The Daily News. THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 1918. ANZAC DAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 April 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 1918. ANZAC DAY.

If there is one day above all others that should be fittingly honored by Australia and New Zealand it is Anzac Day, for the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli was one of the most remarkable exploits in the Empire's history. On the success of the operations following this landing splendid hopes were hung, but though they did not materialise, the offensive will go down in history as one of the most glorious failures in war annals. Much has happened in the various war theatres since then, and again and again have the Anzacs covered themselves with renown, but the incidents connected with Gallipoli—from the landing to the evacuation, will live as long as the Empire lasts. It is most fitting that a young country like New Zealand, whose pioneer settlers so bravely battled for their existence and laid the foundation of the prosperity we now enjoy, should make Anzac Cay a'

golden letter dale in their calendar, and 1 observe it wil.li all duo honor, ill a roverout spirit of true patriotism. The men who so gallantly entered upon the Gallipoli campaign were animated by the same spirit that has ever characterised the British race, and it was the Anzaes who demonstrated that the men in the remotest part, of the Empire could make history and maintain the prestige of the Motherland in a manner that has elicited world-wide admiration. It is in 110 spirit of boasting, or mere hero worship, that Anzac Day is observed; rather is it. with a deep-rooted consciousness that the sons of the Dominions have proved their ability to defend their homes, their country, and the Empire, from ruthless and ferocious foes, and for this we should be devoutly and sincerely thankful. This feeling of gratitude should be the keynote of to-day's services, as well as the foundation of our faith in the ultimate success of the cause for which the Allies are now contending. Anzac Day should be something more than a glorious memory, tinged with sorrow for the lives that were so nobly offered up on the fateful peninsula. If, should be an inspiration to raise the Kmpire to a still higher plane in humanitarian efforts and civilising influences. Though only an incident in this terrible struggle of armed hosts, Anzac Day will ever stand in the forefront of the many heroic exploits of the Imperial forces, and though the failure will be regretted, it has been more than redressed by the splendid successes in Palestine against the same foe, We cannot help being filled with admiration for the men who have made. New Zealand famous the world over, and in keeping alive the landing at Gallipoli wo are but trimming the lamp of noble deeds which richly merit perpetual recognition. A right observance of Anzne Day should bring home to all of us the great principles for which we are contending, and in the upholding of which the heavy price paid is well worth while. It is well to bear in mind that on that bleak peninsula are the last rosting places of many of New Zealand's sons who gave their lives that victory might be achieved. To-day we these sacrifices for a righteous cause. "By all our dear and splendid dead, By all the blood and all the tears That British hearts and eyes have shed In our long agony of years, There is no-ending to the fight Till, smitten by the final thrust, The powers of darkness and of night Are spurned and trampled in the dust."