DRURY

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 168, 25 April 1916, Page 3

DRURY

On Thursday afternoon Anzac Day was celebrated in the School House, Drury. At the invitation of the head teacher a large number of the residents were present, and tbe members of the Ladies' Patriotic Guild turned out in force. Mr J. D. McNaughton presided and briefly informed the gathering and pupils why they had met to celebrate the day which will live in history as one of the most glorious in the military annals of this or any other country. Then Mr W. Glasson, School Commissioner, in a speech delivered to boys and girls, traced in lucid language the' causes that ltd.up to the landing at Gallipoli, and his speech which was highly patriotic and earnest, was listened to wiih rapt attention by young and old. Physical drill and the National Anthem followed, and the children led in the anthem by Mrs D. Nicholson gave vent to the words and tune in full-throated and hearty endeavour. Then the Eev. Hewlett occupied the floor, and chose for the subject of his speech what he considered the cause of the present cruel war—"Selfishness," and the rev. gentleman spoke eloquently and well, impressing on the children that selfishness was a sin to be avoided and abhored. A Patriotic Hymn by the children followed and was thoroughly enjoyed by their elders. Then Mr Jos. Flanagan got going, putting the youngsters into good humour with a few strokes of wit, which they heartily enjoyed, but his humorous remarks were just the point of a solid wedge of good sound information and historical allusions and during the time he held the floor he also held the attention of the gathering, both young and old heartily applauding his effort. The Head Teacher then gave the loys a lecture on ''Duty" and explained why we honour our good old flag. He got carried away by his subject, and his speech seemed as if it were inspired, so earnest and telling it was to its hearers. Then the only lady speaker of the afternoon, Mrs James McMurtrie, gave those present a taste of her ability, and though she must have been handicapped to some extent by appearing so late on the programme, she gave a good, clear account of the work of women in connection with the war, and she was extremely happy in her illustrations when she spoke to the youngsters. It is always a pleasure to listen to this speaker as she can turn a neat sentence and be pathetic and humorous as she wishes, and as she is always in the van of those who go about doing good naturally what she says goes. The children were marched out to salute the Flag, afterwards returning to the school where they found an item that no doubt they appreciated heartily, Mrs McNaughton now acting as hostess, assisted by her daughters, regaling the children with edible comforts, much to their delectation, whilst an afternoon tea was also provided for the visitors. This was a most enjoyable feature of the function. Mr Glasson moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs McNaughton for her kind and generous gift, and this was carried by acclamation. Mr McNaughton returned thanks for Mrs McNaughton. At the conclusion of the speeches all present rose and sang the National Anthem, and the hearty singing of the Doxology brought to a close one of the most enjoyable and patriotic, functions ever held in Drury.