ANZAC ANNIVERSARY

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 April 1938, Page 14

ANZAC ANNIVERSARY

EMPIRE COMMEMORATION MESSAGE FROM THE KING ■ —- Despite the fact that it was the twenty-third anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli, the Empire’s, observance of Anzac Day, yesterday, lost none of the fervour of previous years, and the memory of the Australians and New Zealanders who made the supreme sacrifice remains evergreen. The weather at Greymouth was showery, early in the morning, but conditions improved for the various services, while the afternoon was brilliantly fine. The following message was received by the Governor-General (Lord Galway) from His Majesty the King, concerning the observance of Anzac Day: The Queen and I are proud to join with our people of New Zealand in their commemoration of Anzac Day.— George. R.I. x The Governor-General sent the following message in reply to His Majesty’s telegram: Your Majesty’s gracious message has been communicated to the people of New Zealand, who most deeply appreciate the knowledge that the thoughts of Your Majesty and the Queen are with them on this day of sacred memory.

GREYMOUTH SERVICES ADDRESS AT TOWN HALL There was a large attendance at the Town Hall, in the afternoon for the combined service. With the Municipal and Civic Bands in attendance, the parade of returned soldiers and Territorials assembled in Boundary Street, and marched to the Town Hall. There were approximately sixty returned men, and the Territorials were under the command of Captain Fitzgerald, the parade-state being about 25. The table on the platform was draped with the Union Jack, bearing the autographs of the first contingent who left Greymouth for the front. The proceedings were in charge of Rev. F. A. Parry, and also on the platform were Archdeacon J. A. Jermyn, Rev. W. Osborne-Brown, and Captain Read, of the Salvation Army. The Municipal Band, with Mr. G. Kerr as conductor, provided music for the hymns, and opened the service by playing “Abide With Me.” Mr. Parry said that they were gathered again, with thousands of fellowcountrymen, to remember once more the valour of their men in the great days of the Great War. He was sure that, with reverent hearts, they would enter into the service. He apologised for the absence of Rev. H. R. Fell, who was addressing a similar gathering at Ross, and Rev. W. Wills, who was indisposed, so much so that he had lost his voice. Mr. Wills was to have been the occasional speaker, but, in his absence, Mr. OsborneBrown would give the address. The order of the service was as follows:—Dead March, played by the Band; hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”; prayer. Archdeacon Jermyn; Scriptural reading, St. John, 15, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the Husbandman,” Captain Read; hymn, “Jesu, Lover of My Soul”; address, Rev. Osborne-Brown; hymn, “Lead, Kindly Light”; Benediction, Mr. Parry; Last Post, Cornetist V. McHerron; National Anthem. The Band played Handel’s “Largo” during the taking of the collection, the proceeds of which are to assist in the work of the R.S.A.

In contrast to addresses in previous years, the remarks of Mr. OsborneBrwon were characterised by an undercurrent of humour. It was, he said, with a certain amount of fear and trembling, being one of the junior clergy in the village, that he addressed them on an occasion such as this, and particularly when he had to address war veterans, and such hard-boiled ones—he did not want to be personal—as the Archdeacon and Mr. Parry. He felt that they were only trying to get out of a certain responsibility, by “shoving it on to youth.” He did not have the pleasure, as could be seen from his years, of being numbered amongst those responsible for the Anzac landing. One of his greatest friends, landed there on the first morning, and that friend told hi ma lot of stories. If it was only a soldiers’ gathering, the speaker said, he might repeat some of the stories. His friend, however, did not tell him much of what happened in the real war. He (Mr. Osborne-Brown) had never been able to find anyone who could tell him what really took place. It was just a hazy smattering—“we were killing them and they were killing us.” He could tell them stories of what was supposed to have happened during leave in Paris and London, but he knew very little about the real war. He had one failing, amongst others, in that lie was a foreigner—one of those very much despised Australians. Some of them might recall the 30th Battalion. About 200 ex-A.I.F. men were in the regiment at the moment, and they were responsible for nearly all the dirty work done at the military camps. They led astray the junior soldiers, or the “chocolate soldiers,” as they were affectionately called. Mr. OsborneBrown said that he felt pleased to be present at the service, being an Australian in New Zealand, and to know the tribute that the Australian soldiers paid to the New Zealanders. .Every man he had spoken to in Australia spoke in glowing terms of the work that the New Zealanders did with the Australians. The Australians had the bad failing of feeling that they were the people who could do the job, no matter what it was. In spite of that, they paid a wonderful tribute to the support and co-opera-tion of, and their friendly dealings with, the New Zealand troops. They did not always have friendly dealings with the troops from other sections of the Empire. The speaker instanced a clash between the Australians and the Portuguese, and said that the for-1 mer meted out rough justice, and did i not seem to know when to stop. But, | for all their failings, they felt very i keenly, and would always remember the loyalty of the men from New Zealand, who fought side by side with them. Mr. Osborne-Brown referred to the Anzac Day observance in Sydney, and said that he could imagine the great gusto and enthusiasm with which the New Zealand detachment! would be greeted there. The people 1 in Australia were rather militarily-1? niinded. They always stood on the * pavement and cheered, even if it were 1 only a bugler' and a couple of soldiers £ passing by. When it came to the An- ’ v zac mar.ch,. ! he * did not. suppose that 1 ' there was anything that attracted as 1 great a crowd in Sydney. The first service took place at” 4 a.m., at the Ceno- 1 taph, erected in a grubby, narrow i:

