ANZAC DAY.

Shannon News, 26 April 1929, Page 3

ANZAC DAY.

CELEBRATED IN SHANNON.

The memory of those men who gave their lives at • the Landing on Gallipoli on April 25th, 1915, and during the Great War, was honoured in Shannon yesterday—Anzac Day—in a fittingly manner by residents of the town and district at celebrations at the public school and in the Maoriland Theatre.

AT THE SCHOOL. The school children assembled at the school in the morning, and after the chairman of the school committee (Mr A. E. Hyde) had explained to them why the day wa3 held sacred, the Rev Mr Farnell briefly addressed them on the brave deeds done by the Australian and New Zealand men on Gallipoli. He said it was for this that they had been given the name of Anzac. He explained the preparations for their memorable landing on Galli-, poli and the valiant deeds of the troops and warships. He pointed out to the children that the word Anzac did not have the same meaning to the Tommy as to colonial troops. He then went on to refer to the retreat from Mons, which he said was a 'big and valiant deed by the British army, ana which will always be famous in history. The late Marshal Foch, had paid a very fine tribute when, according to the records, he had said to General Haig: "My dear General, your brave little army saved France." The other troops in France had giveir Ijhe New Zealahders the name of the < bilt ent Division," the reason being that when the Tommies were on the march they sang the latest ditties, but the New Zealanders did not. He pointed out tha-t the boys and women who left our shores were all quite comfortable in. their homes, but gave it all up so that they could go to assist to check the advance of the enemy, in which many of them laid down their lives for their King and Country. He drew attention to the sacrifice individuals made, such as in the matter of health, and giving up good positions, not knowing if they would be open to them on their return. In conclusion he impressed on them that he wanted them to always keep fresh in their memory, which was the duty of all, the great sacrifices made by all those who went to the front. THE PUBLIC FUNCTION. At the conclusion of the address the children lined up, and headed by the Levin Band, with the returned iers and South African veterans, marched, to the theatre, where the main service was held. On the platform were His Worship the Mayor (Mr E. Butt), Rev. Mr Farnell (Anglican), Rev. Mr Williamson (Presbyterian), Mr Swift (Methodist) ' and Mr F. H. Taylor. Proceedings opened with the hymn, "O God our Help in Ages Past," after which a prayer and the Lords •Prayer was offered by Mr Swift, this being followed by the reading of a Sc'riptur- lesson by Rev. Williamson, who took for his text Psalm 33 and the 6th chapter of Epheisians, 10th verse. . Mr F. H. Taylor then delivered , a brief, but most impressive addi'G&S. Hi! said. that, on gathering together _on this solemn yet glorious Day of Remembrance two passages of Scripture seemed to him to be singularly appro priate: the admonition to the children of Israel, "And thou shait remember all the way that the Lord thy God hath Jed thee," and the prophecy or Isaiah "Nation shall not lift up 'sword' against nation, neither shall 'they learn war any more." 'We are met together to-day, he said, to remember those who at the-call of duty went forth and laid down their lives in the cause of freedom. We are called upon to recognise with, grateful hearts the protecting Hand of God upon us: to realise afresh our responsibilities in the world to-day. As we i think of those who have made the supreme sacrifice we "honour them 'tor their faithfulness to duty; for their valour in the day of battle; but most of all for their sacrifice. 'Giving up all that life held dear they laid down their lives for us, and by their example proved the nobility of sacrifice. Again, tliis day calls jus to remember the Divine care and protection manifested so unmistakoably during our Rational time of trial, when King Taud people ioined in humble intercession tor Divine help, and we think of the simple trust in God displayed by the late Marshal Foch and other great leaders in the field, and are reminded that only as we honour God as a nation aim as individuals, can. we expect to prosper. Lastlv, to us has been left the sacred trust of working for the bringing in of that glorious time foie old by the Prophet, when 'Nation shall not Hft up sword agamst nation, ji-elther (shall Hh<# learn war any more." Men are coming to realise a* never before, unless civilisation ends war, war will end civilisation, and one of the world's leaders of thought re- ; oently declared that the coming ot that day can only be brought about i by submission to the teachings of the world's Redeemer, and the recognition iof sovereignty over our hearts and 1 lives. In conclusion, ho said, Kipling voices very 'beautifully the lessons o, to-day in the following linesr—

"The tumult and the shouting dies, The captains and tlw Kings depart, Still stands thine ancient sacrifice, An humble and a contrite heart. Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget—lest we forget.

The large gathering then sang Kipling's Recessional hymn, after which those present proceeded to the Cenotaph, where a number of beautiful wreaths, were laid, during which tho Levin Band rendered the "Garland of Flowers," the returned men paying tribute to their late comrades. A. memorable servica was brought to a Close by the singing of the National Anthem, the giving of the Benediction by the Rev. Mr Williamson and the

founding of the "Last Post" by Bandmaster Lester. _ At the conclusion of :he service tlic iMavov thanked the members of theLevin Band for their assistance, and Mr A. E. Hyde for the use of the hall; Mr R. Hook, on behalf of the Return ed Soldiers thanking the public for 'their attendance. .