A Deathless Army

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 647, 26 April 1929, Page 7

A Deathless Army

ANZAC DAY STIRS MEMORIES

Scenes at Cenotaph

FOURTEEN years ago the flower of New Zealand's manhood fell on the inhospitable eoast of Gallipoli. Passing years may ri’m the wonderful heroism of our soldiers and their sacrifice, but the memory of their going will live forever. They left New Zealand’s future generations a heritage which must not. and will not be forgotten. “Do not allow this sacred national day to be whittled away and lost to present and future generations,” said Archbishop Avenll yesterday. It was one of the most significant statements made in “he day s many inspiring messages.

XfESTERDAY, under a weeping sky, 1 Auckland paid its tribute to the men who gave their lives in the Great War. Round the cenotaph thousands stood bareheaded and remembered sons and brothers, husbands\ and fathers, friends and lovers. Crimson poppies, the emblem of sacrifice, stained the verdant green of the laurel as wreaths were tenderly placed at the foot of the cenotaph.. EX-SOLDIERS’ PARADE Over 2.000 ex-soldiers marched in the parade up Queen Street to the Town Hall. Grey-haired men, some of them are now; veterans to the younger generation. Lieut.-Colonel W. C. Sinel, D. 5.0., had charge of the parade, with Lieut. R. S. Judson, V.C., as adjutant, and Staff Sergeants Alexander and Stewart assisting with the organisation. Quick-step marches, which must have revived many a war time memory, were played by the bands of the Waterside Workers, Field Engineers, Field Artillery, Auckland Infantry. Salvation Army, Ponsonby Boys and the Seddon Memorial College. Thousands paid reverent respect round the cenotaph all day long, though the largest crowd attended after the service in the Town Hall, when the C Company guard, under StaS-Sergeant T. J. Cronin, was changed. i Many glorious wreaths were placed at the foot of the cenotaph, including the following official ones: Captain E. L. Orr-Ewing, M.C., on behalf of Government House staff, the Hon. J. B. Donald PostmasterGeneral. on behalf of the Government, the Hon. D. H. Drummond. Minister of Education for New South Wales, the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, on behalf of the city, and Commodore 0. T. C. P. Swabey, on behalf of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. There were also many from local bodies and other prganisalions. The conclusion of the ceremony was solemn and stirring. After the “Dead March” had been played by the massed bands under Lieut. A. J. Clareburt, the guns from Albert Park shattered the stillness. From the Town Hall tower trumpeters and buglers of the Technical College played the "Last Post.” which was followed by the “Reveille” by the cadet corps of the Auckland Grammar School.

HONOURING THE FALLEN

SANCTITY OF ANZAC DAY TOWN HALL SERVICE The Town Hall service was most impressive. The word “Anzac” was lettered in laurels above tile great organ, green wreaths decorated the balustrades, while the front of the official platform was covered with flowers. Accommodation was overtaxed. After the reserved seats for war veterans, next-of-kin and nurses were filled the public crowded into the remaining space. For the many who could not gain admittance the service transmitted by amplifiers. After the singing of appropriate hymns the Rev. G. T. Robson, M.C., R N., offered a prayer and the lesson, taken from the 44th chapter of Ecclesiastes, beginning, “Let us now praise famous men,” was read by the Mayor. Mr. G. Baiidon. Addresses followed by Archbishop Averill and ChaplainMajor Arthur Mitchell. PRESERVING SANCTITY An eloquent plea for the retention of the sanctity of Anzac Day was made by Archbishop Averill, who said lie wa s filled with pride at the way in the day was observed in New Zealand. “We observe it in this way,” said bis Grace, “not because it is backed y an Act of Parliament, but because Public sentiment insists that this great bay shall not pass into a more worldly holiday.”