street, where thousands of people gathered in the early hours. Throughout the day, there was a vast procession of people past the Cenotaph. Then came the Anzac march. He would not say what came afterwards —the hotels were always closed in the morning! After relating an Australian Army anecdote, the speaker declared that he belonged to a “wet” regiment. The various companies held shooting, competitions, with a prize of ten gallons of beer! Army life, he said, turned out a man with a certain amount of what he might call “hardbittenness,” but it helped him to stand up to life. He went on to say that he could not tell stories that day, as it was a mixed gathering. He believed that Archdeacon Jermyn could tell stories —some of them had been repeated to him —and he would get a lesson from the Archdeacon, at the first available opportunity. He referred to the job of a motor salesman, to sell the car of the firm he represented, as being the best and only car worth buying. The speaker’s job was different; it was to sell, without money and without price, the finest thing he could possibly give. Yet, unI fortunately, his clients said, “Go to — I Halifax!” He found that there were | “coves” who would not speak to him; nevertheless, he was amused. He was i ordained and commissioned to preach the Word of God. Despite the bias that anyone might have, he did not think there was anyone who could say that the Word of God would not build them up and unite them in a new way. On Anzac Day, they thought of the sacrifice that men and women were prepared to make, that we might enjoy democracy, ano to hold together the British Empire. Whether we were royalists, loyalists, or anything else, we knew that we had something that other nations lacked. They had gathered together just as a means of remembrance of the sacrifice that men and women willingly undertook, that we might enjoy freedom and democracy. Sacrifice was one of the greatest things. “There is no greater love than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Yet how many people were prepared to forget the sacrifice made, and completely to disregard it? Anzac Day was one of the greatest days iir the national history. Australia and New Zealand were born on that day, because it was their men who paid, in the face of terrific fire, the supreme penalty. The public conscience was too short indeed. Why should not there be thousands of people in this town, who to-day would gather to remember the occasion? They disregarded it entirely. It was the same thing, when they came to deal with Christian principles; people disregarded them. In their shortsighted vision, people lost probably the biggest thing in life —that • the Lord Jesus Christ laid down His life, that men and women might be able to go forward and find that in Christ crucified there could be new life, new I brotherhood. Things such as Anzac I Day helped them, built up the national life, and fostered brotherhood. If they lived in brotherhood, "feared God, and honoured the King, national life would be held together in a new way.

AT THE CENOTAPH Reforming after the Town Hall service, the procession marched to the Cenotaph, Tainui Street, where wreaths were placed on the war memorial, in the presence of a large crowd. The Mayor (Mr. W. Meldrum) and other citizens placed the wreaths in position, and a wreath of white flowers was dropped by the West Coast United Aero Club’s plane, which latex* dipped thrice in salute. The Civic Band played the “Garland of Flowers,” and Cornetist V. McHerron sounded the “Last Post.” The National Anthem concluded the ceremony. The wreaths included those in memory of Private Ellis Harrison, No. 6/604 Canterbury Battalion, and all Anzacs, Fred and Lou Coumbe, Andrew Irwin, Trooper A. Good, Allan and Arthur Wilson, while other tributes came from the citizens of Greymouth, members of the Grey R.S.A., New Zealand Railways staff, members of the Italian Club, Grey Main School children, and one “with loving thoughts of those who paid the supreme sacrifice.”

Executive members of the R.S.A. visited the Grey Hospital, and placed a wreath on the tablet to the memory of Sister Jamieson. Popies were placed on the graves of returned soldiers at Karoro Cemetery.

MAIN SCHOOL SERVICE.

