ANZAC DAY CELEBRATION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 270, 27 April 1917, Page 1

ANZAC DAY CELEBRATION.

An Enthusiastic Gathering

at Pukekohe.

It was a happy suggestion on the part of the Pukekohe School Committee that there should be a children's demonstration to Commemorate the anniversary of Anzac Day on Wednesday. Headed by the Boys' Drum and Fife Band, under Captain Elford, the school children numbering about 500 marched in procession to the Premier Hall. A programme in keeping with the reverence due to those '• boys " who had given their lives for the Empire, was then carried out as arranged by Mr Frank Perkins, the Chairman of the School Committee. The National Anthem having been sung Mr Perkins explained that the meeting was called in accordance with the instructions from the Board of Education to celebrate Anzac Day. He trusted that when the next anniversary took place the war would bo ended and that the British Empire would be "on top." (Applause). Mr A. Smith then aang wit h good expression " Anzac " and received a hearty reception, following which the War Hymn, " Heavenly Father Guard our Sailors," was well rendered by the scholars. An address on " Heroes ana Heroism " was then given by the Rev. S. Nixon, in which he described the varied characteristics which formed a true hero, mentioning, incidentally, Christopher Columbus, Napoleon, General Gordon, Carey, Lord Roberts and Kitchener, while photo piotures produced by the speaker of others such as John Cornwall of EL.M.S. " Chester " were applauded by the children. The Russian National Hymn being sung by the scholars, the Mayor (Mr H. G. R. Mason) delivered an address on the of " Anzac " and paid a tribute to those who at Gallipoli " did their duty." " Boys of the Old Brigade " was then sung by Mr Wheatley in good style, and the Rev. J. P. Cowie addressed the scholars on the principals which make for heroism, mentioning that men regarded as loafers three years ago died as heroes later. He pointed out that all privileges implied responsibilities. " God Defend New Zealand " was then sung by the scholars, after which Captain Elford (Salvation Army gave a breezy address on the Anzac spirit and urged both boys and girls to do their duty by helping their parents in their homes. The Rev. J. T. Martin (Methodist Minister) in a happy spirit related an experience a friend of his had who went to the front and was severely wounded. Recovering he made the most of his circumstances by studying and passed his examinations so successfully that he is likely to soon becom# a qualified State School teacher. Concluding the speaker urged all "to make history." Mr D. R. Flavell, headmaster, gave a thoughtful address on the Empire and in referring to Gallipoli spoke in a true patriotic spirit of those who fought and those who fell. His apt references to Lord Nelson and " duty,' with a brief allusion to past historical events, concluded with an appropriate ending in which he trusted the result of national mistakes would be the dawn of peace. The scholars heartily sang their marching song, " Over the World From Sea t# Sea," and brought the programme to a close.

A collection taken up on behalf of the Y.M C.A. work at the Front realised 4i12 3s. Thanks were accorded to Mr Coady for the free use of the hall and to the teachers and others for their valuable assistance. The Miss s Hamblin, Webb and Iris Wright, who accompanied the songs, were alto thanked.