TUATAPERE.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 7, 30 April 1920, Page 8

TUATAPERE.

A very large gathering assemhled from Tuatapere and surronnding districts to t.akc part in the sepvice arranged for Anzac Day. As the members of the Tuatapere branch of the R.S.A. fell in for parade, the church bells began to toll. Mr J. Coughlan acted as marshal, and the returned soldiers were preceded by the Western District Pipe Band under PipeMajor Dickson, in the march to the hall. Special seats were reserved for the returned men, in front of the stage, and after they had taken their places, every seat was speedily occupied. Tlie stage was artistically decorated with the national colours, a large hanner hearing the word "Anzac," in letters of gold, occupying a prominent place, as did also a beautiful wreath, the gift of the townspeople. Rev. R. B. Hill, an ex-naval chaplain conducted the religious part of the service. The rev. gentleman gave an impressive discourse, and was followed sympathetically by the large a-udience. Messrs McFeely and F. Harrison a-lso delivered addresses in keeping with the spirit of the day Solos were rendered by Misses McGregor and McMillan and Mr A. Prentice. The lament, "The Flowers of the Forest," was played by the Pipe Band, after which the audience stood in reverent silence in memory of our hpnoured dead. At the close of the service Mr Cunningham, chairman of the locnl branch of the R.S.A. moved a hearty vote of thanks to all who had assisted the branch to make the function such a memorable success. Thanks are due to Mr 0. C. Nicholas for the very fitting musical programme arranged, and also to the Pipe Band for their seiwices.