ANZAC DAY

Grey River Argus, 26 April 1932, Page 6

ANZAC DAY

AT GREYMOUTH Impressive Commemoration The seventeenth anniversary of the historic landing of the Anzacs at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, was commemorated yesterday in Greymouth, with all the fervour and impressiveness of previous years. Tn the morning special services were held at St. Patrick’s Church, the Main School, the United Pavilion, and at the Cobden Memorial Bridge, while in the afternoon a combined memorial service as as held at the Town Hall, and later at the Cenotaph. There were large gatherings at all the services, the Town Hall being packed out, and all were conducted in a manner befitting such a notable occasion. TOWN HALL SERVICE. At 2 p.m. the annual Anzac Day procession of returned soldiers, territorials, cadets and boy scouts moved off from the Band Rotunda in Boundtry Street, proceeding by way of Mawhera Quay, Tabiui and Mackay Streets to the Town Hall. The Municipal Band, under Conductor V/. Garth, headed the procession and were followed in order by a party of fiftyfix returned men. headed by BrigadierGeneral W. Meldrum, and Regimental Sergeant-Major H. Trouland. Volunteer Territorials, under Captain Fitz gerald; boys of the Technical School, under Staff Sergeant-Major A. Johnston; and Boy Scouts, under Scoutmaster A. Agnew. The s Grey mouth Girl Guides attended at the Town Hall ■n uniform. On the stage at the Town Hall weie ‘he Municipal Band, Ven. Archdeacon J. A. Jermyn (Holy Trinity Church). Rev. IT. R. Fell (St. John’s Presbyterian Church), Rev. A. O. Harris (Si. Paul’s Methodist Church), Pastor H. Cave (Church of Christ), and Adjutant E. Bartie (Salvation Army). The ervice commenced with the Dead March in Saul played by the Band, followed by the hymn, “Rock of Ages,” in which all joined. Archdeacon Jermyn led the gatherieng in prayer and the Scripture Reading

(Psalm 46) was then taken by Pastor Cave. The Band rendered the hymns “Be By My Side” and all joined ini the singing of “Stand Up, Stand Up *or Jesus.” Rev. A. O. Harris, who was introduced by Rev. H. R. Fell, then addressed the gathering. Anzac Day, he said, was one of the sacred days of our history, a day on which was commemorated the sacrifices and service of those who gave their lives on that memorable day seventeen years ago. They did not meet on April 25th to glorify war, but to bring out that latent spirit of heroism and self-sacri-' fice in man. The day had a two-fold purpose. First of all, it was a day of remembrance —a day on which were remembered all those who paid the supreme sacrifice, those who returned from the war, and those who had lost loved ones in that great struggle. To the last-named their sympathy went out that day. Anzac Day was also a day of dedication. All recognised that the causes of unrest and strife were still in the world. They were suppressed for the moment, but nevertheless they were there. If only all the hundreds of thousands of pounds spent every year in armaments were spent in the proper direction, there would be work for every man and woman in the country. Disarmament was now being discussed at Geneva, and he expressed the hope that decisions would be made, which would make war less a possibility than at present. He was not a fatalist, he said, and believed that war always came because some men’s minds worked and willed it, an! because they were stronger than those which wer e working for peace. There were powerful interests in every country, people whose business it had always been to cultivate rivalry between the countries. Th e question before the people that day was which cause they were going to dedicate their minds to —the cause which made for strife and war, or that which strove after peace and goodwill. They must not carry on in the mind produced in a great many people by the war. It had to be remembered that a new age had come, and that the young men of to-day did not toalise what a dreadful business v. arThey had not been through it. am'. those men who had returned Would not ask them to endure such an awful experience. One thing which kept them from optimism to-day was the presence of many people in tie world who thought and spoke as they did in 1914. They did not realise that a new' ago had come, that the erudi tion of Darwin was being left behind and that the outlook of the people was different from that of 1914. “Wo must decide whether wo idealise what is brutal in life, or what is beautiful and peaceful. We know God came on earth to minister to us and to die for us. ‘Greater love than this, no man hath, that n man lay down his life for his friend.’ Christ is the man we must idealise. The only way of establishing a principle of brotherhood among men is Christ’s way, for no kingdom can be established on strife and war. 'We should to-day dedicate our lives to the building up of a world of peace and goodwill, and, in the lines of the poet, Tennyson: ‘Then comes the statelier Eden back to me, Then dawns the world’s great bridals chaste and calm, Then springs the crowning race of human kind. May these things be!’ Amen.’’ Rev. 11. B. Fell pronounced the Benediction at the conclusion of the address, after which the “Last Post’’ was sounded by Cornetist A. Smith. The singing of the National Anthem concluded the service. A collection taken up in the Hall

realised £l5 7s 9d, and this sum will be used to provide work for unemployed returned soldiers. ■ ’ ■ ’ _ rr AT THE CENOTAPH. The procession re-formed outside the Town Hall and marched to the Cenotaph in Tainui Street, where wreaths were laid* on the memorial. The Band rendered “A Garland of Flowers” and Cornetist A. Smith sounded the “Last Post.”

