WREATHS LAID AT WAR MEMORIAL

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27642, 26 April 1955, Page 14

WREATHS LAID AT WAR MEMORIAL

BIG CROWD AT CEREMONY

With simple, dignified ceremony ’ representatives of the Government, civie authorities, the services and ret turned servicemen's and women’s , organisations paid their tribute at the f War Memorial in the grounds of the Christchurch Cathedral i A crowd of several thousands stood bareheaded in the autumn sunshine during the short service. The four corners of the base of the statue were manned by members of the Legion of Frontiersmen with reversed rifle*. The oz the Government at the base of the f statue. He was followed by senior representatives of the three forces and gy reysentatives of the Returned ; Association and other I representing former L servicemen and women, as well as bv | representatives of various units which I •“Xf® EWorld Wars I and 11. Christchurch (the tl Warren) led a short i was followed by the ■Lnysm. Abide with Me,” music for

which was played by the band of the Ist Canterbury Regiment. The service concluded with the band playing “Last Post” and the Evening Hymn, and the New Zealand and British National Anthems. A miniature Flanders poppy field was formed by the dozens of poppies deposited in front of the Godley statue by a representative band of citizens, led by the Mayor (Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P.). The short service at the statue was again led by Bishop Warren, who was accompanied by chaplains of the forces.