IN THE CHURCHES

Evening Star, Issue 22632, 26 April 1937, Page 13

IN THE CHURCHES

ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL Dean Cruickshank conducted tho special memorial service in St. Paul’s Cathedral last evening. There was a large congregation, and at the conclusion of the service the National Anthem was sung and the Trumpet and Bugle Band sounded the ‘ Last Post ’ and the reveille. In his address the Dean outlined, for the benefit of the younger generation, the events which lead up to the Great War, which, he said, had resulted in 15,000,000 deaths, 28.000,000 casualties, and had cost £52,000,000,000, and had achieved little or nothing. Once the decision had been made for Great Britain to enter the war, the way was clearer for the common man. He saw a duty before him and went to do it. From all the points of the compass men had answered the call, and that evening they were paying homage to the men who did not return. Ho did not wish to deal with the horrors of war for all agreed that it was the most ghastly thing a man could undertake, but he emphasised that the next war—if such a calamity befell—would be wor?e and would spare neither man nor woman, combatant nor non-combatant. * Some regarded war as being inevitable, but since men lived in fear of war knowing what it was, there was a possibility it might he averted. If, however, it did come, there could be no compromise—all must do their duty. It would be a great mistake to think that all the soldiers were heroes or saints, but they had given an ideal, and ideals were precious things and were badly needed to-day. Common culture and education had not been enough to prevent the last war, and even patriotism was not enough. Morality, too, was in vain, unless it were allied to* religion. Without religion the nations became materialistic and self-seeking. A nation which abused its strength would be ostracised. He urged all to strive for peace It could not be said that the church had not done so since the war, for it had given support to the League of Nations, and the endeavour had come within an ace of succeeding. The League had suffered a severe’rebuff. but it would arise again since it was based on a spiritual ideal. Men, the speaker concluded, should

strive to be forgiving. In the complexities of modern life a man _ was often called on to oppose his friends, and the difficulty was to distinguish personalities from principles. The message of Anzac, he felt, could be summed up in the injunction to do one’s duty even if it mean death. Common men had become heroes under that inspiration. It had to be borne in mind that Anzao Day was rather a day of national self-examination than of national congratulation. ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated yesterday morning at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. The Mass was sung by Bishop Whyte, with Mgr. Morkane as assistant priest. Fathers Gavin and Hally acted as deacon and sub-deacon, and the Rev. Fathers M‘Mahon and Hanrahan as deacons at the throne. The Rev. Father Buckley was master of ceremonies. The choir of the cathedral, under the baton of Mr H. Poppelwell, sang the Mass with great feeling and devotion, and the congregation which crowded the cathedral was deeply impressed by the solemnity of the occasion. Mr T. V. Griffiths officiated at the organ. It is very unusual to have a Requiem Mass on a Sunday or later feast day, but the; Holy See in 1923 graciously granted_ the favour of allowing the celebration each year in every, town or parish of one Requiem Mass on April 25 for the Catholic soldiers who died in the Great War. FIRST CHURCH SERVICE Many returned soldiers attended the evening service at First Church. The preacher was the Rev. David Calder, who took as his subject ‘ Parallels in Past Lives to our Modern Anzac.’ Mr Calder spoke on the historical background to the name “Anzac” and all its wartime significance, and reviewed events in the sixteenth century and at the beginning of the nineteenth ctntury, when happenings similar to those of the war were experienced by our British peoples. The name “Anzac,” he said, was a constant reminder of those soul-stirring events wherein the New Zealand and Australian peoples became fully conscious of their nationhood. The virility and daring of our men made us realise as, never before that our New Zealand nation had come to manhood, with a consciousness of power and a true pride of life. “ From that time we have come to realise that we were a young, strong nation, as well as being a constituent part of a far-flung Empire. To-day we take our ulace and part in the counsels of the nations of the world.” In the middle of the sixteenth cen-' tury and in a similar way, the English language came into its own. Before that time the language of the church was Latin and that of the British Court was French. All the. services of worship were conducted in Latin. There was; however, a movement to give English its full place and power. Controversy was long and bitter, for on the one hand it was urged that the English tongue was commonplace and without elasticity, and on the other it was contended that the great mass of the people were being denied the beauties of religion and of literature. Victory came to the cry for the native language of our people, and the Bible was translated into English. Continuing, the preacher spoke of the stirring times at the beginning of the nineteenth century, when a missionary enthusiasm pervaded the church as never before, and gave to the English peoples a new consciousness of the other great nations of the world as units ih the world’s life. To lift them up, by the power of a new religious fervour, in the knowledge of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures was now the great endeavour. It became the age of the birth of many national institutions, such as the (Bible societies, which had done their truly magnificent work, . and which had done so much to establish goodwill towards the English-speaking peoples. “ This,” said the speaker. “ is proving the true warfare, by which alone there is a possibility of eliding war and of bringing in the day of universal peace.”; CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH The morning service at Moray Place Congregational Churth yesterday was devoted .to the memory of Anzac. The choir sang the memorial hymn, ‘ O Valiant Hearts,’ and the anthem, ‘Jerusalem’ (Parry). The minister of the church, the Rev. Albert Mead, conducted the service, and members of the Imperial Ex-servicemen’s Association were in attendance.