I The customary service was held at (the Grey Main School in the morning', ! there being a smaller attendance than usual. Mr J. Graham presided: and the address was given by Captain H. M. Read, of the Salvation Army, who also led the gathering in prayers, and pronounced the Benediction/ The Municipal Band was in attendance, and rendered appropriate selections. Referring to the, significance of the day, Captain Read said that it was l for the purpose of keeping in mind the heroic deeds and the unselfish accomplishments of the New Zealand soldiers, and particularly to thank God for the heroic dead who made the supreme saci;i?ide. a '3t t h-ink of the sacrifices and sufferings of the war was, to remind them all to pray for the urgent, need of 'the cultivation of love between men and nations. Wreaths were placed on the Memorial Gates at . the School, bearing the inscriptions, “In Memory of Our/

Soldiers,” and “Lest We Forget, 191448.” AT UNITED PAVILION. Mr T. P. Ryan presided! over a fair attendance of members, of the Club at the United Football Club, service, held in the pavilion. In introducing the speaker, Brigadier-General Meldrum, Mr Ryan appealed! to members, of the club and! supporters, to keep up the Anzac services, in honour of their fallen club members. Tn his address, Mr Meldrum stressed the necessity of keeping the Empire strong enough to maintain its rights, pointing out that Anzac Day had two meanings, the first to honour the memory of those who had fallen, and the second to follow their example in being ready to protect the country, as they did. Wreaths were placed' on the honours board by Mrs G. Wilson, inscribed as follow: “Lest We Forget: In Memory of the Anzacs, from the Ferguson Family,” and “In Memory of the Fallen —United Football Club.”

AT COBDEN LARGELY ATTENDED SERVICE Seating accommodation in the school gymnasium was fully taxed for the service at Cobden yesterday morning, at which the occasional address was given by Mr. A. H. McKane, the chairman being Rev. W. OsborneBrown. The Civic Band, undei - the baton of Mr. E. Barton, was in attendance and gave appropriate selections. 1 The 'service was opened with A Garland of Flowers” played by the Band, followed by the hymn “O God our Help in Ages Past,” after which Mr. Osborne-Brown led the assemblage in prayer and read from St. Matthew XXIV. Following the singing of the hymn “Jesu, Lover of my Soul, Mi. Osborne-Brown expressed the thanks of the Cobden people to the Band, and introduced the speaker. Mr. McKane addressed his remarks chiefly to the large number of children "who were present, tracing the history of the entry of New Zealand into the Great War and the events which led up to the landing of the New Zealand and Australian forces on Gallipoli 23 years ago, which he described as one of the greatest trials in the history of the world. Outlining the almost unbelievable difficulties under which the Anzacs lived and fought on Gallipoli, Mr. McKane said that it would give the younger generation some idea of the degradation that war brought to man. He would like the children to remember that day what sacrifice those men on Gallipoli had made, even before they sacrificed their lives. That day they met to show some small appreciation of that saci'iflce, and the question that at once presented itself was: “Was it worth while?” The only thing that he could see was that it had left our Empire intact, making us the proudest people in the world, living under such a democracy, with a degree of freedom that people in other countries did not possess. If it had not been for the sacrifices of those men we, today, would probably be governed by Hitler, Mussolini or some other dictator. and he would remind his listeners that for a material gain there always had to be a sacrifice. Whilst urging remembrance of the sacrifice of the men who returned no more, at the same time he appealed for consideration of those who had returned, and who, to-day, were prematurely aged or “down and out” because they had sacrificed everything, that we might live under the same democracy that we had in 1914.

Following the singing of the Hymn “Lead Kindly Light” and the pronouncing of the Benediction, Bandsman H. Hill sounded the Last Post, , and the service concluded with the ' singing of the National Anthem. I Led by the Band, the school. chili dren at the service then marched in ■ procession to the Bridge of Remembrance, in Bright Street, wreaths being placed on the Roll of Honour in the school, en route. On arrival at the Bridge, Mr. Osborne-Brown led in prayer, the Band played “A Garland of Flowers” and wreaths were laid, as follow: “In Memory of Alec. Mclntyre, from M. Mclntyre and family,” In Memory of Fred and Arthur, from Dawn, Peggy and Shirley Mitchell,” from: —Albert Picken and Ivan Marley, Rosie Picken and Ada Marley, Evaline, Kelly Family, Washer and Turley families, Joan McGowan, Cobden School Children, Joyce and Dulcie Picken, Norman Hayes, ,Margaret, Dorothy, Lily Excell. The National Anthen concluded the service.

