ANZAC DAY

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 144, 19 June 1936, Page 4

ANZAC DAY

ITS OBSERVANCE

RETURNED SOLDIERS' VIEWS

NO CHANGE WANTED

The observance of Anzac Day was again debated by the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association at the annual conference of the association

last night and this morning, when remits bearing on the matter were considered. The conference expressed the definite opinion that no change should be*» made in the present form of observance. The first remit considered asked for a plebiscite of all financial members of the ]*Z.R.S.A. on the following questions;—

(a) I am in favour of Anzac Day being observed on April 25 of each year. (b) I am in favour of a modified form of observance of Anzac Day on April 25 of each year. (c) I am in favour of Anzac Day being observed on the Sunday nearest to April 25 of each year. The ballot to be conducted on the preferential voting system. Mr. H. L. Paterson (Dunedin), who m#ved the remit, said that if any change were to be made the suggestion for that change should come from the association, and for that reason they

should have the views of members. Some returned soldiers were in favour of a modified form of observance, and he considered that the returned soldiers themselves were responsible for any objection to the present form of observance. They had made Anzac Day too mournful and should introduce more of the spirit of rejoicing into it.

Several delegates argued forcefully in favour of the present form of observance, declaring that once Anzac Day was lost the Returned Soldiers' Association would come to an end.

Mr. E. C. Hale said it was the considered opinion of the Wellington Heturned Soldiers' Association and also of the conference of the auxiliary committees that the observance of Anzac Day should not be altered.

When the conference resumed this morning the president (the Hon. W. Perry, M.L.C.) said he was satisfied there was unanimity, on the matter and he did not think there was need for further discussion. (Hear, hear.) Replying to the points raised, Mr. Paterson said that it had been said that if Anzac Day died the association would die. Had the spirit of Anzac died in Australia? he asked. He considered Australia had a more sensible way of observing Anzac Day than New Zealand. Voices: No. The remit was framed to get an expression of opinion throughout the country and the association should have that, Mr. Paterson said in conclusion.. The proposal for a ballot was rejected, only one voice being raised in favour of it.

A tenlit, "That the policy of the N.ZIR.S.A. regarding the observance of Anzac Day be upheld," was then carried, Only one delegate voting against it. . ■