SPIRIT OF ANZAC

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22617, 21 April 1948, Page 3

SPIRIT OF ANZAC

URGENT NEED TODAY APPROACH TO PROBLEMS (P.A.) WELLINGTON. April 21. Anzac Day, which holds such a sacred place, is almost upon us and I should like to convey to you greetings and good wishes for the Government, people and particularly the ex-service-men and women of Australia.” states the Australian High Commissioner. Mr. A R. Cutler, V.C., in a message sent to all branches of the N.Z.R.S.A, “Unfortunately we approach this year’s anniversary of that famous landing at Gallipoli by the 29th British Division and the Anzac and other troops with a spirit of war-weariness. We are somewhat tired and disheartened, after fighting the Second World War for peace and freedom, to find that the cessation of hostilities has not brought the goal we so ardently desired. Rather has the cessation of hostilities marked the beginning of a more difficult period —a period of world upheaval, ol mass migration, of food and clothing shortages for many less fortunate than us, and of continual inability of the world's people to understand one another. "We have had bloodshed in China. India, Palestine, Netherlands East Indies and Greece, and we have had disturbing political changes taking place in Europe. “In short (here is an almost complete abrogation of all hopes, aims and'conditions for which so many offered their lives. “Under these circumstances ther c is a greater need than ever for the Anzac spirit to be manifested and carried proudly, as a practical and worthwhile reality, into our human relationships at home and abroad. “The landing at Gallipoli was a task fraught with difficulties, but against all odds it was accomplished and, today 33 years afterwards, it has left us with the tradition, of Anzac —a tradition typifying the determination, courage and, above all, understanding and comradeship. ‘The majority of Australians feel that these qualities must be brought to bear on the world situation and we join confidently witli our New Zealand comrades in arms of two wars so that we may again march forward towards a better world and a better understanding.”