ST. JOHN’S CHURCH. At. St. John’s Presbyterian Church, ■ on Sunday morning, the service was ! commemorative of Anzac. Below the ’ pulpit was hung the New Zealand Ensign, on either side being wreaths of laurel leaves- The hymns were ■ appropriate, and the Junior Choir ren- ’ dered “He walks with Me.” Rev. H-| ' R. Fell spoke of Jonathan at war with ’ the Philistines, at Michmash, as d'e- ; picted in I. Samuel, 13th chapter. The position of the forces so many centuries ago at Michmash (nine miles from Jerusalem) was similar to that occupied by British and Turkish troops in the Great War. The landing at Gallipoli' of Australian and New Zealand troops had witnessed ship and ship moving from the shelter of warships, to effect a landing on a foreign shore, rendered difficult by a withering fire from the enemy. Men from all parts of the Empire had said good-bye to home, many of whom had disappeared and' been blotted out of the book of life. Subsequent operations revealed that a great price had been paid by the flower of their manhood. Since then the people had not been filled with the anxiety and strain of 25 years ago. Let them remember by their memorials in city and wayside places the sacrifice and suffering of their kith and kin. There was another thing to remember. The moral character had altered; what they tolerated now would not have been countenanced 25 years ago. Some said that war would purify, yet many came back stained, and' tarnished. Earl Baldwin, speaking of the ravages of the war, said there was a grave danger. that not enough men remained to maintain the traditions of the race. From New Zealand 17,000 were killed in action or dide of wounds. A passenger on a Panama steamer had said the British Army was no good—only boys and worn-out men! That state- 1 ment was refuted by facts. With all 1 the stirring up, God’s will and a better 1 spirit they ought to pray for the 1 statesmen charged with responsibility ' of Empire. The world was sick by < bad living. Seeds of suspicion and 1 distrust were sown, and radio was ] one. of the most potent weapons ever i invented. Dictators suppressed every•thing but what, fulfilled their desires. ! The League of Nations would not sue- ]

ceed without a change of heart, embracing Christian principles. What the world needed to-day was a more libera] application of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The service was opened with the rendering of the National Anthem and concluded with “The Garland of Flowers.” . BAPTIST CHURCH. At the Baptist Church on . Sunday evening, the Rev. F. A. Parry dealt with “Lessons from the Great War. He based his discourse on the texts, St. Luke 21: 24; “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive of all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled,” and verse 29: “Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of yourselves that Summer is now nigh at hand.” Anzac, he said, would always be remembered by New Zealanders with pardonable pride. Their achievements would be recalled, with poignant pain at the loss of dear ones who had laid down their lives. They did not extol the glories of war, but could recall what Germany designed—a little Europe from Hamburg in the west to Basra in the east. All her developments had been so planned with a system of canals and waterways. She wanted to destroy maritime Powers—she was succeeding, with Austria and Turkey held in leash. France and Britain were hard put to save the Western Front, but Germany was beaten. She had a Little Africa ambition to lay hold on its vast territory. This all with the Providence of God was denied herHer Imperial Chancelor said: “We are a State of necessity; necessity knows no law;” All the destruction with a ruthless hand failed her. Standards of justice and clean warfare were cast aside in order that she might rule. Somebody had said the evacuation of Gallipoli without the loss of a single life was one of the greatest events of the war. To the speaker, the greatest event was the conquest of the I-loly Land, delivered by the Turks to British arms at Damascus. A thrill passed round the world that Jerusalem was free. No other event created such enthusiasm and interest. Why did they regard it sc? Because the Jew was God’s chosen. The Jews had cut themselves off from God because of their refusal of the Messiah. As a nation they shall go back and accept Him at the second advent. They were scattered abroad in 60 different countries. The declaration by Britain of the Balfour Mandate and the Zionist movement were preparing for them their great home. Prophecy was being fulfilled, according to God’s word. Look at the Jew regarding Israel’s restoration. God had' used the wrath of men for his purpose. He was at Gaza with the British troops, in command of General Allenby, when they were driven back by the Turks again and again, with hundreds of casualties. The name Allenby sounded like Allen Bey, meaning prophet of God. The Mohammeddan Turk was over-awed. The British troops, on the slopes of Mount Olivet, sang the hymn “Jesus Shall Reign,” and Jerusalem was entered, not a single shot being fired. The fig tree was an emblem of the Jewish race; they believed that it’s budding was a sign that Christ, in his second avent, was near. All this trouble in Europe was preparing that day when the Jewish nation would be at the head and not the tail. They would be finished with the Church when He takes up His people to be with Him.

ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH. Requiem Mass, for the repose of the souls of those killed in the Great War was celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church, yesterday morning, there being a large congregation. The celebrant was Rev. -Father Maguire, of Christchurch. Appropriate hymns were rendered by the Choir, under the baton of Mr. J. Wood, and at the conclusion of the Mass the congregation stood in silence whilst the Dead March in Saul was played by the organist, Miss M. McSherry, L.T.C.L. ANZAC CONCERT. The Anzac concert, presented in the Town Hall last evening, drew a good attendance, an excellent programme having been arranged by Mr. J. Duffy. Thanks to the artists for their ready response were given by Mr. Duffy and Mr. A. H. McKane (President) returned thanks to the audience and the artists, on behalf of the Returned Soldiers’ Association. He said that the Association was indebted to Mr. Duffy for arranging so fine a programme. The following items were given:—

Song, Miss Patti Marshall, “Trees”; encore, “Lass with the Delicate Air.” Recitation, Miss Eunice Scott, “Menins Gate”; encore, “Goodbye by Motor Car.” Song, Mr. R. E. Guthrie, “The World is Mine To-night”; encore, “The Highwayman.” Song, Miss Doreen Donovan, “Indian Love Call”; encore, “A Perfect Day.” Duet, Messrs. Airns and Duffy, “Watchman, What of the Night”; encore, “The Battle Eve.” Song, Mrs. Cogswell, “One Fleeting Hour”;. encore, “Roses of Picardy.” Song, Mr. A. Airns, “Sergeant Major on Parade”; encore, “My Ain Folk.” Song, Miss Catherine Frost, “Birds’ Song at Eventide”; encore, “Pale Moon.” Song, Mr. J. Duffy, “The Legion of the Lost”; encore, “On the Road to Mandalay.” Song, Miss Alice Radcliffe, “Silver Hair and Heart of Gold”; encore, “Still as the Night.” Violin solo, Miss Ida Clayton (encored). The accompanists were Miss Moira McSherry, L.T.C.L., and Mr. J. Paterson, L.R.A.M.

AT REEFTON. [our own correspondent.] REEFTON, April 26. Anzac Day was remembered with a united church service at the Criterion Theatre. Pupils of the Reefton District High School, Girl Guides, Brownies, school cadets, with the Reefton R-S.A. members and a contingent from Waiuta, met at the Soldiers’ Memorial and formed a column which, led by the Inangahua Silver Band, marched to the theatre. Mr F. W. Archer (County Chairman) presided, and associated with him on the platform were Revs. Seaton, Dickens, Tanner, and Captain Svendson, of the Salvation Army, Messrs Hayes and A. G. Wells (representing the R.S.A.). The playing of the National Anthem opened the service, and the combined chois, under the baton of Mr H. Cooper, led the singing. Miss Garth presided at the piano. The Chairman spoke of the great sacrifice of the Anzac forces. He made a plea for assistance and support for those who had returned, and said that Anzac'

Day should not be forgotten- The hymns, Kipling’s “Recessional,” “The Nameless Graves,” and “0 God, Our Help in Ages Past,” were sung during the service, and the Band played’ “Abide with Me” and a sacred selection. Mr F. Hayes, a. Main Body man, who was also a member of one of.the landing parties at the Peninsula, told of the sacrifice of the men who made the name of Anzac famous. They, he contended, although they did not speak the words themselves, had fought for honour, justice, and the right of the weak against the strong, and had not counted the cost of the socrifice. He made a plea for aid, sympathy, and assistance for those who had returned maimed in body and mind- He apologised for the absence of the President of the local R.S.A. (Mr H. Campbell). Rev. C. Dickens offered a prayer, and Captain Svendsen read the 46th Psalm.

The address for the day was giveif by Rev. C. Tanner, who spoke of the spirit of self-sacrifice that the days of the war had brought out among the troops, a spirit that made not living for self the aim of life, but the spirit of living for others- He asked that this spirit be allowed to permeate into everyday life. The motto of every man for himself still dominated, a spirit which was the cause of much trouble in life. All returned soldiers knew of numbers of cases of selfsacrifice which had caused at times even the death of their comrades. But this spirit had done much to lighten the burden of the terrible war years to the combatants. Greed and grab had no place in the life of the men in camp and trench; why could not this spirit come into daily life? The world was again threatened with war and the rumours of wars, and until the individual and the nation took unto themselves the spirit of the Prince of Peace and lived for others and not themselves alone, this spirit would prevail, and there would be strife. He urged all to assist the returned soldiers whenever possible. A collection was taken, and the service at the hall closed. There was a good attendance. The column, followed by a gathering of citizens, moved to the Soldiers’ Memorial, where a number of wreaths- were laid by school pupils, Waiuta School, returned soldiers and citizens. Bandsman Baird sounded the Last Post. The Benediction was pronounced by Rev. Seaton, and the National Anthem played by the Band. AT HOKITIKA. HOKITIKA, April-26. In brilliant sunshine after rain in the early morning, yesterday, the ceremony in connection with the observance of Anzac Day was held. The ceremonial was on similar lines to those of previous years, commencing with a parade of the Hokitika Municipal Band, followed by returned soldiers, Territorials, and Scouts and Cubs. The parade was in charge of Sergt. W. Eastgate (returned soldier). The band was under Mr. C. B. Ross

