Hallowed Day

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 338, 25 April 1928, Page 11

Hallowed Day

AUCKLAND’S HOMAGE TO ANZAC Scene at the Cenotaph WITH fitting reverence and undimmed appreciation of a hallowed national anniversary, citizens of Auckland—of the whole Dominion—yesterday dismissed business and pleasure in communal commemoration of Anzac Day. Though 13 years have sped since the landing at Gallipoli, the crowds which thronged the city yesterday bore ample testimony that the lesson of the sacrifice of Anzac remains a vivid and undying memory.

if ever, had all sections of the people entered more fully ' into commemoration of Anzac Day. In the understanding of children 13 years j a S° too young to appraise the signifi- ■ cance of Gallipoli the message of the i sacrifice had worked like a leaven, so that each year sees a greater appreciation of the memory of April 25, 1910. So it was that children took no less a part in the keeping of Anzac Day than did their parents. *Thh form of its observation followed that of other years. A warm and windless morning encouraged that movement out of doors of the people in their thousands. The line of route of the march of returned men and the temporary cenotaph were thi onged by silent, reflective - crowds, all on one purpose bent, to renew a reverent homage.

last message, said the Rev. Angus MacDonald, a former chaplain to the forces. “In that splendid spirit of selfsacrifide they laid down their lives for love of home, kindred and country.” said the preacher. “The Holy Man of Galilee could have set no higher standard than that. They, many of them, did not profess religion, but tlieit religion was the noblest kind ever practised. It is for us to live up to that standard, to practise it in our daily lives, and to teach the youngsters growing up to play the game, clean and straight, as those men did.” The Rev. G. T. Robson, M.C., R.N., led the assembly in prayer. At the close the Dead March was played and the Last Post rang out.

AT THE CENOTAPH Watched by four motionless guards, men of the Third Auckland Regiment, with arms reversed, its base heaped high with sombre wreaths and many-hued flowers, the cenotaph presented an impressive memorial in its elofluent simplicity. Every year since the armistice this small counterpart of the cenotaph in Whitehall has been heaped with flowers. All ages were represented among those who brought, wreaths. While it was yet early ageing mothers came to the white steps one by one. Sometimes it was an elderly man and wife; sometimes a widow and her children’ sometimes a young tyoman, a sweetheart or a sister. The faces of all were solemn as young and old paused a moment with bowed head before the monument. At the conclusion of the Town Hall service the official wreaths were laid. Those who bore them formed a little procession from the building, led by the Governor-General and Lady Alice Fergusson, the Minister of . Defence, the Hon. F. J. Rolleston, who represented the Government, and the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon. Wreaths were also bcought by representatives of the New Zealand Naval Division, the Returned Soldiers' Association, local members of the Australian Imperial Force, the New Zealand Ex-service Women’s Association, the South African War Veterans’ Association, the Officers’ Club, the Ex-service Men’s League, the Auckland Harbour Board, the various patriotic associations, and the Auckland primary schools. EX-SOLDIERS’ PARADE Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of the commemoration was the march of some 1,400 ex-servicemen, uniformed and in mufti, from the foot of Queen Street to the Town Hall. It was one of the finest parades yet held on Anzac Day. Besides soldiers who had enlisted from these shores there were 40 veterans of Mons, and men who had fought in the Imperial, Australian and Canadian Forces. Headed by the Garrison Artillery Band and supported throughout its length by others. " the long column marched through Queen Street’s crowds. Thirteen years ago and more the streets had echoed cheer on cheer as Auckland shouted a brave Godspeed to the boys as they marched to the Great Adventure. But yesterday uo cheer disturbed the thoughtful mood of the people. In command of the parade was Lieutenant-Colonel W. C. Sinel, D. 5.0., and Lieutenant R. S. Judson, V.C., N.Z.S.C., was adjutant. Commenting on the parade, Lieutenant Judson described it as one of the finest he had known since 1921, when he first acted as adjutant. Particularly pleasing was the large muster of men who had served in the 3rd Auckland, the 6th Hauraki, tile 15th North Auckland and the 16th Waikato Regiments, which had formed the Ist fchd 2nd Auckland Infantry Battalions in the war. The Field Artillery had also paraded in good strength. About 50 men, representing the Royal Naval Division, also paraded, while the Kings’ Empire Veterans assembled in Grey’s Avenue, and were seated together at the service.

“LET US NOW PRAISE” TOWN HALL SERVICE A REVERENT THRONG “Let us now praise famous men.” The sonorous prose of Ecclesiasticus, read by the Governor-General. Sir Charles Fergusson, was the theme of the memorial service held in the Town Hall yesterday morning. The press of people following the parade entered the building, filling every seat. Those who could not enter listened to the broadcast of the service outside. The Mayor. Mr. G. Baildon, presided and on the platform there were Sir Charles and Lady Alice Fergusson, the Mayoress, Mrs. A. D. Campbell, and the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. J. Rolleston. The translation of the sacrificial spirit of Anzac into civilian life was urged by the Rev. Evan R. Harries in his address. He said: “This day is dedicated to the memory of the valiant dead, whose bodies lie on the battle-fronts of the world. Our first tribute is to them. Next, and no less sincerely, we pay tribute to those still with us, who were their brothers-in-arms. Those are the sacrificial dead; these are the sacrificial living. “The New Zealanders were not professional fighters; they were civilians who conquered fear and did what they were asked to do.” he said. “Tell the people at home we are proud to die for New Zealand.” Hundreds of dying men had given him this