The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA: FRIDAY, APRIL 21. ANZAC DAY.

Clutha Leader, Volume XLII, Issue 83, 21 April 1916, Page 5

The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA: FRIDAY, APRIL 21. ANZAC DAY.

I lie anniversary of Anzac Day, a name which owes its ilerivation to the never-to-be-forgotten landing of the heroic Australian and .New Zealand Army Corps on beach in Anzac Bay, on the Gallipoli Peninsula, on April lio, 1!»1.5, will lie celebrated throughout the Dominion on Tuesday next, April 25. The landing of the Australasians, British and French troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula, and the storming of the defences which were regarded bv the Turlis as impregnable, constitute one of the most brilliant feats-ot'-arms in the world's history. The Australian and New Zealand troops leaped at once from the long period of undisturbed training in Kgypt into I lie most dashing and desperate attack that it is possible to conceive—an invasion of the enemy's coast under cover of the guns of the allied warships, but in the face of a thoroughly prepared hostile army holding positions that had been strengthened with a view to this very contingency. The wisdom of Lord Kitchener in sending our troops to Kgypt to undergo a prolonged process of hardening until their physical and moral force was eipial to the greatest possible strain that could be imposed upon them is now patent to all. Haw and untrained levies would have had but a poor chance of making good their footing on the coast of the Peninsula in the face of the Turkish troops ollicered by Germans and equipped by German science with the most formidable weapons that the arsenals ol Krnpp could turn out. Only troops that were perfectly "fit'' could have passed triumphantly through such an ordeal. It may safely'be said that the Australasians made their debut on the stage of war in a more thrilling situation than has fallen to the lot of any ot the troops 'from the oversea Dominions. The generous applause of the veterans is the best indication that the Australians and New Zealamlers have nobly played their part. When the story of the great war comes to be studied in its true perspective, the operations at the Dardanelles will not only afford the most fruitful theme for military critics, but will stand out as emphatically the most thrilling and romantic episode in a war which for terror, fascination and dramatic interest eclipses all other conflicts waged among the races of men. The general view, we think, will be that it was worth undertaking for the sake of the tremendous stakes at issue. The staff work at the beginning was undoubtedly bad; it was doubly bad at the landing at Suvla Bay, which was to have turned stalemate into a victory; I but in the case of the evacuation it j must have been perfect. Everv detail must have I carefully planned and carried out with the utmost precision at the appointed hour and minute. To complete co-operation between the Navy and the Army, to the most exact working out of the details of the operation, there must have been added perfect discipline and -unflinching coolness and coinage on the part of the men to achieve such a result. From the point ol view of attaining the object aimed at, obviously the attack on the Dardanelles has been a failure. Constantinople has not been taken, and so far from the Balkan States being impressed in favour of the Kntente, there is reason to believe that what has taken place on Gallipoli Peninsula did a great deal to induce Bulgaria to throw in her lot with the Central Powers, and to reduce King Constantino to the pitiable state of funk, which he disclosed so freely to Mr .Martin Donohoe. But though the Crescent still Hies over the Ottoman capital, the Dardanelles operations have undoubtedly been of incalculable service to the Allies. By the virtual tethering of the Mower of the Turkish Army before the gates of Constantinople, not only was relief given to our brave Russian allies, bui operations on anything approaching an extensive scale against Kgypt were prevented, and time was thus afforded for placing the defences of one of the British Umpire's most vital points—the Suez Cana.1 —in a stati* of the highest military efliciency. The astonishing finish of the adventure forms a fitting climax to this great emprise. The New Zealanders and tralians would have fought aa heroically in France or Flanders as they did on the nigged, hills of Gallipoli,'but it is doubt' l'ul whether another Held of operations would have given scope fat audi a superb proof as they have »ivi>n i>y ihv. Noa, of then- worthiness ot their glorious heritage, as younger members of the great. British Empire. When m think of the deeds of heroism which they performed in conjunction with those of their incomparable brothers-in-arms—the men of the 2!»th Division, — when we K'lkvr nn the far-reaching effect of these deeds in preserving' and welding together the Kmpire, we may, even standing in reverence and affection by the closely-parked graves in Gallipoli, still say, "If was worth while!" And what are we at home doing to commemorate Anzac Day? The Mayor has proclaimed a half-holiday, and a suggestion lias been made to the various churches anil religious bodies to hold a combined service on that day, and the Patriotic Committee will hold a function in the evening in which patriotic speeches and songs will be contributed. Surely something further than this can be done. A monster procession, headed by the local band, could be arranged in which our returned soldiers, men home on final leave, civilians, school children and in fact the whole town aud surrounding district could take part. If such a procession was held 110 better opportunity could possibly be afforded of making an appeal to the patriotism of those who have as yet i)ot responded to the call for assistance from the heroes of Gallipoli' to shoulder their share in defending their healths, homes and liberty. The day should be commemorated worthily, not now or later as

I a mere holiday, but as an occasion of paying honour- to the dead and of strengthening among the living, especially the young, the principles and sentiments that make for national soundness and greatness. On'ly a few are called on to light for their country; all—men, women and even children—are called on to serve it, and assuredly those who heed the call of duty in times of peace will not fail their country in war time.