(conductor) and the Territorials under Capt. J. Hutchison. Commencing at the Drill Hall (Camp Street), the procession traversed Revell Street and Weld 'Street, stopping at the Town Clock (South African War Memorial), on which wreaths were laid, A salute of three volleys was fired by the firing party, and Bandsman L. L. Ross sounded the Last Post and Reveille. The parade then proceeded to the Cenotaph in Cass Square, and approached the Memorial by slow march, the Band playing “Scipio.” Wreaths were laid at the base of the cenotaph. The opening address by the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Perry), was followed by the hymn, “O God,our Help s *i Ages Past.” A prayer by'Pastor H. Xave (Church of Christ), and Scripture reading by Captain Sister Jenkins (Salvation Army), was followed by Kipling’s Recessional hymn, “God of our Fathers.” A prayer by Rev. M. H. Feist (Presbyterian), was followed by the occasional address by Rev. D. D. Thorpe (Anglican), who built an excellent lesson on loyalty, toleration of our enemies, and the endeavour to understand them. The “Old Hundred” was sung, after which the salute was fired, and the Last Post and Reveille sounded by Bandsman Ross. The Benediction was pronounced by Rev. M. H. Feist. Returned men filed past the Cenotaph, each depositing a poppy thereon. The National Anthem was played and sung, after which the Territorials and returned men marched to the Soldiers’ Plot in the cemetery, where a salute was fired, the Last Post and Reveille again sounded, and a wreath placed on the plot. Afternoon tea to exservicemen and their lady friends concluded the proceedings. Last evening, in the Regent Theatre, an Anzac concert was held.

AT KUMARA. Anzac service was celebrated at the Memorial Hall in the presence of a large concourse of people, including the general public, members of the R.S.A., Girl Guides, and school children. The Mayor (Mr. Spiers) occupied the chair, and associated with him were Rev. W. H. Wheeldon, and Mr. Langham. An impressive address was given by Mr. Wheeldon, after which a number of wreaths were placed on the Cenotaph, and the singing of the National Anthem brought the ceremony to a close. Mrs. Evenden officiated at the organ. WESTPORT. WESTPORT, April 25. Very impressive Anzac services were held in Westport to-day, with Mr. E. R. Fox, Deputy-Mayor, presiding, and ReVs. i-. L. Wilkinson, Q. H. Kendon, G. H. Schurr and Adjutant Lord taking part, and with Mr. Downard, a member of the Expeditionary Forces, delivering the occasional address. Subsequently a service was held at the Gates of Remembrance in Victoria Square, with a dedicatory address by Rev. Mr. Wilkinson, the firing of three volleys and the sounding of the “Last Post,” and concluding with the National Anthem, played by the Municipal Band. The weather was beautifully fine.

WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, April 25. Wellington to-day celebrated Anzac Day with a fervour that showed that more than a score of years had not dimmed the njsmories of war-time sacrifice and endeavour. Indeed, in spite of the passing of years and the absence of many former soldiers with the contingent visiting Sydney, the parade of returned men who marched in procession through the streets was the largest so far recorded. Throughout the city and suburbs scenes of great interest marked Anzac Day observances. The Prime Minister (Mr. Savage) and the Hon. P. Frqser attended the main service at the Wellington War Memorial, when representatives of the

Government and all branches of the services laid wreaths on the steps of the shrine. . An immense concourse of people covered every available yard of j space behind the close ranks of niili-i tary and war veterans. The green hill» in front of Parliament Buildings and| the facades and windows of every j building commanding the scene were crowded with spectators, but the whole crowd stood in absolute silence while Archdeacon W. Bullock, chaplain to the forces, exclaimed: “So, once again New Zealand and Australia and the whole Commonwealth are as one vast hall of memories.” The Archdeacon’s impressively spoken address was followed by “Last Post” and “Reveille.” Then followed the march-past by bands, 1200 military and 2000 returned soldiers, after which the parade was dismissed. The ceremony of retreat was later carried out in front of the war memorial in the presence of a considerably diminished crowd. There were record attendances in the morning at almost all suburban Anzac Day services. „ AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, April 25.

