ANZAC DAY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 April 1939, Page 6

ANZAC DAY

SERVICE AT CARTERTON ADDRESS BY MAJOR J. H. IRVING, SPIRIT OF N.Z. EXPEDITIONARY i FORCE. (Continued from page 5.) (“Times-Age" Special.) Anzac Day in Carterton broke fine and sunny” after a weekend of very helpful and much-needed rain which brought to an end a drought extending over a long period. As a result, of the fine weather large crowds of Carterton citizens and country residents gathered in Carterton during the early afternoon of yesterday to pay homage to the illustrious dead who had sacrificed their lives in the Great War of 191418. There was the largest parade of returned men yet seen at any similar memorial service held in Carterton. At 1.30 o’clock the large procession moved off, headed by the Wairarapa Scottish Pipe Band, which played a spirited march from the Band room in Holloway Street to the memorial in the Square, where the Carterton Branch of the R.S.A. placed a wreath of laurel leaves, scarlet dahlias and imitation crab apples. The large parade consisted of 130 returned men, headed by Lieutenant Wakelin as Marshal, detachments of the W.E.C. Mounted Rifles, under the command of Captain Pringle; Territorials (Hawke's Bay Regiment), under the command of Lieutenant I. Hart; Frontiersmen under the command of Captain Johnston, of Masterton; Boy Scouts in charge of Scoutmaster R. O'Keefe; Girl Guides and Cub Pack. Before leaving the memorial for the Tivoli Theatre the Pipe Band played Lord Lavatt's Lament, and Bandsman J. Bannin, of the Port Nicholson Band, played the Last Post. When the parade left the Square those taking part were escorted to seats in the hall reserved for them. The hall was packed to overflowing. On the stage was the Carterton Municipal Silver Band (reorganised for the occasion under the baton of Mr L. L. Harris as conductor). The Mayor, Mr D. L, Taverner, presided and had witli him, Major J, H. Irving (Masterton), the Rev. W, F. Stent, Vicar of St. Mark's; Ihe Rev. H. White, Methodist minister; Lieutenant Harewood, Salvation Army; and Mr D. McGregor, chairman of the Wairarapa South County Council, Apologies for absence were received from the Rev. Ralph Byers, Presbyterian Minister, who is out of the district on holiday, and Mr 8.. Roberts, M. who is laid aside with sickness. Mr Taverner said all had mot on the 25th anniversary to perpetuate the memory of Anzac Day.

I After the singing of the hymn, “Oh God Our Help,” the lesson was read by the Rev. H. White. Kipling’s Rescessional, “God of Our Fathers,” was sung by the audience after which a prayer was offered by Lieutenant Harewood. The hymn, “Peace Perfect Peace.” was followed by an address by Majojr Irving. MAJOR IRVING’S ADDRESS. After referring to the deeds of Anzacs on Gallipoli and in other theatres of the Great War, Major Irving recalled the fine tribute paid to the New Zealand Division by Earl Haig. “This morning upon Gallipoli,” said . Major Irving, “the dry ravines and scrubby hills will be garlanded again with, honeysuckle, the' .wild thyme will fill the air with its fragrance and birds will be singing overhead. The wire and old Turkish trenches will be rusty and bro-, ken. Nature- will be healing the scars. At dawn today, when the bugles of memory sound the reveille and the sun rises in all its splendour, the beach at Anzac, the ridges and the Plateau will awaken to the tramp of spirit feet. The legion of the fallen will march again, the flower of the nation. Not only does Anzac Day offer to all the opportunity of paying a tribute to those who fell in battle but it reminds us that 25 years ago the British Empire was fighting for its very existence and that our little Dominion played an honourable part and thereby earned its nationhood." Major Irving proceeded to refer to recent international events, stating that he felt sure that every returned soldier and citizen admired Mr Chamberlain’s efforts for peace and stood behind the British Government in its assurances to weaker states. Should there be another war it would effect everyone, even the women and children. Whatever the Government asked them to do. so that they might bo able to protect their Dominion, it would be their loyal duty to support to their utmost. Active sei'vico in some way for the Dominion and its people should still be their motto, as the present was a time for them to practice those virtues which were exemplified in their highest in the spirit of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force—brotherhood, unselfishness and courage. To the older people, who during the war years carried on the affairs of the co/mtry and stood so firmly behind those who served, on behalf of the returned soldiers, Irving said he wished to express their thanks, not only for the sacrifices made then but also for their many kindnesses nowadays. To the younger generation, he would say, hold high the torch of duty. The singing of the hymn, “Lead Kindly Light,” the pronouncing of the Benediction by Lieutenant Harewood, the singing of the National Anthem, the playing of “Land of Hope and Glory,” by the Band and sounding of the Reveille by Bandsman Bannin concluded the ceremony. After the ceremony the returned soldiers and other followers in the procession marched back to the Band Room where afternoon tea was served by a ladies’ committee. During this part of the proceedings Mr A. T. Murray, president of the Carterton branch of the R.S.A., thanked all who took part in the parade and especially the ladies' committee who provided afternoon tea, to whom cheers were given, followed by the singing of "For They Are .Tolly Good Fellows.” Bandsman J. Bannin, who came from Wellington to assist, was also thanked. GREYTOWN ADDRESS BY MR A. O. JONES. RECOGNTTIOn"E)F CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES. (“Times-Age” Special.) There was a largo attendance at the Anzac service, which was held in the Town Hall, Greytown, at 11 a.m. Returned soldiers, the Fire Brigade, Boy Scouts, Cubs. Girl Guides and Brownies marched to the Town Hall, and there formed a hollow square around the memorial while wreath-bearers from each unit deposited their wreaths. The Mayor, Mr A. W. Horton, presided, and after the singing of the Nation- 1

