THE PASSING SHOW.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 249, 21 October 1933, Page 8

THE PASSING SHOW.

(By THE MAN ABOUT TOWN.)

"The Almighty God, Whose arm is strength, having of Kis great mercy been pleased to crown His Majesty's fleet with success in giving them a OCTOBER 21, 1805. complete victory over their enemies on the twenty-lirst of this month, and that all praise and thanksgiving may be offered up to the Throne of Grace for the benefits to our country and mankind: I have thought proper that a day should be appointed of general humiliation before God and thanksgiving for His merciful goodness,, imploring forgiveness of sins, a continuation ofi His Divine mercy, and His constant aid to us in defence of crnr country's liberties and laws, without which the uttermost efforts of men are naught; and direct, therefore, that a day be appointed for this holy purpose.—C. CollingwObd, ViceAdmiral." It occurs to one that the Nelson touch is as much needed 011 October 21, 19337 and thenceforward as it was when Collingwood I issued his famous general order. It is of minor interest that this, one of the most celebrated dates in British history, was thoughtfully chosen by Mr. Seddon in 1899 to dispatch the first New Zealand troops 011 foreign service. The survivors have celebrated both the greatest day in Navy history and tlieir own departure on service every year since on its anniversary.