While agreeing with the kindly words of the Governor-General, who had recently said the time had come to emphasise more fully the note of joyful appreciation and thankfulness for the spirit and sacrifice of those who had played their part so nobly in the war, said his Grace, he hoped that no one had misinterpreted the words and read into them statements foreign to the heart of Sir Charles Fergusson. We must guard against the danger of opening the door too wide and thus losing the real sacredness of Anzac Day. “If we open the door to sports and organised games, or if we even transfer the observance of Anzac Day to the nearest Sunday, I believe then that will be the beginning of the end of this sacred day,” declared the Archbishop. He asked whether there was not some New Zealand poet and some New Zealand composer who, in combination, would give to New Zealand a really great hymn of thanksgiving for Anzac Day. PREPARING FOR PEACE The boys had given their lives in the belief that they were conquering war and laying the foundations of a i true and lasting peace, his Grace con- ; tinued, and there were hopeful signs in the world to-day of a growing realisation of the futility of war in settling international disputes. The old theory, “if you want peace, prepare for war,” had been exploded, said his Grace, in stating the pen with whicffi Mr. F. B. Kellogg had signed the Peace Pact bearing his name had been inscribed “If you wish for peace, prepare for peace.” The more we laboured for peace, the more we honoured the work \of the dead boys and proved to the wdrld that they did not die in vain. “SPIRITUAL IDEALS” I The moral and spiritual ideals of a ; country were indicative of its greatness, said Chaplain-Major Mitchell, in his address, and not its invincible armies and navies. Give Great Britain time to recover | her breath, and she will still be the I most virile, progressive, civilised and | Christianising nation in the world. We J are still too close to the war to view things in their right perspective.” The playing of the Dead March by the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, and the sounding of the Last Post by Technical College trumpeters closed the service. \ IN THE CHURCHES CROWD AJ ST. MATTHEW’S SERVICES AT ST. MARY’S Arranged for the convenience of those unable to gain admittance to the Town Hall, the service in St. Matthew's Church yesterday morning was attended by over a thousand people. Canon Grant Cowen was the preacher, and in the evening the Rev. H. K. Vickery preached. Two morning services, at the first of which Archbishop Averill officiated, were held in St. Mary’s Cathedral. The Ven. Archdeacon Hawkins was the preacher at a commemorative service in the evening. Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist churches in the Dominion Road district combined in an Anzac service in the Methodist Centenary Hail. A united Congregational service was held in the Beresford Street Church in the evening, and also in the Salvation Army Congress Hall. The Auckland Jewish congregation commemorated Anzac Day at a special service held in conjunction with their Passover. Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dr. Buxton speaking. The Rev. C. A. Watson conducted a morning service in St. Paul’s Church, Symonds Street. COMBINED SERVICE Rosemary, scarlet poppies and laurel, emblems of remembrance and honour, decorated St. Stephen’s Church, Ponsonby, last evening. All ' Saints, St. John's and St. Stephen’s Churches bad all combined there for the memorial service, which was conducted by the Rev. W. W. Averill. The service was well attended.

