SPIRIT OF ANZAC

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 179, 26 April 1941, Page 13

SPIRIT OF ANZAC

Faith That It Must In The End Prevail

ADDRESS BY SIR HARRY BATTERBEE

“We are met this morning to celebrate Anzac Day, the most critical and anxious Anzac Day since the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps stormed the heights of Gallipoli 25 years ago,” said Sir Harry Batterbee, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in New Zealand in addressing those present at the Anzac Day service at Karori Main School yesterday morning. “Our thoughts this morning go out to Greece, where the second Anzac Corps is fighting against overwhelming odds, and is rivalling the old spirit and showing that it is not dead, and that the sons are worthy of their fathers.” he continued. “Our hearts and prayers go out to them this morning, but whatever the outcome their efforts and sacrifices will be no more wasted than were those of the first Anzac Corps. The example of valour is always an inspiration, the influence of which never dies. “Anzac Day,” Sir Harry continued, “is not a day on w-hich we celebrate the past, but a day on which we devote ourselves to the service of the State, and never was there a time when there was such need for that service.” “A High Example.” Addressing returned soldiers, Sir Harry Batterbee said they could and indeed were, setting a high example. Many were in the E.P.S. and Home Guard. “I watched you with admiration marching in the parade last Saturday, and I am sure that your service in the last war will stand you in good stead if war comes to New Zealand,” he said. ' “You can do good work by encouraging others to enrol, and by encouraging all manner of patriotic endeavour. After all, the sacrifices we are called on to make here are very small compared with those the people at Home are being compelled to make.” Lessons From Auzac. “There are many lessons you can learn from Anzac Day,” said Sir Harry, addressing the children. “The chief of these are determination, courage and sacrifice, which today’s commemoration calls- forth. The first lesson is the value ofz determination and courage. Do not seek to lead soft, easy lives. When there is a difficult thing to be done, go for it; only by, facing up to dangers and difficulties can you get the best out of life. The second lesson to be learnt is unselfishness and readiness to sacrifice oneself. Still another lesson is the value of comradeship. The Anzacs were and are good comrades; try to be like them. Learn the value of esprit de corps and the school spirit. Put down the bully everywhere, and try to give a helping hand to the weak and timid, as by doing so you will make life better for yourselves. We are now engaged in putting down the Nazi bully, but it is going to be a difficult job, as the Nazi bully is very strong. “If this war is to be won we must throw into it everything we possess, even life itself, but we will prevail in the end. No matter how many countries Hitler sprawls over, he will be beaten ultimately. British sea power is steadily strangling him, and when to sea power is added air power the end will not be far off. Then we have the ever-growing help and sympathy of the United States of America, and, lastly, we know that our cause is just. If there be an over-ruling providence we cannot doubt that those who are fighting against tyranny must in the end prevail if the spirit of Anzac-is kept up.” THE RETREAT Wellington Regiment Pays Tribute Official homage to the dead of the Great War was paid by the officers and men of the Wellington Regiment at -1.30 o’clock yesterday afternoou, when the regimental pipes and drums sounded “The Retreat” at the Cenotaph. Thousands watched the solemn and impressive ceremony, which lasted about 45 minutes. It began with the band playing two verses of the hymn “Lest We Forget,” after which the drums beat out their deep roll before the ceremonial marching. During the whole proceedings there was an atmosphere of pigffouml quiet. The pipes and drums first paraded in slow march to the lament, “The Flowers of the Forest,” followed by the quick march, “The Heroes of Vittoria,” a strathspey, “The Devil in the Kitehen,” a reel, “De’l Among the Tailors,” and the march, “Cock o’ the North.” Looking smart and picturesque in their kilts, the bandsmen marched past the memorial and back, the square being traversed twice, and the band counter-marching as it reached the ends.

The regimental band then repeated the marching, playing the slow march, ‘‘.Scipio,” followed by the quick march, “Jockey’s Ride to York.” After the whole band had played the National Anthem, the parade, in column, marched past the war memorial in salute, proceeding along Lambton Quay to its dismissal area. The parade was under the command, of Lieutenant-Colonel A. L. George, with Captain W. L. Sellen, N.Z.P.S., as adjutant.