OFF TO SYDNEY

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 April 1938, Page 7

OFF TO SYDNEY

EX-SOLDIERS FAREWELLED ANZAC COMMEMORATION lpeb press association.] WELLINGTON, April 19. After inarching to the Citizens’ WaiMemorial and laying a wreath New Zealand’s representatives at the Anzac Day celebrations in. Sydney, who left to-night, were accorded a farewell at Parliament Buildings this afternoon. The Governor-General (Lord Galway) said that it gave him great, pleasure to wish bon voyage and good luck to all members of the contingent.' In a few days’ time they would celebrate Anzac Day, when memories of gallant deeds on the shores of Gallipoli would be recalled. Those deeds would never be forgotten so long asi the youth of the nation admired valour and courage. ' “I count it a privilege to say an revoir to our good friends, the returned soldiers who make up this contingent,” said the Prime Minister (Mr. Savage). “They go as ambassadors of proud that such a fine body of men are leaving to take part in a ipemorable|

“There are times when men leave their country for.their country’s good,” said Mr. Savage, amidst laughter. “You are leaving your country to-day as ambassadors and I am sure we will not regret having made it. possible to send you abroad. We know that the military sporting, and social traditions of New Zealand will be in safe hands.” Mr. Savage said that if he knew Australians at all there was a good lime waiting for them in Australia. “It is to me, as representative of the citizens of Wellington, and, above all, as one of your old comrades, a privilege to have the opportunity of taking part in this ceremony and wishing you a good trip,” said the Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop). All those who fought by the Australians at Anzac knew that in the whole world they could never find stauncher and braver comrades. The trip was being made at a time of great historic interest in Australia, Mr. Hislop continued, and suggested that Australian returned soldiers should be asked to join in the march to the Wellington War Memorial at the time of New Zealand’s centenary. Sir Andrew Russell was greeted with the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” as he arose to return thanks. Sir Andrew Russell thanked the Government and the Union Steam Ship Company for granting facilities by rail and ship to make the trip possible. “It seems that it is going to be front line fighting all the time,” he.

said, referring to the full programme that had been mapped out for the contingent in Australia. “I console myself with the thoughts that there will

be no casualty lists, or, if there are casualties, we won’t publish the names,” he added. “Danger and hardships shared form a far more lasting link than those formed in peace. On the hills of Gallipoli we formed with the Australians a link which is imperishable. We are not going to confirm that link but to celebrate it. (Cheers.) And we are going to honour all those who fell on the fields of battle. It is their death and the manner of their dying which conferred such immortal lustre on the name of Anzac.”

SCENES AT THE WHARF,

WELLINGTON, April 19.

A contingent, of 1300 returned soldiers left by the Maunganui and the Monowai to-night to attend the Anzac Day parade in Sydney. At 7 o’clock, an hour before the scheduled sailing time, thousands had already made their way by car and on foot to the Aotea Quay, where the Monowai and the Maunganui lay stern to bow, with a large number of men already embarked. Half an hour later the crowd was densely packed along the length of the two ships, and soon the throng extended from the north end of the quay to a point more than 100 yards beyond the stern of the Maunganui. For an hour the air was filled with music and songs that awakened memories. The night was cool and calm, and was one for enthusiasm. The men on the brilliantly lighted ships were given a farewell that left no doubt as to the feeling of Wellington people. Familiar songs were led by the Port Nicholson Silver Band, and the crowd joined in the singing with the men on both ships. A bugler climbed to the roof of a Harbour Board shed to send “Reveille’ and other calls across the water. The band threaded its way through the crowd from one ship to the other. As the Maunganui moved away from the wharf there was a great roar of farewell from the crowd. From the railway yards nearby came blasts from half a dozen locomotives. The crowd then began to' surge toward the Monowai, which moved away to the mingled accompaniment of “Auld Lang Syne,” from the band, train whistles, her own siren, a roar from the crowd, and cheers from the men on board as she slowly followed in the wake of the Maunganui. ALL PRESENT WELLINGTON, April 20. Mr. S. J. Harrison, general secretary of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, stated to-day, that the contingent members were carefully checked, as they went aboard the steamers last night, and as far as could be ascertained, every man sailed. One Maori had been taken ill, but had been replaced by a member of the same race. The contingent represented every unit of the Expeditionary Force, and every reinforcement.

The Union Company to-day received a radiogram from the Maunganui stating the men were thoroughly enjoying themselves.