ANZAC DAY

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 April 1941, Page 5

ANZAC DAY

DOMINION observance

GREY DISTRICT CEREMONIES

Additional significance was given to the 26th observance of Anzac Day throughout the Dominion, yesterday, in view of the fact that the second Anzacs are now fighting overseas. Ceremonies in the Grey district were largely attended, and were pervaded by an enthusiastic spirit.

With dignity and solemnity befitting the occasion, the twenty-sixth anniversary of the historic landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Gallipoli was observed at Greymouth yesterday. The weather was ideal, and the impressive memorial services at the Town Hall and at the Cenotaph in the afternoon, attracted the largest assemblage of townspeople for many years. The hall was packed, and there were many unable to gain admission. The parade, including returned soldiers, National Reserve, Home Guard, Territorials, Women’s War Service Auxiliary, and Boy Scouts, with the Municipal and Highland Pipe Bands, numbering, in all, over 400, was also the largest in years, and made an impressive sight on the march to the Town Hall, and later to the Cenotaph. Other services, in the morning, at Cobden, the Greymouth Main School, the United Pavilion, and Blaketown, Holy Trinity Church, and the Requiem Mass at St. Patrick’s Church were also largely attended.

The parade, with Brigadier-Gen-eral W. Meldrum in command, and Mr. T. H. Jones as marshal, assembled at the junction of Mackay and Herbert Streets, and Mawhera Quay, and, headed by the Municipal Band, and with the Highland Pipe Band also in the parade, marched in the new order of three abreast up Mawhera Quay to the Railway Station, and down Mackay Street, to the Town Hall. The parade included approximately 50 returned soldiers under Mr. T. H. Jones, 56 men of the National Reserve under Captain J. McKnight, 45 Territorials under Lieutenant G. Ormandy, 125 Home Guardsmen under Captain H. Herring, 60 members’ll' the Women’s War Service Auxiliary under Misses J. McLauchlan and K. Roberts, and 30 Boy Scouts. Rev. A. A. Bensley was chairman at the Town Hall, and with him on the platform were Rev. A. D. Horwell, Rev. P. Kirkham, Adjutant Miller, and Rev. F. G. Reddell, with the Municipal Band seated at the rear of the stage. After the Dead March played by the Band, and the singing of four verses of “O God Our Help in Ages Past,” Rev. P. Kirkham led the prayer, and Rev. F. G. Reddell gave the scriptural reading, from the Book of Psalms. The Band played Handel’s “Largo,” while the collection for the Returned Soldiers’ Association was taken up, after which a special war-time hymn was sung.

THE ADDRESS

Rev. A. D. Horwell gave the occasional address. He said •. the service was being held to honour the Anzacs, and. all that the' name Anzac stood for.' He felt that people did not. thscipline themselves enough to thmk deeply on the name Anzac, and all it | had meant to them as individuals and as a nation. All thrilled at the name Anzac for it brought vividly forward the immortal deeds of the Anzacs in the 1914-18 war, and brought to mind those who did not come’back, and those who did come back but maimed and halt in mind and body. Through the last 26 years men had pledged themselves to stand behind all that those men had fought for, to assist those who had suffered the ravages of that war, and to assist the cause they fought for—peace. Year after year they had spoken of those ideals, and now to-day, the nation was at war again. To-day, alongside the very .slopes of Gallipoli, New Zealanders and Australians were carrying on where their fathers and brotheis had left off, and with the same courage and endurance as their predecessors. In the present Anzac service they could well feel that they honoured also those who to-day were fighting lor. freedom, and seeking to beat back the Nazi war machine. . Continuing, Mr. Horwell said he believed the word Anzac stood tor freedom. From 1915 to to-day, Anzac had been honoured, but through those vears the world had been moving’ on towards the present conflict. The world could not claim to have learned the lessons of the Great War in the economic order of things, in international relations, nor in the increase of a sober and serious Godliness in our national life. To-day, people could not claim any selfrighteousness. Freedom was freedom for the personality under the righteousness of God. That was what the nation was fighting for in the present conflict, and that was what it had fought for in the 1914-18 war. The sooner the depth and meaning of that freedom was realised the sooner would the world have peace, and the sooner would they be able to say that the sacrifices made in the Great Mar, and being made in the present war had not been in vain. The Nazi doctrine gave no place for such a freedom —there was no freedom of Christian. worship, and the leaders of the Reformed Churches and Roman Catholic churches in Germany had been sent to concentration camps. Germany and Germany alone was the aim and doctrine of the Nazis. It was a false doctrine of man that lay at the foot of German heresy, claiming freedom for one nation and one nation alone, and denying the very Fatherhood of God, and the brotherhood of man. It was for freedom, under God, that the name of Anzac stood and he believed that they were fighting a war of righteousness to-day,' as in 1914-18. Surely they were assembled that day to think deeper of the meaning of Anzac, rather than just to pay a tribute to the memory of Anzac. Another thing he would like his hearers to remember about Anzac was that it stood for courage. They should remember the courage and true heartedness of the Anzacs, and , ask themselves if they were true to the Anzacs’ memory to-day. World peace, he believed, was-going to cost some ptople a lot of things they were not prepared to give up. There would be deep changes in our economic life, but those changes would not