FLOWER-STREWN GRAVES SERVICE AT WAIKUMETE Masses of flowers, emblems of a people’s gratitude, were heaped on the graves and soldiers’ memorial at the Waikuraete Cemetery yesterday. Rain fell at intervals, but a short and impressive service took place during a fine spell. The Mayor, Mr. G. Baiidon, presided. After the hymn, “All People Who On Earth Do Dwell,” sung by the I assembled people, led by the Muni- | cipal Band, Cr. G. Knight read the lesson. Then “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” was sung. “We have come out to-day because the memory of the men who fell is i very dear to us,” said the Rev. Angus MacDonald, former chaplain to the I forces. ; After speaking of the splendid spirit of the men who had died and the ; ideals for which they had fought, he j begged the citizens never to let Anzac | Day out of their hands. | The playing of the Last Post and I the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus i concluded the service. | A service was also held at O’Neill’s ; Point Cemetery, when appropriate ad- | dresses were given. In accordance I with its practice the Victoria League ! placed a wreath of laurels on the ' graves of the soldiers buried there, the wreaths being made by the Takapuna Girl Guides. In addition the league I placed 356 wreaths on graves at Wai- | kumete and 48 at Purewa. The Navy i League placed wreaths on sailors’ 1 graves at Waikumete. SCHOOL SERVICE SECONDARY PUPILS AT TOWN HALL , Tribute to the fallen heroes of AnI zae was paid y the pupils of the majority of Auckland secondary : schools at a special service, organised | by the Returned Soldiers’ Association, ! held in the Town Hall yesterday afternoon. Lieutenant-Colonel T. H. Dawson, retiring president of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, presided. Speaking on “The Spirit of Anzac,” the Rev. W. Lawson Marsh said it must be a comfort to ex-soldiers to know that the spirit of Anzac was alive in the hearts of the young people, whose freedom had been bought in blood. Leadership in all walks of life was what was most wanted to-day. Leaders were required who would not he I afraid to take on their shoulders the burden of leadership and wage war, j not necessarily as the soldiers had I done, but against ignorance, disease j and other enemies of civilisation. During the impressive service Kipling’s “Recessional,” “O, God Our Help in Ages Past,” “o. Valiant Hearts,” and “For All the Saints” were sung. Wreaths were laid on the cenotaph by representatives of the various j schools. Boys of the Mount Albert j Grammar School formed the bodyi guard. i A large attendance of pupils, old j h °ys and parents was present at an Anzac service held in the King’s Coliege Chapel last evening, the ser.vice being conducted by the Rev. J. M Beaufort. M.A.. college chaplain. The lesson was read by Archbishop Averill, w]?o also gave his blessing, and the Act of Remembrance, consisting of the lighting of a lamp, was also carried out. An inspiring address was delivered by Canon Archdall, headmaster. WORKING FOR PEACE SIR GEORGE RICHARDSON’S DECISION | “Never be afraid to stand up for ■ "’hat is right and true,” said MajorGeneral Sir George Richardson, during the course of an inspiring address on the history of Anzac to the boys of the Auckland Grammar School yesterday. The speaker drew from his own | store of reminiscences of the famous j campaign. The reading of school ! prayers, conducted by the headmaster, i Mr. H. J. D. Mahon, was taken from the 44th chapter of Ecclesiastes. “Let |us now praise famous men.” Proj fessor A. P. W. Thomas, chairman of 1 the Board of Governors, members of * the board, and many parents and old : pupils of the school were present, j Sir George said that after recently ; visiting some of the 2,000 war ceme- : teries in France he had resolved he ! would devote his life to the prevention of war and in the League of Nations | there was a new light and new hope I for the world. At the close of the service the school battalion paraded in front of the school, where the ceremony of saluting the colours was carried out. A beautiful wreath was laid at the foot of the column, which was surrounded by a guard of honour.

SUBURBAN CEREMONIES At Papakura a service was held at the war memorial in the morning, at which about 750 people were present. Addresses were given by Revs. W. C. Wood and J. W. Elliott.

The Orpheus Theatre, Otahuhu. was filled for the Anzac service, the Mayor, Mr. R. B. Todd, presiding. The service was conducted by the Revs. A. N. Elliffe and T. H. Eccersall. A parade

of returned soldiers and nurses, territorials and others, headed by the Auckland Mounted Rifles Band, marehed to the civic monument, at the foot of which wreaths were placed by the Mayor and representatives of various lodges. A junior service was conducted in the schoolground by the Rev. C. B. W. Seton, late chaplain to the first battalion of the Auckland Mounted Rifles.

New Lynn celebrated the day by holding a service in St. Thomas’s Hall, the Rev. W. P. Rankin presiding. Revs. G. R. Jeeks and C. B. Jordan delivered addresses to a large attendance.

