Anzac Day

Cromwell Argus, Volume LXI, Issue 3160, 27 April 1931, Page 5

Anzac Day

Again the heroic part of the Anzacs, and remembrance of their gallant sacrifice in the great war, was fittingly observed in Cromwell on the day set apart for the purpose. The beautiful Memorial Grounds, maintained in such wonderful order by tho committee of management, was the scene of the service, and with typical Central weather there was a large attendance. The committee in charge, Messrs Roberts (Mayor), Jelley, Brown, and Orr, carried out tho arrangements excellently. Increased seating accommodation was providedJ tVpecially i'Or returned soldiers, and altogether the service was possibly the most impressive yet held in the town. As a preliminary to the service, a procession marched i from the Oddfellows Mall to the ' grounds. This included Brownies and Girl Guides, Cubs and Scouts, Lodges, Returned Soldiers, and a firing party of /Tigh School Boys. All the churches were represented, the Cromwell Brass Band played appropriate music, and a choir under Mr N- C Veoman, with Mrs Forsyth presiding at the piano, led the singing. Jn introducing the service the Mayor .Mr C. W. J. Roberts), briefly referred to its purpose—to remember those who made the great sacrifice, who laid down their lives for their country, and those who returned maimed and wounded. He hoped the spirit of remembrance manifested that day would comfort those who had lost loved ones. He paid a tribute to the fine work of those tending the Memorial Grounds, the finest in the Dominion. Ministers of all churches and the Salvation Army took part in the service. The addressj a fine and touching effort, was delivered by Rev. Pywell. He spoke of the heroic deeds of the gallant Anzacs on Gallipoli ; and as a safeguard against the recurrence of such an event dwelt fully on the League of Nations. While the offertory, which realised j£io ics cjd, was being taken up the band played the Dead March in a most impressive and touching manner. Conductor John Gordon sounded the Last Post and a party of High School Boys, trained by Major Johnston, and under the direction of Mr W. Hore, fired a volley. An impressive part of the ceremony was the laving of wreaths by local bodies and relatives, and among these was one onbehalf of a former esteemed resident, Mrs A. Tidey. During the service a solo was splendidly rendered by Mr R. Orr. In the afternoon a number journeyed to' the New Cemetery, where 'wreaths were laid on the graves of soldiers buried there.