SPIRIT OF ANZAC

Franklin Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 48, 29 April 1942, Page 4

SPIRIT OF ANZAC

PAPAKURA CEREMONY ADDRESS BY COLONEL DAWSON SPEAKER'S FINE ORATORY In lovely sunshine and a clear blue sky, the Anzac Day service at Papakura was largely attended. A parade of returned soldiers under the command of Major S. R. Rice, members of St. John Ambulance Division and Women’s War Service Auxiliary took place, marching from Cole’s Crescent to the Soldiers’ Memorial. The parade was headed by the Ponsonby Girls’ Brass Band. The Mayor, Mr S. Evans, presided. The proceedings opened with the National Anthem, after which prayers were said for the fallen by the vicar of Papakura, the Rev. J. G. Heath. The hymn, “0 God Our Help in Ages Past,” was sung, followed by a scripture reading by the Methodist minister. flic Rev. S. Neal. The address was given by Colonel If. Dawson. A Day of Remembrance “This day,” he said, “was set aside as one of remembrance of those gallant men who sacrificed their lives at Gallipoli. Too much stress, however', had been given to the lighting on Gallipoli, but the fighting could not be compared with the struggle at the Somme and Passchendaele. It was our duty to remember our older brothers, but'the young fellows now in the firing line have done jolly well. We’re going to get Hitler, and his wretched pal, Mussolini, before very long where we want them.” said the Colonel vigorously. Turning to the subject of women’s efforts in the war, he said he thought- “we were all a perfect nuisahee to them in the last war; women’s sphere has now been extended in this war to all sorts of work from cooks in camps to actually firing guns. 1 pay a tribute to those women in England for the fine work they are doing, and to the ladies in this band—a jolly good band too.” added the speaker. ‘•The Navy.” continued the Colonel, “have performed gallant' service. Do you remember that epic remark of that officer who climbed on to the prison ship Altmark which was taking a lot of our fellows to Germany? He called out. ‘Come on, the Navy is here.’ Then there were the veterans of Mods, that grand little army of regulars. They actually won the last war." said the Colonel. "We read a lot in the papers of the doings of our men. but what about the heroes of Dunkirk? Seventy per cent, of the "men lighting are British troops." The Colonel said he gave pride of place to (be South Africans. "We fought Field Marshal Smuts 12 years ago. Sometimes we chased him and sometimes he chased us. Now they are lighting with us. They assisted British troons and swept the Italians out of Abyssinia and now they are at it again in Libya. We are proud of our New Zealanders and Aussies who are doing a great job. It is nice to see such a lot of old soldiers present. Let me say to you: Your young soldiers are a good type, make more noise perhaps Ilian we did. but they are better educated and i am very delighted to have you old soldiers with us. Now some of our men are scattered all over the place at their battle stations and these kiits need our help. Now you mothers give them some cake and look, after them. Whenever you can, give (hem a cup of lea —it you can. It. always goes well, you know with New Zealanders. 1 pay tribute to the people of England." added the speaker. ••Their hospitality in the last war was unique. You remember Hie story of the Maori in London wtio wanted leave to go to Scotland to see his aunt. That explains it. Haven't they stood up to the blitz in London. What about the story of the proprietor of a suburban public house —the Rig and Whistle —whose house was bombed to Hie ground. What did be say? He said. Hf you think. Mr Hitler, that it will make Mr Churchill burst into tears, you're wrong’.” Tribute to the Home Guard The speaker paid a glowing tribute to the members of the Home Guard who bad done jolly good work. In conclusion he said: “When the boys come back you've got to give them every blessed thing. They are giving'everything and sacrificed everything and it's up to every one of us to see they get back into the place they left to go lighting for us." go ended a" straight-l'rom-the-shoul-der address from a soldier who lias had experience in three wars and knew what be was talking about. The service concluded with the hvmn. "Abide With Me and the Benediction, pronounced by the Rev. Madill. Presbyterian minister. The E.R.S. traffic police did their work well and are to be congratulated upon their efficiency. Wreaths were laid on the memorial by the R.S.A.. St. John Ambulance, the band. Borough Council, school and private residents.