“ It is with affedtion and ‘high regard,” said Mr Mead, “that we (keep in memory, with a countless number of men and women, the Anzac soldiers who made the great and gallant assault and. landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. With jproud thanksgiving we remember the dead, but also the living, who were associated with them on that memorable occasion. Anzac Day has been ‘ a day of tragic, and glorious ’ memory in the history of this Dominion. Old comradeship will be renewed this day; old memories will be revived and related; but, most of all, we shall think and speak of those who died, and by that very act of thought and speech they will live again jn our hearts.”

Their spirit cannot die, though they bo dead—

The young, the brave, the noble, and the dearl And we shall know by some strapge influence shed

That they are nearl The spirits of those who fell, he continued, stood as judges. We were' trustees of their sacred task, because, for whatever other reason men went to war, it was to destroy war. They were led to believe that “ this war was to end war,” but the warring spirit and method had not yet ended. To-day a call came to emulate their brave sacrifice and devote ourselves to the task which remained for the living, that men and women might truly live in holy'freedom and happy peace. The quarrel with the foe was not a quarrel with men of another nation. It was , rather with those things which destroyed life for men of every nation, and of those things war was the greatest. It was not merely the ravages of war with all its loss and suffering, pain and terror, dread and fear, that should be thought of; it was absolute waste of life and those things which made life worth living. Let it he admitted that as long as mankind thought in terms of war, war would inevitably recur, but surely it was possible to think in terms of peace. The sky of to-day was cold and grey ns far as international relationships were concerned, but such great dreams as human peace were not to be considered impossible because the immediate outlook appeared unfavourable. It was in those times when the outlook looked blackest that men in the trenches needed to hold on to their duty and undertakings. “ It is to the great ideals of life that to-day we should make our commemoration and dedicate ourselves afresh." he said. “We are not going to get what wet hoped for simply hy hoping, hut by holding on and working for those things. So often in life our visions do not materialise, but when they do it is because we held tenaciously on and worked and hmpcd for them. ’ A great - ideal, that of a

warless world, was born during the war, and though men and women differ as to the ways the ideal is to be materialised, the ideal must not bo allowed to fade and disappear. No great ideal is born in the human heart for nothing. Somehow, somewhere, sometime, the dream must end in achievement, but “the vision is for an appointed time. Though it tarry, wait for it.”

