GATHERING AT WAIKUMETE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 97, 27 April 1925, Page 10

GATHERING AT WAIKUMETE.

Over 600 people attended the service at Waikumete Cemetery, which was held after ' tlie Cenotaph ceremony in tlie city. The wreaths that earlier in the day had been laid at the foot of the Cenotaph were placed on the Soldiers' Memorial in the cemetery and members of the Victoria League placed flowers on all the individual soldiers' graves. All address was delivered by the Key. C. J. Tocker, who reminded the congregation that in bygone days tlie cry of remembrance was sounded by the exiled Jewish patriot, who, in the midst of an alien people, lifted up his heart to .God. Even so did our nation cry on Anzac Day, thinking of that Sundayten years ago, when with tlie dawning of the first Anzac Day New Zealand entered into her travail of sorrow and heritage of glory. ' Homes and hearts had been bereft of happiness, but Anzao Day had brought into tbe life of the nation a great glory and the inalienable task of carrying on in peace that for which her sons had died in war. At the conclusion of the service the Last Tost was sounded. Sir James Gunson "pronounced the benediction, after which the Hallelujah Chorus anil several well-known hymns were played by the Municipal Band. OTAHUHU'S TRIBUTE. Tlie Otahuhu citizens' united commemoration service in celebration of Anzac Day was conducted with much solemnity. The ceremony took the form of a procession and memorial service. The procession was composed of the Municipal Band, returned soldiers, territorials, cadets, school children, borough council, fire brigade, friendly societies and citizens. The procession assembled at the railway station, and proceeded up Station Road to the roadside cross at the entrance to the Anglican Church, where floral tributes were placed- Thence to tlie public school ground, where a memorial service was conducted, the Mayor B. Todd) presiding. The National Anthem preceded the service, followed by hymns, Kipling "Recessional," scripture reading, reading of the roll of honour, and a spirited address by Canon H. Mason. NEWTON CENTRAL SCHOOL. On Friday afternoon the children at Newton Central School paraded, and were addressed by' Mr. D. Bradley, a member of the School Committee, on the .reason for the observance of Anzac Day. He referred to the great sacrifices, made by the men, many of whom gave their lives to conserve the rights and liberties the people now enjoyed. They fought to preserve absolute freedom, and it was but fitting to observe Anzac Day to keep tlie memory of their sacrifices ever fresh. The scholars sang .the National Anthem and "Rule Britannia." ONEHUNGA. A united religious service was held on Anzac Day in the Foresters' Theatre, Onehunga. The Rev. H. H. Smythe (Anglican), presided. Among those present were the Mayor (Mr. J. E. Cpwell), and members of the Borough? Council. Returned soldiers, fire brigade and 'BoyScouts assembled at the post om.ne\ind marched to the place of worship, headed by the Town Band, wbo- played appropriate music. Tlie Rev. D. D. Scott (Presbyterian) delivered an address. Scripture lessons were read by the Revs. W. Parker (Methodist), and F. Tucker (Congregational). ' MANUREWA. About 350 adults and a similar number of children assembled round the War Memorial at Manurewa on Saturday afternoon. Captain A. C. A. Sexton, chairman of the local Town Board, addressed the gathering, his remarks being directed mainly towards the children. The speaker embodied "the poppy as an emblem" and the value of "discipline" and "courage," in his address Several hymns were sung, and the Rev. J. W.. Griffon led the gathering in prayer. The sounding of the Last Post brought the ceremony to a close. The base of the monument was covered with beautiful wreaths. The local theatre was crowded during the evening, when interesting addresses were given by Mr. C. E. Perkins and Captain D. C. Herron, SLA., of Grafton Road, Auckland. | DARGAVILLE. . , _—,— ' ' The' Anzac memorial service toolplace in tlie Empire Theatre. Those parading were the town band, returned soldiers, the Mayor, town clerk, tire brigade, and most of the lodges. There .was a big attendance in the hall, when the Mayor presided. Those taking part were the Revs. Watson,- Hart, Major, Blackett and Hamilton. . J .':' PAPAROA. The Anzac Day commemorative service was held in the Garrison Hall. Mr. R. Coates, county chairman, presided. Rev. H. S. Kings (Methodist), assisted by Mr. M. N. Skelton (Anglican), ,_ed the service. WHAKATANE. ' i An Anzac service was held the open air at Sacred Rock, There was a parade of returned soldiers, territorials and cadets, also a large gathering of the public. SOUTHERN OBSERVANCES. ' Anzac"Day'observances in the towns were similar to those held in Auckland. At Wellington a children's memorial service was conducted by Canon - Feilden Taylor at the Cenotaph outside Parliament "grounds. The arrangements were admirably carried out by the Women's National Reserve Girls' Club, with the co-operation of the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association, the Educational Board, and the Headmasters' Association. Large audiences attended the afternoon services at the Town Hall and in the Opera House. The memorial address at the Cenotaph was delivered by Adjutant Hayes of the Salvation Army, that at the .Town Hall by Canon Feildon Taylor, and that at the Opera House by the Rev. A. E. S K. Fry. Sir James Parr and tiie' Hon. 1 R. F. Bollard represented the Government at.the Cenotaph service, and on behalf of the Ministry,'laid'a handsome wreath at the foot of the Cenotaph, the base of' Which was surrounded by many such tributes. Sir' Francis Bell, actingPrime Minister, represented the Government at the Opera House service,-and Sir Heajoji Rhodes at the Town Halt