MANUREWA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 270, 27 April 1917, Page 4

MANUREWA.

ANZAC DAY,

The chairman and members of the School Committee are to be congratulated on the bright, homely and interesting gathering that took place at 2 p.m. at the Public School on Tuesday last in celebration of Anzac Day. In charge of Mr McNaughton, the schoolmaster, there was a full attendance of children, including the Weymouth Branch School and some .50 or (50 adults.

Mr F. E. White, the chairman, in opening the proceedings gave the children an intelligent and interesting reason for assembling. The children then saluted the flag and sang the National Anthem after which Mr C. H. Lupton, a member of the Committee, gave a stirring address. Anzac, he said, would for ever be a great word in New Zealand history and although they were but a small part of the Empire, Anzac would denote that New Zealand had played an important part in the greatest war of history. The New Zealand boys when called on had risen to their responsibilities. It was only a few years ago these same boys were school boys. Many had laid their lives down for freedom and that fact should help every boy and girl to be the better man and woman when it came to their time to do battle either for the Empire or against difficulties. The children having snng the Russian National Anthem, the Rev. W. C. Wood said New Zealand had been accused of its lack of history. They had not tho traditions and associations of the Homeland, but for a young country they had made good and lasting history at Gallipoli. Just as everybody - was so willing to help at a fire and an accident, so it was when the mighty blaze sprang up nearly three years ago. The boys they well knew, who used to drive carts, or farm, or others who went to the city, rushed off to put that blaze out. Some would never come back. It was deeds not words and in the years to come, when the personal part of this war was largely forgotton and men would write the history in calm judgment, " Anzac, the Landing at Gallipoli " would be one of bright deeds on the page of English History.

The children next sang Rule Brittiania under the leadership of Miss Cooper. Before concluding with the National Anthem, the chairman invited the parents to afternoon tea and thanks to the ladies of the Committee, Mesdames Palmer, Hesketh and .Burton, there was a liberal distribution to both children and adults.

Mr T. W. Bell, tho honorary secretary, deserves every credit for tlio arrangements so well carried out.