THE SYNAGOGUE Special prayers were read in the Synagogue, Moray Place, at the sendee held on the Sabbath Day. The Jewish soldiers from Otago who had made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War were commemorated, and the Rev. Mr Kirwan gave an appropriate address. SCHOOL SERVICES BOYS’ HIGH A memorial service for the old hoys of the school who died in the Great War was bold at the Otago Boys’ High School yesterday ramming. There was a large attendance of pupils, ex-pupils, and friends. The rector, Mr H. P. Kidson, presided. The sea-vice opened with the singing of the National Anthem. This was followed by a Scripture reading by a prefect. A hymn was sung, and the school roll of honour was then read by two prefects. At the conclusion of this an inspiring address was delivered by Mr W. Perry, M.L.C., and after a further hymn, the ‘ Last Post ’ and the reveille were sounded. Wreaths from the school and from the Old Boys’ Association were then laid on the memorial arch. MORHINGTON Despite the weather conditions, an impressive Anzac commemoration ser-' vice was held at the Morning ton School yesterday morning. The chairman, the Rev. F. V. Fisher, presided over a creditable attendance of parents, friends, scholars, Girl Guides, and Boy Scouts. Mr A. B. Natusch, of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association executive, gave an address on Anzac and the significance of that word. . The Rev. D. O. Williams offered prayer, and Mr Trevor Gibb gave the Scripture reading. Trumpeter Jack Sainsbury sounded the ‘ Last Post ’ and the reveille, Mrs Wallace acted as accompanist for the singing of the hymns. In addition to private floral tributes, wreaths were received from the school, the Girl Guides, the Boy Scouts, and the local branch of Toe H. ST. CLAIR The Anzac service at the St. Clair School was held in the gymnasium, and, despite the unfavourable weather, the attendance was surprisingly good. Mr R. C. Love, chairman of the School Committee, presided, the scholars being marshalled and directed by the members of the staff under the direction of the acting head master (Mr C. H. Taylor). . The New Zealand National Anthem was sung, and the Rev. R. G. M‘Dowall read the Scripture and offered a prayer. An address was given by Mr A. Thomas, of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, and was eminently suited to the minds of the children. The ‘ Last Post ’ and the reveille were sounded by Mr D. Paine. The singing of the National. Anthem concluded the service, after which members of the committee placed wreaths on the Memorial Gates. DUNEDIN NORTH INTERMEDIATE On Friday afternoon a service was held at the Dunedin North Intermediate School, when appropriate hymns were rendered. The reading from the sixth chapter of Ephesians and the prayerwere taken by the Rev. W. A. Stevely, who also gave a most helpful address to the scholars on an old English school motto, “ Suffer aud Serve.” Mr M. Johnson, secretary of the Albany Street School Ex-scholars’ Association, also addressed the scholars. A wreath was placed on the old AlDany Street School War Memorial. COUNTRY COMMEMORATION t MOSGIEL On account of driving rain it was impossible to carry out the arrangements made for Anzac Day at Mosgiel, and those assembled wended their way to the Coronation Hall, where as much of the ceremony as possible intended for out of doors was held. The mayor (Mr A. F. Quelch) addressed the audience, and wreaths were placed on the stage (to be transferred to the monument when weather permitted). The ‘Last Post ' was sounded prior to the placing of the wreaths, and ‘ The Reveille ’ afterwards. The Mosgiel Municipal Band played a selection. The Taieri Pipe Band was also, present. Mr Quelch said that when war was declared in 1914 the wonderful response of the whole Empire to the call of the Motherland was such as to cause a thrill of pride to run through the of every (Briton. All differences were forgotten, all selfish interests laid aside, and all united in the pursuit of one glorious aim. Those assembled that day were aware of the deeds and achievements of our bravo men, which were equal to anything in history. The Great War dwarfed by its magnitude all contests of the past in the splendour of human heroism, which reached a height never witnessed before. Mr Quelch expressed his pleasure at seeing the returned soldiers present and recounted the opinions expressed by representatives of other nations on the superior qualifications of Britain’s Army and Navy. He laid a wreath on the stage, stating that he did so on behalf of the people «| Mosgiel as a mark of respect to the memory of and a token of gratitude to the fallen men. A commemoration service followed, over which the Rev. W. Wilson Ewart presided. He was supported by the Mosgiel Ministers and representatives of local bodies. ' After two verses of the National Anthem a prayer of invocation was offered by the chairman. Captain L. Jones read the 44th and 46th Psalms, and an offering was taken up in aid of the Mosgiel Poppy Day fund. The band played a selection. After a second hymn the Rev, Hugh Graham led in prayer, and ‘ For All the Saints ’ was sung. The address was given by the Rev. N. Challenger. He said that they were assembled to pay tribute to the memory of all who sacrificed their lives in the interests of freedom on April 25, 1915. Amongst those were the cream of New Zealand manhood, who had readily responded to the Empire’s call. They caught’ up the spirit of Him Who declared; “Greater love hath no man than this—that a man lay down his life for his friends.” In every city, town, and village monuments had been erected to their memory, and on many the words were inscribed, “ Lest wo forget.” The Anzacs might have stood aside: but in the face of international injustice and outrages by the enemies of civilisation, they fared forth to preserve freedom for us, (The Anzacs con-

