ANZAC DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume LII, Issue 5463, 26 April 1920, Page 7

ANZAC DAY.

MEMORIAL SERVICE IN THE BOTANICAL GARDEN,s.

ADDRESS BY REV. J. AITKEN

The fifth anniversary of the landing at Anzac, where tlie New Zealand troops received their first baptism oi fir© in the Great War, was commemorated yesterday. The lings flown at half-mast from various places m the town recalled memories ot the tragic day, April 25, 1915, when so many of the Dominion’s soldiers fell in the cause of Empire. A united memorial service was held during the afternoon in the Botanical Gardens, when a very large gathering assembled to do honor to those soldiers whose lives had been the price paid for , the world-wide fame of the name of Anzac. A military parade was called tor the occasion, the procession leaving the Post Office for the Gardens at 2 p.m. About 100 returned soldiers. 250 cadets. 14 members of the Legion of Frontiersmen, about 12 Boy Scouts, several Veterans, the Salvation Army’ Band, and the City Band., took part. The parade was commanded by Major Gam brill, with Lieut. Burge as marshal. The memorial service, which was simple, but ■impressive, was conducted by Chaplain AY. H. E. Abbey. ’Tlie war veterans, present, and for whom a seat was specially reserved, at the hand rotunda by the R.S.A., were Messrs. Vincent Pyke (president), John Townley. J. AV. AAitty, Andrew Graham. Esra Smith. R. Thelwall and G. R. Renwick.

Chaplain Abbey opened the proceedings with the Doxology. The hymns sung were “Load. Kindly Light,” “Rock.of Ages,” “Stand Up, Stand Up, for Jesus.” A brief address was given by the Rev. J. Aitken, who referred to the sacrifice made by the Son of God, the sacrifice of Himself for others. All sacrifice for the sake of others was inspired by the Spirit of Christ, and the service that day was for the purpose of commemorating the sacrifice made by those who landed and died upon the wind-swept hills of Gallipoli. Theirs’ was a great sacrifice, for it was for others that they gave their lives, but their sacrifice would have been in vain if the nation dbl not become heirs to this spirit. It was a- great service they gave to their follow men, a service which could never ho estimated or measured. The people of to-day were called however to make a greater sacrifice still, not simply to die for others, but also to live for others. It was a greater thing by far to live for others. For men in all walks of life, to live to serve their fellow mein, and not put themselves before others, was an incomparably greater sacrifice, greater even than the sacrifice. of death on the battlefield, and that was the sacrifice Christ called upon the people to make. They were asked respond to that call, to live hot merely for what they could, get out of life, but for what they could put into it, anti to turn aside from the common ideal of just having a good time. They should he of service to their day, their generation, and the generations to come after. That was being a. Christian, to be earnest and sincere in giving service to others. To do this we, should live our lives in the same spirit of as that commemorated, by Anzac. The service concluded with the Benediction and the soundEpg of “The Last Post.”

GRAVES OF SOLDIERS HONORED.

IMPRESSIVE SERVICES AT MAKARAKA AND TARUHERU

Quiet but touching little services took place at the Makaraka and Tarulieru Cemeteries yesterday, when the last resting places of those soldiers whose remains lay buried there were honored with laurel wreaths to commemorate their sacrifice and to mourn their deaths. The services were conducted by the Rev. AV. T. Drake, who was assisted by the members of the Women's National Reserve and a number of High School girls, who provided the wreaths. Makaraka was the first cemetery visited, and at the firstsoldier’s grave the service commenced. Mr Drake delivered a brief and feeling address, referring to the sacrifice of Anzac, and the custom of placing laurel wreaths on the graves of heroes. The Lord’s Prayer followed, and Mi Drake saying, “In tho name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, let us go from grave to grave, ami place these wreaths on each, just to remind us of the glorious immortality,” a wreath was placed on each grave, about 40 in all. At Tarulieru. where 12 soldiers are now sleeping their last sleep, the impressive service was repeated. During the services, there was an attendance of about 40, including some returned soldiers.

MESSAGE FROM BIRDAVOOD

Press Association Telegram. AUCKLAND, April 25. The Prime Minister received the following cable from General Sir William Birdwood, to-day:— Greetings and remembrance from all A.I.E. to your New Zealand comrades.