SIGNIFICANCE OF ANZAC DAY

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21714, 22 February 1936, Page 11

SIGNIFICANCE OF ANZAC DAY

ADDRESSES FOB CHILDREN IDEALS OF COURAGE AND CHARACTER Provided the school committees make no objection, school children are to hear addresses on the significance of Anzac Day during the week in which the day falls this year. This decision followed a deputation to the' Canterbury Education. Board yester-j day from the Chrlstchurch Returned Soldiers' Association, comprising Messrs B. O. Priddis, president, W. E. Leadley, E. F. Willcox, and the Rev. F. T. Read. A request that the board allow the distribution of badges in' schools was also granted subject to the same condition. The object of the proposed addresses was to convey to the pupils the meaning of Anzac Day, and the reason why it should be observed each year, said Mr Priddis. It was also desired to make a financial appeal. In some schools pennies had been collected from the children for badges. "We believe that the type of address which will be given will be edu- , cational, and as one who has been in contact with children a grout deal, said Mr Read, "I believe that; they, are necessary and will be inspiraWould the subject matter of the addresses be controversial, asked the chairman, Mr C. S. Thompson. Mr Read assured the board.that the \ returned soldiers were as anxious as any for peace, and trouble was not likely to be courted. They wanted to set before the children the expert ences of their fathers and brothers, and the ideals' of courage, character,! and inspiration. , , N ,. - ' To give the children, an interest ib, ' Poppy Day last year, said Mr small badges were distributed. Thli payment of a penny was, not coropuK sory, but those who could afford to pay were asked to;do so.. The. collections were added to the. Fopp? Day < funds,* which were spent entirely on the relief of-distress among returned soldiers. , . ' t .-■ . ->- •• The board later agreed to the ao« . dresses being given, and to the oi«Tr tribution of badges provided* that, no.; objection was made *y the < school ; committees. -" • '■"■ ••'. ,; -4