sidered their sacrifice as a gift, as in the story told by Gipsy Smith, of the reply a soldier had made to a sympathetic remark about the loss of his arm—“ He did not lose his arm; it was a gift to his country.” After referring to the respect shown to the memory of the Anzacs, the speaker said it was the duty of those who had been spared to reap the fruits of the sacrifice made and to do all in their power to maintain the peace they had purchased. “ May the present pain and sorrow of the world prove only to be the birth pangs of tne new age wherein shall dwell righteousness,” said the speaker in conclusion. “ To-day our hearts go out to those mothers and sons whoso sorrow is so deep; aud we resolve to do all in our power to stay this monster that breaks women’s hearts and destroys life, and blocks the march of progress.” Miss Owens sang ‘Nearer My God to Thee ’; and the hymn ‘ Abide With Me ’ closed the service. At St. Mary’s Church at 8 a.m. the Rev. Father M'Cabo sang a Requiem Mass. In spite of the bad weather there was a good attendance, practically everyone present receiving Holy Communion. The Gregorian Chant for the solemn requiem was sung by the parish choir. PORT CHALMERS The had weather compelled a curtailment of the afternoon programme. The public commemoration was conducted by the Returned Soldiers’ Association, in the Laurier Theatre. The service was deeply impressive. Mr J. M‘Eliveo. president R.S.A., presided. The mayor (Mr T. Scollay) said that the obseryance of Anzac Day was a sacred obligation. They had assembled that day to express afresh their gratitude to the dead and indebtedness to the living. He asked the audience to stand and do silent homage to the Anzacs and their deathless record of national sacrifice. His Worship read General Birdwood’s Anzac message. Mr M'Elivee said they had once again gathered together to pay homage to and. commemorate those who made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War. Anzac Day had always -been, and, it was hoped, would always be a most sacred day, for it commemorated the bravo men who laid down their lives that we might have peace. “ Please God,” said the speaker, “ may our memory of those brave men never fade.” The returned men of Port Chalmers tendered their heart-felt sympathy to those who mourned the loss of loved ones. The Rev. J. G. Dunn then took charge of the service, reciting the ‘ Call to Worship ’ and also leading in prayer. The combined choir sang ‘ O God, Our Help,’ ‘ The Coming of Peace/ ‘ What Are These,’ and ‘ 0 Valiant Hearts ’; Mr Lindo Nelso sang ‘ There Is No Death ’; _ Pastor Sands, C.F., gave prayer and invocation, and Major M. Rawcliffe read from Scripture. The Rev. C. H. Olds was the chief speaker. ■ Recalling the sailing of troops from Port Chalmers for South Africa towards the close of the Boer War, the speaker referred to the jingoistic spirit so .prominent in popular songs at that time and so markedly absent during the Great War. In the observance of Anzac Day there was no glorification of war, but a solemn, chastened glorying in the spirit of men who suffered and died to save' the fabric of civilisation and the liberty of the race. We must not . forget the price paid for our freedom lest the rising generation, valuing slightly their dearly-bought heritage, should slip into ways of selfishness and pride such as precipitated the calamity of 1914. To remember the courage, endurance, • and sacrifice of the honoured dead should be a challenge, an