Mr. A. C. Sexton presided at a service in the Manurewa Picture Theatre in the evening, and an address ■was given by Mr. R. B. Speirs. Prayers were led by Rev. W. H. Carroll.

There were few empty seats at the service in the Papatoetoe Town Hall, at which Mr. T. R. Smytheman presided. An address was given by the Rev. D. C. Herron, M.C., while the Revs. T. H. Roseveare, P. C. Davis and A. W. Silvester assisted in the ceremony. At the conclusion of the service a procession of returned soldiers, Girl Guides and Scouts, headed by the Papatoetoe Band, under the command of Ilieutenant-Colonel S. J. E. Closey, M.C., marched to the school memorial gates. The Last Post and Reveille Were sounded, while the returned soldiers fired a salute of three volleys. Wreaths were laid at the foot of the memorial.

Northeote held a service in the! Palais Theatre in the evening, thel Mayor, Mr. A. E. Greenslade, presiding. The service was conducted by! the Revs. F. A. Thompson and J. H. [ Allen and -Canon E. J. McFarland. Ad-1 dresses were delivered by Chaplain Angus MacDonald, 0.8. E., and Lieu-tenant-Colonel E. 11. Northcroft, D.S.O. Miss Sarah Stacpoole and Mr. Charles Hunter sang solos, and Mr. William Newman organised the musical portion of the service.

A combined district service was held in the Foresters’ Hall, Birkenhead, Mr. A. Hadfield, deputy-Mayor, presiding. The Revs. A. McCracken, H. H. Bedford and J. H. Allen conducted the service, and an address was given by the Rev. Lionel B. Fletcher. The musical portion of the service was led by the Birkenhead Borough Band, under Mr. J. T. Ligh- ■ ton, with combined choirs under Mr. I .T. H. Wood. The band played the. ! “Dead March” in “Saul” and “The: I Last Port” was sounded by Mr. C. j j Patten. A large number of wreaths : I was placed at the base of the war j memorial in the Civic Reserve and; : on the soldiers’ graves in the cemej teries. j Devonport held two services yesterday. The first, took place in the j morning at the war memorial, when the Mayor laid a wreath at the base of the memorial on behalf of the borough council. I The evening service, at the Parish Hall, was presided over by the Mayor, Mr. E. Aldridge, when the Rev. W. Lawson Marsh, M.A., gave an illustrated lecture entitled, “A Pilgrimage to Some Famous War Cemeteries.” Addresses were delivered by the Revs. F. G. Harvie, J. F. Martin and C. Connell Hoskin, and Adjutant J. M. W^tkin. The Onehunga service was held in the Foresters’ Theatre, where the congregation listened to the Town Hall service by radio. The Rev. F. E. Leadley presided and with him were the local ministers, borough councillors and Mr. W. J. Jordan, M.P. Mr. .T. W. Williamson, Mayor of the borough, presided at the Takapuna service, held in the Foresters’ Hall. Supporting him on the platform were Captain Algie, president of the Takapuna Ex-servicemen’s Club, and Mr. J. Crichton, V.C. The devotional part of the service was conducted by the Revs. S. J. Atkin and'H. L. Richards, and an address was given by the Rev. W. G. Monckton. The Takapuna Municipal Band led the musical part of the service, which ended with the sounding of the Last Post. IN THE COUNTRY The Anzac Day commemoration service at Waihi was held in the Academy Theatre. Pleaded by the combined Federal and Salvation Army Bands, a procession marched from the Seddon Memorial to the theatre, where a crowd of about 800 people listened to the service. Addresses of an appropriate nature were delivered by the Mayor, Mr. W-. M. Wallnut and the Rev. J. D. McFarlane, of St. James’s Presbyterian Church. The Last Post was sounded by Bandsman G. Henry and the Benediction pronounced by the Rev. Canon Wayne, St. John’s Anglican Church. A commemorative service was held in St. John's Anglican Church in the morning, and at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church ai ' Solemn Mass for the dead was cele- j brated, at which large congregations j were present.