come until those who were at home

were prepared to make sacrifices and support the Anzac’s cause to its fullest, with their prayers and their material assistance. The cause for

which Anzac stood should be committed to God, with the prayers of the people behind it. Concluding, Mr.

Horwell quoted the words Ralph Connor attributed to a father and son saying “good night” in the trenches in the last war:—“ ‘Good night. We know not what the morrow may bring, but the shame of the quitter never shall be ours.’ May God grant that we may consider what that spirit has meant, and is meaning to-day, in the anxiety and tears of loved ones and the cost in flesh and blood, and let us not be quitters here at home, but stand 100 per cent, behind them; praying for them, and working out our prayers in our actions before God.” The hymn, “Lead *• Kindly Light” was sung after the address, and then Adjutant Miller pronounced the Benediction. Cornetist V. McHerron sounded .the “Last Post,” and the National Anthem concluded the service.

AT THE CENOTAPH.

The parade marched from the Town Hall to the Cenotaph, where in the presence of a large attendance, the Mayor (Mr. F. A. Kitchingham), on behalf of the citizens of Greymouth, and Mr. O. McLean, on behalf of the Greymouth Returned Soldiers’ Association, placed wreaths on the Me r morial. Floral tributes were also placed on the Cenotaph by many other citizens. The Band played “A Garland of Flowers,” and Cornetist V. McHerron sounded “Last Post.”

■ After the Cenotaph ceremony, the R.S.A. Executive proceeded to the Grey Hospital where wreaths were placed on the Jarhieson- and Isdell tablets, and to the cemetery, where poppies were placed on the graves of over 80 returned soldiers.

MAIN SCHOOL SERVICE.

The largest crowd for some years attended the service held at the front entrance to the Grey Main School, at 10 a.m. It included a good proporiton of the pupils of the school, teachers, members of the School Committee, a company of Girl Guides, and members of the public. The Chairman of the Committee (Mr J. W. Greenslade) presided, and with him was Rev. A. A. Bensley, who delivered the occasional address. The Greymouth Municipal Band, under Mr T. Anderson, was in attendance and played the hymns, “Rock of Ages” and “Abide With Me.” In introducing Rev. Mr Bensley, Mr Greenslade .referred to the fact that they were assembled that day to commemorate the glorious deeds and sacrifices of the men of New Zealand many years ago. . Rev. Mr Bensley referred to the nation’s- acknowledgment of .God and to the tact that'- it was to' Him we looked for relief from all those things that would bring us into bondage. The children, he said, were having their schooling in a very difficult age,' an age of ruin and destruction, but we must try not to think only of such things, but rather of better things that were to be. Even in the midst of war there were things that were being cleansed—love, honour, righteousness and peace. Referring to the Hitler Youth movement the speaker said we must oppose to their patriotism not only our patriotism but their paganism by our Christianity. In asking God’s blessing on the pupils and their teachers, he asked that they might have cacise to remember that day, not only for great deeds but for great vows, that they would keep all that was worth while keeping in the world. Referring to the significance of the day, Rev. Mr Bensley said April 25, 1915, marked the day when that was done which all the world said could not be done, by the forces whose name they glorified that day. That was, perhaps, the day when New Zealand became a nation. Rev. Mr Bensley then led the gathering in prayer, after which the pupils of the school saluted the flag and the ceremony concluded with the National Anthem.