inspiration, a sacrament. Moreover, Anzao Day reminded us of our duty to the living who returned crippled in body and mind. Mr Olds then spoke of the spirit which actuated the men, Unsuspected capacities for nobility, service, and sacrifice had been, stirred, “ We must discover, interpret, and recapture that spirit, for in peace such nobler impulses are. easily submerged. The spirit of sacrifice displayed is, he concluded, “ in spite, of all the hell of war, essentially religious. No other interpretation is adequate. For the problems of peace such a spirit is utterly essential. Let us recognise the Christ-spirit shining through the dross of war, even through its hatred and lust to kill; and, rescuing it from all that is base, bring it to Jesus Christ, the source of its inspiration, that . it may be purified, enlightened, and inspired for service in the Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and love?’ The Cenotaph service was held in the Garrison Hall. The Marino Band led the singing of the ‘ Old Hundredth ’ and played the. ‘ Garland of Flowers 7 while wreaths were deposited on behalf of the council (the mayoress) and other bodies, also private citizens. The hand plaved ‘ The Last Post ’ and ‘ Reveille. Sergeant J. E. Murdoch was in charge of the firing party of territorials, and Staff' Sergeant-major T. A. S. Mackenzie officiated ns marshal. In addition to the mayor and councillors, the parade state included returned men, volunteers, fire brigade, lodges, Girl Guides, S4a Scouts, and Boys’ Brigade members. PALMERSTON Anzac Day was observed in Palmerston bv a procession of returned soldiers,’led by the Pipe Band, marching from the South African memorial to the Coronation Hall, where the Girl Guides and a fair number of residents had gathered.' ' ' , , , The service in the hall was conducted by Padre J. Badcock, assisted by the Rev. N. H. Johnson and the captain of the -Salvation Army, who offered up prayers and conducted the singing or several hymns. The principal religious address was delivered by Mr Badcock, who spoke on brotherly love and the ambition ot those who died 22 years ago and ot those who returned being a desire to end war. His appeal- was that every one these days should have the same obiect in view. . ‘ , , The religious service being completed, the mayor (Mr W. B. Galloway) took the chair, and called on Major £. R. Robertson of Dunedin, to give an address. Major Robertson gave an historical account of the landing at Anzac, making particular reference tq the part the New Zealanders played in that “ great failure,” which, he said, being such, was all the more covered in glory.; ' A march to the memorial gates at the school followed, Mrs H. Ross placing a wreath on the S.A. war memorial en route. At the gates the mayor ceived wreaths from the Returned Soldiers’ Association, sanatorium patients, and from local residents; A march back to the S.A. war memorial, led by the Pipe Band, concluded the observances. BERWICK Owing to the inclement weather the procession to the memorial gates at Berwick was eliminated from the. Anzac Dav programme, the main service being held in the Berwick Hall. There was a representative attendance of the uublio and returned soldiers presided over bv Mr H. J. Carmody. The Momona Pipe Band rendered appropriate music under the baton of Pipe-major L J. Gamble. The Chairman, m ins opening remarks, referred to the significance of the day, and appealed to .those assembled to observe the day as

