“DAWN PARADES”

Evening Star, Issue 22954, 11 May 1938, Page 3

“DAWN PARADES”

INAUGURATION IN DUNEDIN " VOLUNTARY FOR SOLDIERS '• The introdubtion to Dunedin, of “ dawn parades ” similar to those held in Australia was advanced at the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association last evening by Mr C. L. Calvert, after advice had been received from the Dominion headquarters that tl»e ceremony was to be broadcast in recorded form.

It was probable, said Mr Calvert, that these parades would be discussed with a view to their inauguration in Dunedin. They were peculiarly Australian in origin, their particular association with that country being derived from the fact that the Australians “ went over the top at Anzac in the dawn.” However, despite the fact that none but soldiers were expected to attend, since they really were the informal gatherings or private commemorations of returned soldiers, and organised independently of the returned soldiers’ official body, they were extremely well patronised. \ The ceremony had a symbolical connection in Australia, he said; if in future it were to be inaugurated here, there should be no attempt made to substitute it for the Anzac Day parade—a serious mistake could easily be made in this way. The parade should be regarded strictly as a voluntary one for soldiers; it would then have a chance to survive. “It was one of the most impressive ceremonies I have ever attended—one of the brightest spots in the Australian expedition,” said Mr Calvert in advocating future procedure as outlined by him should the occasion arise. The preshknt (Mr Newman R. Wilson) was in the chair at the meeting, other members present being Messrs A. B. Natusch, O. J. Begg, -W. K. Cameron, J. M. White, A. Duncan, A. M'Hutchon, 6. H. Ferens, W. F. Forrester. W. E. Earnshaw, and 0. L. Ferens (secretary). ROXBURGH AFFORESTATION.

Replacement of the tree seedlings that had died when planted last year at Roxburgh was progressing extremely well, advised Dr J. R. Gilmour, of the Roxburgh sub-branch. Last year 33,127 seedlings were planted, but only 4,379 survived. Altogether, 11,392 had been put in during last month—all wellseasoned seedlings—which made a grand total of 15,777. About 30,000 seedlings had been obtained from propagated seed. Some of these might be planted in the spring. Weather conditions had been ideal for planting; with six men working, the section should have been finished by the end of this week, he concluded. MEMBERSHIP. Ten nominations for membership were received, while there had been two inward transfers, _it was reported. Two deaths were advised. Dunedin has recorded 935 new members in the campaign newly opened; Christchurch figures were not available. POPPY DAY. Receipts from the Poppy Day campaign now totalled £2,490 16s 7d, with six returns to come, the secretary reported. GENERAL. 1 The resignation of Mr Natusch (representing the Imperial Ex-service-men) through leaving the city was accepted with regret. Members paid tribute to the services of Mr Natusch during his terra on the committee), and a minute of appreciation was recorded. Mention that some members desired that a pilgrimage of returned soldiers to London for the twenty-fifth anniversary of Anzac Day in 1940 should be arranged was made by the secretary, but was not discussed further. Mr A. J. Gordon was reappointed representative of the body on the Dunedin branch of the League of Nations. Members were advised that on May 20 the Alexandra branch would be holding a reunion. When the report of-, the Billiards Committee was presented it was proposed that a billiards tournament should be revived among the members of the executive, but it was decided that table bowls would be more acceptable. Arrangements ; were left to the Billiards Committee.