DAWN PARADE

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

DAWN PARADE

SERVICE AT WAR MEMORIAL

Dawn came calm -nd clear, just as it did over the Gallipoli beaches 40 years ago. At 6 a.m., 40 years to the minute from the beginning of the Australians’ attack, the parade was brought to order to begin the short march to the War Memorial beside the Christchurch Cathedral. The murmurings from the crowd of more than 1000 were hushed by a roll of drums to open the simplest of all Anzac remembrance services.

Australians were the first to land on Gallipoli, and, on the day, Australians were the first to show that they remembered. But in the chill dawn of yesterday Australian and Ne ./ Zealander were joined in a dedication to the ideals for which two generations of Anzacs have fought. “As the dawn of this new day has conquered the night, so let their memory inspire us to work for the coming of a new light into the hearts of all people,” said Mr W. S. Burmaster, president of the Australian Returned Services’ Association, speaking the Anzac dedication. Wreaths from servicemen’s organisations and from individuals were laid on the memorial steps, the dedication of wreaths was read by Mr G. D. Hattaway, president of the Christchurch R.S.A., and the sharp notes of the bugles echoed around the square in “Last Post.” The Liedertafel sang alone “There Is No Death,” and as they sang the first days of the rising sun gilded the spire of the Cathedral. “Reveille” sounded loud from the line of trumpeters and the service came to a close with a final roll of the drums and the singing of the National Anthem.

Music for the three hymns of the service was played by the Salvation Army Band, and boys of the Christchurch West High School Band were the drummers and trumpeters. The prayer was said by the Dean of Christchurch (the Very Rev. Martin Sullivan) and the Bishop of Christchurch (the Rt. Rev. A. K. Warren) gave the Benediction.

Among those present were Mr T. L. Macdonald, Minister of Defence, representing the Government; Mr W. R. Hudspeth,’ Australian Trade Commissioner, representing the Australian Government; Commander J. N. Allen, representing the Royal New Zealand Navy; Brigadier J. T. Burrows, representing the Army; and Group Captain F. R. Dix, representing the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P.) and the Town Clerk (Mr H. S. Feast) were also in the official party.