■originally intended. The main address was delivered by Mr A. J. Gordon, of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association, who briefly outlined to the young people the achievements of the New Zealand Division overseas and their duty, to those who fought and those who died. Two solos were rendered by Mrs D. Sligo, with Miss A. Duggan as accompanist, and Mrs James Wither presided at the organ. Mr J. T. Gardiner read the Scripture and praver. . MILTOK The parade for the Anzac Day commemoration service at Milton yesterday (Sunday)-afternoon, organised by the Bruce sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, was marred by the extremely inclement weather. This caused a lessened attendance of ex-servicemen, and the Brass Band and the Girl Guides did hot participate in the parade. The ex-servicemen and the local Territorials assembled at Toko High Schqol grounds, and, headed by the Pipe Band, marched to the soldiers’ memorial grounds, where a halt was called. Whilst the parade stood at attention official wreaths were placed on the granite obelisk by representatives of _ the Bruce Returned Soldiers’ - Association, the Territorials, the Girl Gui.des, and the Bruce County Council. The Pipe Band played a lament, after which the parade reformed and marched tp the Coronation Hall,, where a united memorial service was held and was well attended by residents of both town and district. - The religious portion of the service was conducted by Captain Crichton, of thp local Salvation Army Corps, and a stirring address on the significance of Anzac Day was delivered by Major W. E. Earnshaw, M.C., of Dunedin. OBSERVANCE AT OAMARU IMPRESSIVE SERVICE IN OPERA HOUSE In- conformity with the procedure adopted in all other centres of the Dominion yesterday, Oamaru fittingly commemorated Anzac- Day, the main service being held in the Opera House in the afternoon under the auspices of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers’ Association, when a striking address was delivered by the Rev. J. M. M'Kenzie. In the early morning the Toe H Group held a daybreak service' at the Great War Memorial, the ceremony of ‘ Light ’ being taken by Major W. H. S. Widdowson. There was a very fair attendance at this service, including the president of the Returned Soldiers’ Association (Mr H. C. Jeffery). Later in the morning wreaths were placed on the two war memorials by representatives of the various Girl Guide troops in the town, and at the cemetery wreaths were placed on the graves of fallen _ comrades by members of the executive of the Returned Soldiers’ Association. A* short, ceremony was _ held, and concluded with the sounding of the ‘ Last Post ’ and ‘ Reveille,’ played by Mr H. Hay. In all other parts of the district of North Otago services were held in memory of Anzac and appropriate addresses given. At Hampden a very impressive service was held in the after- j noon, when an address was given by Mr Andrew Hamilton. At the conclusionof this function Mr Hamilton presented to the borough, on behalf of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, an appreciation of the assistance and sympathy extended towards returned men and their dependents, in the form of an illustrated address. The mayor (Mr W. Murcott) accepted the token of ■ appreciation. on behalf of the borough of Hampden, and returned thanks for the tribute. Services were also held in all .the churches throughout the district- At the Oamaru Basilica requiem mass was observed, the' Rev., Father Walls officiating. That the observance of Anzac Day has lost none of its significance, to the majority of the public of North Otago at least,, was clear from the very large attendances at all the'services, despite the inclement weather, -and from thelarge assemblage that gathered to watch the parade of returned men and units in the afternoon. Fortunately for, all concerned, the sun appeared for a time during the parade, which, it is pleasing to note, lacked none of its former impressiveness. The parade was headed by Major W. H. Widdowson and Sergeantmajor J. M'Currie, - and the following units took partOamaru returned soldiers, South African veterans, wreath bearers, “ B ” Company, First Battalion, Otago Regiment; Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, St. Kevin’s College Cadets, Waitaki Boys’ High School Cadets, and the two bands. Highland Pipe and Municipal. The Opera House was filled to capacity for the service in the afternoon. The president of the Oamaru Association (Mr H. C Jeffery) presided, and with him were associated the mayor and mayoress (Mr and Mrs M. F. E. Coney)'. Mr M'Kenzie prefaced his remarks by stating that the last occasion . he had spoken to returned, men was in 1923. when he was in North-Auckland. . Jt had not been difficult to deliver _ an appropriate address on that occasion, for they were nearer in time to the events they commemorated and things were more vivid and fresh in their minds. There was also a distinct difference in the whole of their outlook and thought from that obtaining today. It was still generally believed that the great hopes and ideals of peace would be realised/ To-day, unfortunately, one did not find 'that so among many people. “ Anzac Day stands above everything else for remembrance,” said Mr M'Kenzie. ‘‘The token we wear is the ‘ Poppy for Remembrance ’ —for those who paid the last full measure of devotion not only on Gallipoli, but in Flanders and all the theatres of war, and not only" in the tragic years of 1914-1918, butih the years since then.” For year by year they paid , the last rites of honour to comrades whose lives had been .. prematurely shortened by what they Went through in war days. To-day they were called upon to think upon the spirit of their service, the comradeship, the courage and sense of high devotion and adventure, and their final sacrifice. They said in words, “ We will remember them.” Let them ask themselves, was it only on occasions like this formal or special ceremonial that they had the men in mem-, cry? He ventured to suggest two things as arising from any genuine remembrance on Anzac Day; The first was the thought of substitution or double obligation. _ They_ had passed on. Therefore it- remained for us to. face life in their stead as well as our own; to assume its responsibility and burdens. That was the double call which came to those who were left and to the now generation now filling the gaps. What .was the trust given to'them? In the first case it was surely to car© for the maimed and the bereaved. The Returned Soldiers’ Association had always made that its first cause; even as the” Digger could faco any. risk or fatigue to get a wounded mate to safety and a chance of proper care, so it must be while those bearing the marks of war remained with them. _ That call was' strikingly put in a little poem called 1 We are the Maimed.’ And this had to be don© in a way that preserved to folk their self-respect, and enabled them to face. life still with cheer and hope. It called for that