al Anthem, Mr Horton gave a reading. "Let Us Now Praise Famous Men." The lesson was read by the Rev. Blomfield, and the" Rev. Harkness led the prayers. Mr A. Owen Jones, of Masterton, gave a fitting and inspiring address on the lessons to be learnt from Anzac Day. Observing that Anzac Day was not only in memory of those who fell on Gallipoli but in all theatres of war. Mr Jones said he never looked upon it as a day of gloom but as a day of joy. They should be glad to think that thousands of young men and women had ■ come to the call of the Empire in a time of need and fought for freedom and justice. Mr Jones said they should allow their thoughts to dwell on what they were doing today. After referring to the formation of the League of Nations and to its objective of avoiding war by settling difficulties peacefully, he stated that one of the gestures it made was a move for disarmament, which England carried out to the full. Unfortunately, when Britain had reduced her armaments so that she was no longer a power, other members of the League, such as Japan and Italy, had broken their covenants and all knew what had happened since. Today the League was a league in name only. They heard a cry against the church and against the League that they had failed. It was not the church that had failed, it was the people and it was not the League that had failed, but its members. They had not taken God into their confidence. Some had joined from fear and some for their own personal ends. What the world needed today was moral rearmament, a recognition of Christian principles. If it were possible to get down to that basis he felt sure they would be able to solve their economic and national problems. Unfortunately, some people were using that view in the interests of pacifism. Mi - Jones said we should put our house in order, give God’s plan a chance and rekindle the flame of Anzac, which was loyalty to God and country, so that we might be worthy to uphold over responsibilities. The service was brought to a close by the Rev. Canon Sykes leading the Lord’s prayer and pronouncing the Benediction. FEATHERSTON SERVICE LARGELY ATTENDED. ILLIMINATED ADDRESS FOR MAYOR & MAYORESS. (“Times-Age" Special.) Following several days of wet and gloomy weather, the sun shone in all its glory on Anzac Day. It is several years since Featherston has been favoured with such glorious weather. As a result a large crowd turned out for the parade and ceremony at the Anzac Hall. Escorted by the Masterton Municipal Band, the ex-Servicemen (65), marched from the Drill Hall to the Soldiers' Memorial, thence to the Anzac Hall where the service was held. After the service they marched back to the Memorial, where the president, Mr H. Lawson, placed a wreath, which was beautifully made by Mrs C. J. Carlyon. The men then marched to the residence of the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr J. W. Card and Miss Card, where they were entertained at afternoon tea. About 400 people attended the service in Anzac Hall, where an address was given by the Mayor. The Rev. T. J. Holland, the Rev. R. S. Keenan and the Rev. H. E. Harkness conducted the service. Mr Card made reference to the international situation and to the value of collective security and pacts between nations that honoured their pledges. The Masterton Municipal Band played “The Rosary” and also the music for the hymns. In the morning the children of the public schools marched to the cemetery, where an address was given by Mr Card. The children placed bunches of flags and a small Union Jack on every soldiers’ grave, in the cemetery. Illuminated Address. After the ceremony at the Anzac Hall the returned soldiers of the Featherston Branch marched to the residence of Mr Card and Miss Card where Mr H. Lawson, president, on behalf of the association, presented an illuminated address to the Mayor and Mayoress. The text was as follow: — “John Wiltshire Card, Mayor of Featherston, and Miss Harriet J. Card, Mayoress, this, the 24th anniversary of Anzac Day, the members of the Featherston Returned Soldiers’ Association desire to convey to you their earnest appreciation of the very excellent services that during the Great War and ever since you as Mayor and Mayoress of Featherston have rendered to the soldiers and ex-Servicemen throughout the Dominion, of your keen knowledge and sympathetic help in their many difficulties. It is their earnest desire that your present good health, your usefulness to the community and the happiness of yourselves and those associated with you may long continue. Signed on behalf of the Featherston Branch of the Wairarapa Returned Soldiers’ Association: H. Lawson, president; J. W. Fellingham. treasurer; J. A. Halpin, secretary; executive committee, F. S. Hayes, C. Bargh. G. S. Sharp, J. H. King, L. Smith, A. R. Robbins. Featherston, New Zealand. April 25, 1939.” Messrs 11. J. Brass, L. S. Nicol and A. E. Prentice represented the Central Executive of the R.S.A. at the presentation. MARTINBOROUGH CEREMONY IN THE SQUARE. (“Tlir.es-Age” Special.) A glorious afternoon on Anzac Day drew a large crowd to the ceremony at the memorial in the Square. A procession from the school was headed bj r the Wairarapa College Pipe Band, followed by Scouts and Cubs, Returned Soldiers, Girl Guides and Brownies. At the Square gates the Scouts formed a guard of honour for the returned mon. Wreaths were then placed on the memorial and a short, impressive service followed. The address was delivered by the Rev. J. Mann. Ex-Servicemen and wives were entertained at afternoon lea in the Town Hall. Messrs R. Whyborn and H.' G. Alexander represented the Central Executive at the Martinborough ceremony.