ANZAC DAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 April 1917, Page 5

ANZAC DAY.

MESSAGE TO OUR TROOPS. FROM DEFENCE MINISTER. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Sir Jam.es Allen, Minister of Defence, issued the following Anzac Day message to-night and it has been, transmitted to the High Commissioner to be communicated to soldiers in hospital, to General Godley to be communicated to the troops in France, and to the officer commanding in Egypt to be convened to the New Zealand troops with the drwy operating in Palestine;—■

"To-day is the second anniversary of the historic landing at Gallipoli, which will go down in history as one of the finest feata of daring in which British soldiers have Ibecu engaged. We are proud to think our New Zealand troops emerged from this ordeal fit to rank amongst tho bravest defenders of the Empire. Since then much Wood Jisb been shed and many homes have been made desolate, but it has not Ibeen in 1 vain. We stand to-day a united people, part of the United Empire, stronger tnai ever, but chastened by the sacrifices that have been f#ced upon us. Our troops aro still fighting in a far flung line; they will continue to stand shoulder to .shoulder with England and our Allies till an honorable and lasting peace has been secured. Let us trust that the next time we celebrate Anzac Day b will be returned to us. Let us also hope that in peace, and that our soldiers will have When the clouds of war have rolled away its lessons will not be forgotten, and that we shall all reaUse that if the country is to be free its citizens must not only be prepared fodie for it in time of war tait live for it in times of peace.'*