In the commemoration of Anzac Day to-day, the spirit of remembrance aud homage to the fallen in the Great War showed no signs of having diminished. Even the cold showers that fell at intervals, mostly in the morning, did not materially affect attendance at the impressive ceremonies. Nearly 4000 returned men and nurses paraded at the main ceremony in the morning at the Cenotaph before the Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Domain, where more than 20,000 persons also assembled. It is estimated that 5000 persons in addition gathered on the line of the march from Grafton bridge to the Domain, but did not enter - the Domain because of the rain. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Government by the Minister for Defence (Hon. F. Jones). CHRISTCHURCH CHRISTCHURCH, April 25. Anzac Day memorial services were held to-day throughout Canterbury. A most impressive feature of the observance was a parade of military, Naval, Air Force, and former servicemen through the main streets of Christchurch. In spite of the absence of the big contingent in Australia, there was a very large parade of returned soldiers. The parade was the largest since 1933. The crowd was one of the biggest for many years. The weather was warm and fairly sunny. The chief service in the city was held in the King Edward Barracks this afternoon, and was attended by members of the territorial forces and returned soldiers, who marched in procession from Cranmer Square. The. serviec was attended by the Governor-General, and the main address was given by Rev. L. D. Neale, Dunedin, a war-time padre, well-known in Christchurch. The parade halted on the way to the Barracks, while the Governor-General, on behalf of the R.S.A. placed a wreath of poppies on the Bridge of Remembrance. Afterwards, many hundreds of wreaths were placed at the foot of the war memorial in Cathedral Square. DUNEDIN. DUNEDIN, April 25.

After being showery in the morning the weather improved in the early afternoon for the annual parade, of returned men and military and naval units in commemoration of Anzac Day in Dunedin.

An impressive ceremony was conducted at the Cenotaph by the Dunedin . Returned Soldiers’ Association, and later a public commemoration service was held in the Town Hall. Various churches held special Anzac Day services, and numerous, suburban bodies held impressive ceremonies. POPPY DAY COLLECTIONS. CHRISTCHURCH, April 23.

The highest contributions for the last twelve or fifteen years were received at the annual Poppy Day appeal in Christchurch yesterday, when £1709 was collected by volunteer helpers in the streets. The secretary of the Returned Soldiers’ Association (Mr F. F. Wilcox) said that the collection exceeded last year’s by over £39, although contributions from country districts had vet to come in. MASTERTON, April 23.

Poppy Day resulted in £2OO being collected, a record. The previous best was £IBS in 1930. ASHBURTON, April 23.

Poppy sales in Ashburton yesterday were a record, the total collected being £lB4/15/5, compared with £96 3/6 last year, and £94/11/3 in 1936.

PARADE AT SYDNEY t 60,000 MARCHING MEN. E ; SYDNEY,. April 25. ’ The city to-day was converted into a ■ vast parade ground for men and mem- ’ ories. A people little given to hom--1 age offered it gladly to 60,000 marching men —veterans of the Anzac broth- ’ er hood. It was an Anzac army in the ’ I true sense of the word, as it brought ! together for the first time since the war veterans both of Australia and of New Zealand. Before the procession, the maimed and crippled rode in cars. Marching 12 abreast, thousands upon thousands of men swung into the city from the direction of the Domain, passing the Cenotaph, and back to the Domain, where a united religious service was conducted. In the front of the procession was New Zealand’s contingent of 1400 led by General Sir Andrew Russell. They marched with perfect rhythem, heads thrown well back, exciting the admiration of the dense crowds along the route. The weather when the parade began was sunny, but later it was dull and sultry. Two elderly returned soldiers collapsed during the march and died, while 350 were compelled to drop out. Fifteen hundred persons fainted along the route. The Very Rev. G. C. Cruikshank, Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Dunedin, conducted the service at the Domain. His commemoration address was brief and simple. “To-day,” he said, “we honour all who gave their lives for an ideal. The message of Anzac should give us a spiritual jolt. Sacrifice is the keynote of to-day’s ideals. Let us pledge ourselves to try to bring back in a practical way to this weary world some of the spirit of comradeship of , the war.” ‘ Fifty thousand gathered in Martin ( Place, neai* the Cenotaph, which was covered with wreaths and flowers, for ' the dawn memorial service. Here again 200 collapsed, including four vis- 1 iting New Zealanders. It was a simple and touching ceremony, lasting half an hour. The city to-night was thronged with

