BIG ATTENDANCE AT PRINCIPAL REEFTON SERVICE

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 April 1949, Page 2

BIG ATTENDANCE AT PRINCIPAL REEFTON SERVICE

(0.C.) REEFTON, This Day. Remembrance of Anzac Day at Reefton again this year was marked by special church services, and a service organised by the Returned Services’ Association. The Criterion Theatre was well filled for the principal service and the attendance of 80 returned men was the largest for many years. Mr W. P. Schroeder, president of the Reefton R.S.A., presided, and Mr J.' K. Maloney, of Christchurch, was the speaker. The Inangahua Silver Band was present, and also members of the Girl Guides and pupils of the Reefton District High School. Mr Maloney paid tribute to the Anzac forces. It was fitting that Anzac Day should be specially remembered, said the speaker. Like the immortals, the Anzac divisions had in World War I gained for themselves undying fame, a fame which had also fallen to the divisions of World War 11.

Mr Maloney urged that we should hold fast to liberty, and not give up lightly those things for which men and women had given their lives. The work and suffering of people of Great Britain in their war-time ordeal should not be forgotten, he said.

Ranks were reformed outside the theatre and, led by the band, the former servicemen, school pupils, Girl Guides, and Brownies marched to the Cenotaph, where, following the placing of wreaths, Mr Schroder read the Roll of Honour. Bandsman E. T. Baird sounded “Last Post.”

Special church services were held in the morning at St Stephen’s Church, when the Revs Baker, Stuart and B. C. Machell officiated, and at the Church of the Sacred Heart. The King’s Message: Gratitude And Pride (P.A.) AUCKLAND, April 25. The following Anzac message from His Majesty the King was read by the Governor-General (Sir Bernard Freyberg) at the ceremony at the cenotaph in the Auckland Domain today:— “On this Anzac Day the Queen and I are especially conscious of the affection which unites us with the peoples of Australia and New Zealand, as together we remember the men and women of those countries who in time of war gave their lives in defence of our common heritage. With gratitude and pride we recall that under God’s providence victory rewarded the cause for which they fought with such courage and devotion. Inspired by their example, let us dedicate ourselves anew to the service of mankind and to unceasing efforts in the cause of peace.”

His Excellency has sent the following reply to the King: “Your Majesty’s gracious message has been communicated to the Government and peoples of New Zealand, its Island territories, and Western Samoa, who deeply appreciate the association of Your Majesty and the Queen with them in their observance of this day of immortal memory. On their behalf I beg to tender with my humble duty their grateful thanks to Your Majesty and the Throne. They reaffirm their determination to work for lasting peace.”