AT BLAKETOWN SCHOOL

A function was held in the grounds at the Blaketown School, commencing at 10 a.m. Mr. W. Herring (chairman of the School Committee) presided, and with him were Messrs M. B. K. Sheard (secretary), F. W. Coleman (headmaster), and the Mayor ■ (Mr. Kitchingham). The pupils sang “God Defend New Zealand” and two verses of Kipling’s “Recessional.” Mary Longstaff recited “Flanders Fields,” and items were spoken by Grace George, Betty Pike, and Gordon Richards. One minute’s silence was observed, in memory of the Anzacs, the flag was saluted, and Bands-; man V. McHerron sounded “Last Post.” A wreath from the school was placed in position by the Mayor on the school wall, above the legend, ‘‘Lest we Forget.” Mr. Herring referred to the significance of Anzac Day, and said they were met to pay tribute to the Anzacs of 1914-18. In the' course of a brief address, the Mayor said that they started another quarter-century in honouring Anzac Day. There was now another army of Anzacs overseas, fighting grimly and heroically. Tn the last war, the Anzacs. sacrificed everything they had, as they were doing in Greece to-day. As boys and girls grew up, they should remember the sacrifice of the Anzacs, and shotfid be willing to sacrifice their time and energy for the benefit of those who were not so well able to look after themselves. They should always strive to do their best, because nothing less than their best was ever given by the boys who went overseas. The children should build up, their bodies and minds so that, if ever the time came when the nation had to fight again for its existence, they would be able to take their part, and be honoured and re > spected as were the Anzacs. Mr. Herring thanked the Mayor and those present, for their attendance.

COBDEN SERVICE.

The usual impressive service was held at Cobden. Members of the Home Guard and E.P.S. marched to

the School Gymnasium, led by the Municipal Band, the service being held in the Gymnasium, which was crowded. Rev. W. Osborne Brown presided, and. the occasional address was given by Mr G. G. M. Mitchell. During the service, the Band played the “Dead March” and the hymns, “O God Our Help in Ages Past,” “Jesu, Lover of My Soul,” and “Lead Kindly Light.” ‘Mr Osborne Brown led the gathering in, prayer ahd read from the seventh, chapter of the Revelations. Mr Mitchell said that the question had been raised regarding the observance of Anzac Day, with the definite implication that the Returned Soldiers’ .Association was not, in some respects, in harmony with contemporaneous events, His answer was that the Association honestly and sincerely believed that there was no day in our national life possessing a greater significance, because on that day New Zealand earned its nationhood. Apart from that it commemorated the deeds of the men from these shores whom, in the words of the poet, gave their 'immortality to future generations. In having Anzac Day written into the statutes as a national holiday, the Returned Soldiers’ Association felt that, throughout the years, it would acquire increasing holiness till, in the words of a famous Maori speaker, it stood like a beacon from the hilltops foi’ all the world to see, pointing out the way in the darkest hours of night to the harbours of peace. After referring to the glorious deeds of the Anzacs, which won them imperishable glory, just as to-day the men in Greece and Libya were adding to that glory, Mr Mitchell said he believed what was wrong with the world to-day was that faithlessness had become a cult, and that it would undermine the whole moral and social structure, unless we took steps to stop it. We should not despair because we, as a people, refused to accept that philosophy.' We should not despair of mankind’s power to prevail over the forces of evil and to bring about a state where there was peace on earth and goodwill towards men. After Mr Osborne Brown had pronounced the Benediction, the Last Post was sounded by Bandsman V. McHerron, and the service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

The Band'led a procession of returned men, Home Guards and E.P.S. volunteers and school children to the Memorial Bridge in Bright Street, where a number of wreaths were laid by the children and dedicated by Mr Osborne Brown. The Band played “A Garland of Flowers” and the National Anthem. En route to the bridge, a stop was made at the State School, where a wreath was placed on the Roll of Honour. AT UNITED PAVILION.

The usual ceremony was held in the United Pavilion in the morning, Mr. T. P. Ryan presiding over an attendance of about 50 people. The Mayor (Mr. F. A. Kitchingham) addressed the gathering, and wreaths were placed on the Roll of Honour by Mrs. Morris, on behalf of the United Club and citizens.

REQUIEM MASS.

There was a crowded congregation at St. Patrick’s Church, at 9 a.m., when Requiem Mass was offered by Rev. Father Gregory for the repose of the souls of those soldiers who lost their lives in the Great War. The choir, under Mr. J. Wood, sang Dr. Newsham’s Requiem Mass and Proper. At the conclusion of the Mass, the congregation stood while the “Dead March in Saul” was played by the organist, Miss Joan Walker.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH.

The 10 a.m. Holy Communion at Holy Trinity Church took the form of an Anzac service and was well attended. Appropriate prayers were offered and Rev. P. Kirkham gave an address, making reference to the Anzacs of 26 years ago and those of today, and pointing out that the spirit of Anzac continued to find significance and glorious expression in the Anzacs of Mt. Olympus.

