the country districts for sightseeing. Special services'were held in many of the Churches in Sydney and were well attended. The service held at Mlie Cenotaph at dawn was memorable. We paraded at the ships’ side at 3 a;m. and again marched to the Cenotaph and the New Zealanders were given the place of honour near the Memorial. In addition to the large parade of exservicemen, thousands of people were present. The solemnity if tiie proceedings was most effective and inspiring.

We then returned to our ships for breakfast and at 8 a.m. we again paraded at the ships’ side for the Memorable Anzac Day March to the City Domain. The procession started from McQuarrie Street and the New Zealanders took the lead. After proceeding through tlie city streets we arrived- at the Domain and occupied our position and we then had a wait of tw 0 and a-lialf hours until the last of the procession arrived for the Ceremony. The Ceremony, was brief and impressive.

. The days’ that followed Anzac Day were days of hospitality and : Trips and entertainment were showered upon us, and all doors opened tp .its. Free trips were granted us on trams and ferries, and the many entertainments were free of charge.

On board ship we were issued with an identification booklet and an official tie of black and silver stripes. We 'were expected to show our identification booklet when taking tram rides etc., but it was soon apparent to us that the black and silver striped tie was sufficient identification. It is quite apparent to the 1400odd. New Zealanders who visited Sydney. that the spirit of Anzac tfill never die in Australia and although,-per-haps, the nature . of- the celebrations held in Australia may be s.miewiiat 'different to that held in New Zealand, there is no mistake but that the religious and solemn aspect is m no way affected by tlie other functions held in the afternoon andi evening of Anzac Day. _ ; -7 :7' s

The' many thousands of Australian ex-soldiers gathered together from all parts of Australia. Free raifway travelling was granted by the Australian Government..