understanding and sympathy that eaw{ the deeper causes of apparent weaknesses, and had vision and hope fog even the seeming failure. The second call was that best expressed in Lincoln’s words, “ That wa here highly resolve that these dead 1 shall not have died in vain.” They died to win the war. W© lived.-to win the peace. For what real purpose did they die?' To what'end was this outpouring of life and coifrage in a great' • sttrg© of self-fofgetting devotion? It surely was true that they did not look to a continuance or constant recurrence of war. Rather that they were prepared to suffer in the hope of a final ending. “ Never again for my children or any other man’s ” was what very many hoped to achieve. And yet as they faced the facts to-day, was such a hop© possible or was it not a dreamer’s mirage ? To read articles not in the yellow Press,- but in a sober journal like the ‘ Round Table ’ hardly encouraged one. One must face and accept those facts, about the state of the world to-day, even if one refused to believe that their conclusions were the only ones.

Was it then going to he impossible to keep faith" with the hopes that inspired all that, sacrifice? The hard-, hearted said: “Yes, it’s impracticable.” Might he. remind them, and he thought fittingly,' of the times in the war when they seemed to have failed and th© task seemed impossible or hopeless. ' Did that mean giving up or letting down P Rather' didt faith in ultimate victory produce a new will to endure and to; sacrifice. • But they said:' “You cannot change human nature,therefor© war must continue,” but human nature could ’be changed or Christianity ..meant .nothjngi There was a- German woman a few years ago who had sworn undying hatred of all British because of the death of her cousin, ; von Richtofen,, the. flying ace". But Christ* was able, not only to take away that hate, but to enable her’ to meet and be friends, with the very Canadian airmen who had shot him' down. One case only they said. Yes, ’ but the scientist who had found his experiment successful in a few cases knew that he was . on the" track of a cure for the million.

Peace could be won when in these days they could match -the faith and courage, the willingness and unity and sacrifice of the war days,, when they were ready to put in their all and on all fronts.