AT RUNANGA.

There was a large attendance of the public at Runanga where the parade was held in the school grounds. The Home Guard, emergency precautions scheme members, ambulance, home nursing and Red Cross members, in addition to pupils from the State and Technical, schools paraded, and the Runanga Home Guard Band played appropriate music. The speakers were the Mayor (Mr. R. McTaggart), Rev. F. H. Robertson and Dr. E. H. Densem. Hymns were sung, and at the conclusion the Last Post was sounded by Bandsman D. Bell.

HOKITIKA

The memorial service held at Hokitika was attended by a large number Of the public. There was a parade of the Municipal Band (under Mr. C. Ross), Territorials, returned soldiers, Home Guard, Scouts and Boys’.Brigade, led by Adjt. W. Eastgate. On arriving at the town clock (South African war memorial), a wreath was deposited at the base and a salute was fired by the Territorials under Capt. Blank. The parade proceeded to the Cenotaph on Cass Square. Mr. A. R. Elcock (Deputy Mayor) delivered the introductory address, and said the Anzacs whose memory they were honouring that day, had fought in a war to end war. A wreath was placed at the foot of the Cenotaph. Bracken’s hymn, “God Defend New Zealand,” was sung, after which Rev. D. A. Childs led in prayer.

A Scripture lesson was read by the Salvation Army officer after which the hymn “What service shall we render Thee?” was sung. Then followed another prayer by Rev. R. Marshall. The occasional address was delivered by Mr. G. G. M. Mitchell, M.M:, of Greymouth. The hymn, “Light of the World” was sung, after which the firing party fired a salute and the “Last Post” and “Reveille” was sounded by Bugler T. Lee. The Benediction was pronounced by Rev. Mr. Feist. The Returned Soldiers then filed past the Cenotaph, each depositing a red poppy at the base, around which were also placed several wreaths. A collection was taken to help to defray cost of memorial stones in soldiers’ graves in Hokitika Cemetery. The Returned Soldiers’ Association proceeded to the cemetery, where a wreath was deposited on the soldiers’ plot.

WESTPORT

WESTPORT, April 25.

An Anzac commemoration service was held in St. James Theatre and later at the Gates o ( f Remembrance at Victoria Square, being attended by

large congregations. The Mayor, Mr. J. M. Robertson, presided in the early stage,/and then handed over to the Westport Ministers’ Association. Inspiring occasional addresses were delivered' by the Bishop of Nelson, Dr. P. W. Stevenson, and Mr. C. Milne (Vice-President, Christchurch Branch R.S.A.), Revs. S. Corney (Anglican), H. L. Wilkinson (Presbyterian), and C. H. Kendon (Wesleyan) also took part in the service. The attendance included a firing party. ( Municipal Band, veterans, returned soldiers, National Reserve, Home Guard, Girl Guides and Brownies, Scouts and Cubs, school pupils, and general public. The Queen Carnival will be brought to a close to-morrow evening, when the Queen will be announced. Supporters of the three Queens, Air Force, Army and Navy, have worked assiduously for their respective Queens, and it seems likely that the quota of £6,000 will be reached, if not passed.

CHRISTCHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH, April 25.

The principal Anzac Day observance in Christchurch was a citizens’ service, held under the auspices of the Christchurch R.S.A. in King Edward Barracks, the principal address being given by Mr. A. T. Donnelly. A dawn service was held before the Citizens’ War Memorial in Cathedral Square by the Christchurch Branch of the Australian R.S.A. Through crowded but silent streets, veterans of two wars, together with detachments of Territorials and National Reservists, marched in warm autumn sunshine from Cranmer Square to the Barracks. Many wreaths were carried in the procession, and these were later placed at the foot of the War Memorial in Cathedral Square. On the way to the Barracks a wreath was placed on the Bridge of Remembrance by the R.S.A. Crowds gathered and attendances at services generally were the largest for many years.

FIJIAN GREETINGS

WELLINGTON, April 25

The following message to the president of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association (Hon. W. Perry, M.L.C.) has been received from the Officer Commanding the New Zealand Forces in Fiji (Brigadier W. H. Cunningham):— “On this solepin anniversary of Anzac Day the officers and men under my command in Fiji send you fraternal greetings. May our brothers in arms now fighting in Greece make history as memorable as did the men of Anzac.”

