INSPIRING MESSAGES

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 96, 24 April 1942, Page 6

INSPIRING MESSAGES

TOMORROW'S OBSERVANCE

Several inspiring messages have been issued in ~ connection with the commemoration of Anzac Day tomorrow, the twenty-seventh anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. The Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) has received the following message from Field-Marshal Lord Birdwood, through the High Commissioner in London:— "On this, surely the most momentous Anzac Day since our landing at Anzac, I send to the people of New Zealand very sincere greetings. I well realise the terrible losses you have sustained throughout these last two years, and my heart goes out to all who have lost very dear ones. But the great spirit of the New Zealand people ever remains and never has the reputation of her great fighting men ever stood higher. God keep you all." Replying to Lord Birdwood, the Prime Minister sent the following message:— "On behalf of New Zealand servicemen both past and present and of the Government and people of New Zealand I desire to convey heartfelt appreciation of your most inspiring message. I can assure you that the Anzac spirit remains as strong as ever and under all circumstances New Zealand will stand firm." The Prime Minister has also received the following message from General Sir Alexander Godley:— "(a) To the people of New Zealand on this 27th anniversary of our landing at Arizac I send greetings to all my New Zealand friends and think of happy years I spent in the Dominion. "(b) To the New Zealand Returned Services' Association my greetings to all my old comrades who share with me the pride we all feel in the gallant services of our successors, the Second N.Z.E.F." Replying to General Godley, the Prime Minister. sent the following message:— "Our people are deeply touched by your messages on the occasion of this 27th Anzac anniversary. Our lasting gratitude and pride in the achievements of the First N.Z.E.F. is onty deepened by the laurels won by their sons of today."