The People's Picture Palace, Te ; Kuiti, was packed to the doors for the - Anzac Day service. The Mayor, Mr. W. J. Broadfoot, M.P., presided. The Territorials, Senior Cadets, members | of friendly societies and fire brigade, ; and the Girl Guides attended in force. ! Addresses were given by Mr. Broad- ; foot and Mr. PI. T. Morton, president j of the Te Kuiti Returned Soldiers’ | Association, and others taking part in the service were Canon Kemp- : thorne (Anglican), Rev. E. R, Ross (Presbyterian) and Mrs. R. o. Ormsby. j At the conclusion of the service the assemblage adjourned to the war memorial on the Esplanade, where j wreaths were deposited, the same pro- ! eedure being afterwards carried out j at the Maori meeting house. ■ In the evening the annual reunion j Of the Te Kuiti and District Returned ' Soldiers was held, the meeting being | very largely attended. | The service at Hamilton was presided over by the Mayor, Mr. J. R.

Fow, and an inspiring address was given by Bishop Cherrington. A procession then marched to the cenotaph in the Soldiers’ Memorial Park. At Whangarei a large number of returned soldiers paraded. All units of the Defence Force were represented. An address was given by Major J. H. Luxford. * * « i Wet weather at Pukekohe necessitated the service being held indoors, but later the parade marched to this memorial gates at the War Memorial Park, where wreaths were laid. Ex-servicemen paraded at Waiuku and a special sei*vice was held at Buckland. A bronze plaque was unveiled at Tuakau in memory of the men of the district who gave their lives in the war. At Rotorua a service was held in the bath building. An address was given by the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, who said the- spirit of Anzac would be found to exist in all attempts to arrive at a better understanding between the nations of the earth. The Maoris also held a service in the meeting-house at Ohinemutu. * * * The Anzac Day commemoration service held in the Town Hall, Cambridge, was attended by over people. It was preceded by a military parade of about 300, including a band, ex-service men, Territorials, Cadets, Scouts and Guides. All the local clergymen participtaed in an impressive service. The Rev. Lionel Harvia gave an appropriate address. • * * Owing to wet weather, the Anzac Day services at Te Awamutu were held in the Empire Theatre. The Mayor, Mr. L. G. Armstrong, presided. Aftet [ the service the rain ceased and enj abled a procession to proceed to the War Memorial, where wreaths were placed. Services were held in the afternoon at Kihikihi and Pironga. IN THE SOUTH THOUSANDS ATTEND CEREMONIES Hallowed observation of Anzac Day marked the ceremonies held in all the centres of the Dominion yesterday. Parades of returned men. Territorials and~ Cadets were watched by large crowds, and many thousands attended the various church and memorial services. At Wellington a vast concourse gathered at the Cenotaph opposite Parliament Buildings, where the Gov-ernor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, delivered an inspiring address before laying \he foundation-stone of the Wellington Citizens’ War Memorial. The Maori service in Moutoa Gar- |

dens, Wanganui, was impressive, and marked the first appearance in Wanganui of Bishop Bennett. Later, at a combined service in Cook’s Gardens, about 7,000 people were present. In Christchurch there was a parade of ex-soldiers, Territorials and Cadets, in which 800 returned men took part. Afterwards a service was held in King Edward Barracks, at which Professor Shelter delivered the address. A large number of wreaths were laid in front of the Cathedral.

Beautiful weather prevailed in Dunedin. A large number of returned soldiers paraded and, in company with several volunteer units, assembled in the Queen’s Gardens, where a short military service was conducted in front of the Returned Soldiers’ Memorial. The troops then marched to Kensington Drill Hall, where the Rev. W. Maclean, of Oamaru, delivered an inspiring address. In the morning a short service was conducted at schools and in the evening at the various churches. At Feilding, after the celebrations, all soldiers were entertained at lunch by the Feilding Women’s Committee.