SUVA, April 25

Anzac Day, not usually observed in Suva, was marked for the first tirtie by the largest parade of troops in the history of Fiji. Units of the N.Z.E.F. and local troops .participated, with the general public, in a remembrance service. The officer commanding troops in Fiji took the salute, in the absence of the Governor.

THE KING’S MESSAGE

AUCKLAND, April 25

The Governor-General (Sir Cyril Newall) has received the following message from the King in connection with the observance of Anzac Day in New Zealand: — ■ “Once more the Queen and I join with our peoples in New Zealand in the commemoration of Anzac Day. This anniversary, which recalls the great achievements of the past, will serve as an inspiration in these fateful days. The unflinching heroism of the New Zealanders who fought 26 years ago has shown itself again on the battlefields of Libya and Greece. In the face of heavy odds the Anzac troops have been fighting magnificently by the side of our very gallant ally in the cause of justice and liberty, as in days which we commemorate. New Zealand has good reason to be proud of her sons. — George, R. 1.” The following reply has been sent by His Excellency:— “Your Majesty’s gracious message has been communicated to the Government and peoples of New Zealand, who are deeply touched by -the association of Your Majesty and the Queen in their commemoration of Anzac Day. All in the Dominion are inspired by Your Majesty’s appreciation of the fighting spirit of the Anzacs of to-day and wish to assure Your Majesty of their unswerving and devoted loyalty in these days of trial. New Zealand is indeed■> proud that once again her sons are playing their part in the great battle against tyranny and oppression.’’

LORD CRANBORNE’S BROADCAST

RUGBY, April 25.

“Australians and New Zealanders, whether on land, sea, or air, have won the admiration of the world as a great warrior race,” said the Dominions Secretary (Lord Cranborne) in an Anzac Day broadcast to Australia and New Zealand. “Even our enemies,” Lord Cranborne added, “pay tribute to their powers, and the unhappy peoples whose countries have been overrun and homes ravaged, watch them with eyes of hope. “Looking to the future,” Lord Cranborne said, “what above all do we want to come out of the present struggle? Most of us would say enduring peace. There must be economic and military forces ready and prepared. Clearly, that will be necessary, even in an association of free nations, but the object of this system must be not to restrict but protect the liberties of the people. It is a cause to which we must dedicate ourselves. Anzac Day is tor all peoples of the British Empire a day of • dedication. It commemorates those who gave up their lives for a great ideal. It is for us to see they have not died in vain.”

OLD LEADERS’ MESSAGES

RUGBY, April 24.

Special significance of this year’s Anzac Day in view of the stand by the Anzacs in Greece is epitomised in a message which Lord Birdwood sent to Mr; Fraser: “Kindest remembranches to all by old N.Z.E.F. comrades’now in New Zealand. I know the thoughts of you all, as the thoughts of us in the Old Country, are with our new comrades, who fight not only for democracy, but to uphold the Christian religion, which, under Hitlerism, would soon be overthrown for pure Nazism. That none of us will ever tolerate or allow. Every kind wish, and God bless New' Zealand.” ' Lord Birdwobd also cabled General Freyberg: “Every kind remembrance. Good wishes to all my old /comrades, and to the far larger.num-

ber of new ones for our Anzac Day. We never forget you. We are one and all full of pride in the great and wonderful service you have done, and are doing. We are never in doubt as to your victory, though hard times and hard days are yet before us. God bless you one and all.” Generol Godlcy, who cornHicincLeci the New Zealand Forces in the last war has sent a message to the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser and also to General Freyberg for Anzac Day.

AUSTRALIAN OBSERVANCE

SYDNEY, April 25

To-day’s Anzac commemoration in Australia was every bit as memorable and inspiring as its predecessors. Indeed, it was; _ invested with greater significance, because in all the ceremonials was a sprinkling of presentday soldiers and airmen, many of them sons of those who took part in the last war. Twenty-five thousand returned men marched in Sydney today, and included wounded recently returned from Britain and the Middle East. A quarter-million of people lined the footpaths and cheered. The dawn service at the Centotaph, Sydney, was attended by thirty-thousand. The united religious service in the Domain attracted eighty thousand .

MELBOURNE, April 25

Impressive ceremonies marked Anzac Day. observance. Twenty-two thousand five hundred veterans marched through Melbourne, including a small party returned from Libya. New Zealand veterans living in Melbourne also marched. Speakers at ,the public gatherings emphasised that Australians and New Zealanders were again fighting side by side for the same ideals as in the last war.