jovial Anzacs and sailors. Their merry voices, exclamations, greetings, and hilarious war songs were heard on all sides, creating a hubbub that, will be long remembered hy the civilian popui lation. j N.Z, CONTINGENT WELCOMED. SYDNEY, April 25. The Governor (Lord Wakehurst), the war-time Prime Minister (Mr. W. M. Hughes), and the State DeputyPremier (Mr. M. F. Bruxner) were the guests of honour at an official luncheon tendered to the New Zealand contingent of returned soldiers after their march to the Cenotaph. An appropriate toast list was honoured. Lord Wakehurst, replying to the toast of his health, said he hope to visit New Zealand before he returned to England. In the afternoon many New Zealandeis attended the races, others went sight-seeing, and many attended the soldiers’ reunions held in various suburbs. Yesterday approximately 1000 New Zealanders, at the invitation of the Returned Soldiers’ Association executive, participated in sight-seeing tours. Parties were motored to Wooliongong, Katoombo, Gosford, Newcastle, Woywoy, Manly, Palm Beach. At each cen- ’ ire the visitors were accorded a cordial welcome, and on their return to the city they spoke enthusiastically of ' the hospitality extended to them on every hand. In addition to the wreath laid at the Cenotaph on Saturday by. the New Zealand returned soldiers was one ’ from the New Zealand • Registered L Nurses’s Association.

AT MELBOURNE. MELBOURNE, April 25. The Anzac Day commemoration began at dawn, when 5000 soldiers assembled at the Shrine of Remembrance for the annual service. At zero hour, the solitary light in the shrine was extinguished, and the “Last Post” was 'sounded. Two minutes’ silence followed, and the dawn ceremony was over. W' This afternoon 22,000 men, watched by a crowd of 75,000, marched in the city streets again to the Shrine, where a commemoration service was held. There had' been much controversy this year over the changed form of service, from which the Returned Soldiers’ League had eliminated certain relivious features, thus causing many Church leaders to declare that the ceremony was un-Christian. ’ The Anglican Archbishop, the Most Rev. F. W. Head, took part in the march, but dropped out before the Shrine was reached. On the other hand, the Roman Catholic Church, which in other years was not represented at the service, urged its adherents to attend. The climax of the ceremony was marred by a violent dust storm, followed by rain.

MR. LYONS’ MESSAGE. CANBERRA, April 25. Paying a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Anzacs the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) in an Anzac Day message, declared:— “At this time, when defence has of s necessity become the first pre-occupa-tion of every unit of the British Com- „ ' munities of the South Pacific in any monwealth of Nations, the presence of veterans of the valiant New Zealand division is not merely a sacred and historical reminder, but a pledge’of that kinship which assures the close co-operation of the two British comeventualities which may threaten their national integrity.”

LONDON OBSERVANCE. (Received April 26, 11 a.m.) LONDON, April 25. On&'-of London’s greyest days, with a slight drizzle, marked the Anzac observance. Fifteen hundred attende'd the service of remembrance at Saint Clement Danes. Many were turned, away owing to the record application for seats. Several cricketers, led by Jeans and Bradman, sat in the front pew. After Mr. Bruce and Mr. Jordan read the Lessons, the “Last Post” and “Reveille” were sounded. The New Zealand mezzo soprano, Christina Voting, sang “God Shall Wipe Away All Tears.” The Reverend George Green, of Australia, in an address on the spirit of Anzac, referred to Australia’s loss in the death of Sir Talbot Hobbs. The organist was Arthur Mason, formerly of Sydney. Distinguished persons included Lord Birdwood, Viscount Gort, Sir A. Godley, Agent’s General, and representatives of the British Government, most of whom placed wreaths on the Church War Shrine. During the day the mound of wreaths grew. Those at the Cenotaph included those from Mr. Bruce, Mr. Jordan, Lord Birdwood, Sir A. Godley, Mrs. Jordan, who unveiled a wreath packed in ice from the Auckland Branch of the Mothers’ Union; Mr. Leonard Matters, of South Australia, representing the Australian and New Zealand Association and Argentine, and the Diggers’ Abroad Association; Mr. J. S. Duncan, on behalf of Bondi and Eastern Suburbs; Mr. R. S. L. Doctor and F. A. Maguire, of Sydney, deputising for Lord Gowrie, on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Australia.

TWENTY-NINTH DIVISION LONDON, April 24. The New Zealand High Commissioner (Mr. W. J. Jordan) attended the Twenty-ninth Division’s memorial service at Holy Trinity Church, Eltham. He presented a poppy wreath from the Government and people of New Zealand.