FUNCTIONS IN AUSTRALIA

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 98, 26 April 1916, Page 4

FUNCTIONS IN AUSTRALIA

HUGE PROCESSION OF

SOLDIERS.

i (By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright.) SYDNEY, 24th April. Glorious weather favoured the Anzac I Day celebrations. The chief functions were the procession of five thousand returned soldiers through the principal streets thronged by immense crowds, to the Domain, where an impressive commemoration service was conducted; services at the various churches, all largely attended ; a luncheon to returned soldiers at the Town Hall; concert in tho Town Hall at night, and great recruiting rallies throughout the day and evening. An army of ladies, collecting, was busy in the city and suburban stoeets. At 9 o'clock in the morning all trains and trams stopped for a minute, and at noon everyone stood bareheaded for a minute. Similar demonstrations were held throughout the Commonwealth. The Anzac Day messages included tributes from the King, General Birdwood, and Sir lan Hamilton. There was a brilliant gathering in the Town Hall, where the Lord Mayor gave a luncheon to 2500 soldiers. Speeches were delivered by the State Governor (Sir Gerald Strickland), the Lord Mayor, the State Premier (Mr. Holman), and other leaders. ■ j Mr. Holman declared that the Government was determined that the men who had fought for their country should be a first charge on the revenues of the j State. Whether individual effort failed or not, the State would see that its debt of gratitude was paid to the j Anzacs. Tho weather generally was favourable to the celebrations in the various State capitals, the chief features being pro- ! cessions of troops, arid special services in the churches. Great crowds participated, , and the proceedings everywhere were marked by a. chastened enthusiasm. In Melbourne the celebrations were confined to religious services and the citizens' demonstration in the Town Hall. Spectacular events have been arranged for Friday.