In their so-called peace days had they not relaxed in selfish and individualistic pursuits, and'.forgotten the need for keeping Stand disciplined for the great tasks still to be completed. The -greatest need of to-day w.as- for a moral courage to' equal the physical courage of the Anzac—a courage that was ready for forlorn - hopes - and unscalable, heights. The “Round Table”' analysis showed that the greatest difficulty in world politics to-day was unwillingness to let go national sovereignty. In a world where every other factor, invention, commerce, communications,. and culture were bringing peoples into some form of true federation this remained as a prime stumbling block. There needed to be a wider sense, and equivalent sacrifice in these things if the technique of co-operation was to have an equal chance with .the technique of war. Again they said: “ Impossible.” Who knew? At least it was worth dying for. ‘ But might he suggest, continued the Rev. M'Kenzie, that the very word Anzac carried in itself a special significance. It was . a coined , word. It stood for,the uniting of .Australia and New Zealand in,a common, effort. Geographically it was on ; foreign soil. Therefore it meant that New Zealand left her insular isolation and entered a world stage. It meant not only unity with peoples of our own Commonwealth, but even a queer kind of fellow feeling for the foeman, just, because of the kinship of hardship and suffering that both shared; A grizzled Scots sergeant remarked one . night in the sand trenches of .Palestine : I- don’t hate old Jaeo over there, and he doesn’t hate me.- He is wanting to get back to his wife and' kids-just as I am. What we both hate are the men who got us into this.” They felt, therefore, that the, real foes Were not the human units they, might be called to engage, but deeper things behind. Could Anzac not ■ then bring to them .that idea, that they were members'of one another, internationally as well as in their communities. For such was the purpose of God, and such the hop© of their Lord who prayed for His Roman executioners. He made no apology for making such an appeal to-day. This was a religious service, and they invoked the name of Christ, i They placed the’ Cross, His Cross, as the rtiost fitting symbol on the graves of their dead. It was also in the form of the Red Cross, the one symbol' which bound together in service - all nations, which carried no weapons and served friend and foe alike.

—Presentation to Boropgh • Council.—•

Mr Jeffery said he would take th© opportunity of thanking all . who had assisted in the work of the Returned Soldiers’ Association during the year. The continued increase in the sales of poppies went to show that the-people, not only of this district, but also right through the Dominion, were not -unmindful of the fact that many returned men, as a result of war serves were now failing in health and becoming prematurely aged. This year the. New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association wat celebrating its twenty-first anniversary, and in appreciation of the services rendered by the citizens and public bodies, the president of the association (Mr W. Perry) had asked him to. hand to the mayor a framed address similar to that presented to the Waitaki County Council on Friday., • In accepting th© address, Mr Cooney said the citizens and council were keenly appreciative of the work the Returned Soldiers’ Association had done. Past councils, as well as the present, had always endeavoured to do all in their power to assist an organisation that had for its purpose the interests and welfare of returned men. The council was not unmindful of the debt owed to the men who answered the call, and who suffered so much in the defence of the Empire and the Dominion. Ha could mention many instances of work carried out by; returned men for the betterment of the town, such as th© terraces in Severn street and in the Public Gardens, .carried out through the co-operation of the council, and the association. • Th© council owed a duty to the returned men, and as long as they were with . them,’ they were determined to do everything > possible to assist, the association in its work.

MEETING OF BARN CLUB The inclement weather did not prevent a large attendance of ex-service-men at the Anzao Day region of the Barn Club, which, as has been customary in recent years, was held in Mr T. Harris’s gymnasium. Mr Gerald Black, to whose efforts the sucdfess of these annual gatherings can be largely attributed, was in the chair. The first thought of those present was for the comrades who did not return, an impressive two minutes’ silence ’ being observed at the outset as a mark of respect to their memory. The Chairman extended a warm welcome to visitors, some of whom came from long distances in the country. Members were particularly pleased to have with them again Mr R. S. Black, whose health has been completely restored. . The traditional wartime choruses and the club’s Anzao Anthem were sung with gusto, and several soloists contributed much to the entertainment portion of the • programme. Later an opportunity was provided for an exchange of reminiscences and informal chat. The enjoyable social hour concluded with the singing of the National Anthem and ‘ Auld Lang Syne. Office-bearers were elected as follow: —President, Mr T. G. Moore; vicepresidents, Messrs E. H. Calder and 1). T. Woddfield; committee, Messrs J. H. Wilson, R. Leckie, and H. Paterson.