A total of thirty-eight wreaths and floral tributes were laid on the Cenotaph, the inscriptions being as follows: “Tn Memory of those who died and fought for us,” Citizens of Greymouth;' “Tn loving memory of the Boys,” St. John’s Church (3); “Tn loving memory of Alan and Arthur Wilson and Elmwood Montague”; “In loving memory of all those who perished in the Great War”; “Tn loving memory of Lieut.-Corp. Walter Edward, killed in action at Messines, June 7, 1917, also comrades,” Mrs H. Leach; “In loving memory of Uncle Charlie”; “The Italian Club, Greymouth”; “In remembrance”; “Tn memory of Private Ellis Harrison and Private Tom Green,” the Cressy Family; “In memory of the Boys of the 13th Canterbury Regiment”; “In loving memory of Major C. Cribb and of Sergeant O. Sotheran”; “With deepest sympathy from the Trained Nurses’ Association”; “In memory of Ken Stewart, and Cowper Tennent. and Gascoyne and Eric Greenwood”; “Tn loving memory of Harry and Frank Weenink” (2); “In remembrance of the soldiers who lost their precious lives for .King and Country in the Great War”; “Tn loving memory of Sister Mabel Jamieson”; “From Italian Vice-Consul (G. Perotti) and Italian ex-soldiers, residents of Greymouth”; “Tn loving memory of Allan Garland, and all comrades,” Mr Garland and Rhoda Coumbe; “Tn loving memory of Fred and Lou Coumbe”; “In remembrance of 6/604 and all who gave their lives in the Great War”; “Tn memory of Captain T Wyville Rutherford. M.G., Ist Can terbury Infantry Regiment”; “In loving remembrance”; “Tn remembrance.” from Returned Soldiers’ Association, Greymouth; “In memory of the soldiers who died during the Groat War.” V. Hogg and S. Sheldon: “In memory of Trooper de Castro.” Of the thirty-eight wreaths, there were nine which bore no inscription. RETURNED SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION. Members of the Executive of the Grey District Returned Soldiers’ Association then proceeded to the Grey Hospital, where a wreath was laid by Brigadier-General Meld rum on the tablet erected there to the memory of Sister Jamieson. A visit was later made to the Karoro' Cemetery by the Executive, where wreaths were laid on the graves of all returned soldiers buried in the cemetery —thirty-two in all. AT THE MAIN SCHOOL. A large gathering of children, their parents, members of the School Committee, teachers and members of local bodies, met at the Main School in the morning for a remembrance service. Those present included: Messrs R. Bar rowman (chairman), W. Scott, A. V. Oliver, G. Herring, J. Tennent, A. J. Fairmaid, R. J. Williams (members of the School Committee), F. Denton, P. J. McLean (President of the Patriotic Society, F. IT. Marshall, and the Mayor (Mr J. W. Greenslade).

Rev. 11. R. Fell conducted proceed ings, assisted by Adjutant Bartell, of the Salvation Army, and Pastor 11. Cave, while the Municipal Band was in attendance.

The service commenced with the singing of a verse of the National Anthem, after which Adjutant Bartell load the assemblage in prayer. Mr R. Barrowman (chairman of the School Committee) was first to speak. He referred to the fact that it was seventeen years since the boys from these shores landed at Anzac. He realised that the children standing before him were all under the age of seventeen, but he was sure that they had read of the landing of the Anzacs, who realised that day, that they had a duty to perform to the country and those they had left behind. He wished to make it clear to all that they did not come there that morning to commemorate war, but to pay tribute to the memory of those men who went forward, numbers of whom paid the supreme sacrifice. Like those men every child has a duty to perform, a duty of being loyal to their King and their country, and kind to their less fortunate brothers and sisters. If these duties are carried out it will fit them to become loyal citizens in after life.

The hymn, “Rock of Ages,” was then sung, after which the Rev. Fell spoke as follows: “Boys and Girls,— This is specially a service for you, and what I have to say I say specially to you. I cannot help thinking as I look out upon these beautiful hills what a very beautiful land we are privileged to live in. Naturally, some of us think there arc other places just as beautiful. It may be just fancy, of course, but the most beautiful .place that comes to my mind is in the border country of Scotland, Dry berg Abbey, which is the burial place of Sir Walter Scott and Earl Haig, who was the most famous soldier of his age. At his own request he was not buried at Westminster or at any other famous place, but in this quiet abbey, and his headstone, which is the same as any soldier’s, bears this simple inscription, “He trusted in God and tried to do the right.” King George V. laid a wreath on this grave inscribed: “In grateful remembrance of our friendship,” but the most remarkable wreath was sent by the Boy Scouts in Kansas, U.S.A., inscribed: “In peril, confident, to duty devoted, in victory considerate. ’ ’ Earl Haig was not only a great soldier but a Christian gentleman, and when in victory some suggested crushing the enemy, he said “No! ” and wiser counsel prevailed. Although he was made a national hero he did not forget those who had been under him and

he devoted the last years of his life to helping ex-servicemen and he instituted Poppy Day for this purpose Wb hope and pray there will never be another war and if wiser counsels prevail, and Christ is exalted there never will be. In conclusion, children, 1 wish you to remember, “Peace has her victories no less than war,” and also the Kansas Scouts’ motto.”

The hymn, “Oh God Our Help in Ages Past” and the pronouncing of Benediction by Pastor Cave concluded the gathering. Wreaths from Pupils of the School, and Mr and Mrs J. Ring, were hung on the Memorial Gates. AT THE UNITED PAVILION. About 40 persons were present at the service held by the United Club at their club rooms, when there were present on the platform Messrs C. Neville, P. J. McLean, R. Williams, M. Jamieson, and the Mayor (Mr J. W. Greenslade). An apology for absence was received from Mr T. P. Ryan. Messrs C. Neville ’ and P. J. Megave short appropriate addresses, after which Mrs G. Wilson laid the wreaths on the Roll of Honour. The wreaths were from: The United Club. United Football Club, Anonymous, and the Ferguson Family. AT COBDEN. At Cobden the Rev. Beaumont had charge of proceedings, while the Civic Band was in attendance. The service opened with the “Dead March” in Saul played by the Band after which all present joined in the singing of Kipling’s “Recessional.” The appropriate addresses were given by Mr A. H. McKane, President of the R.S.A., and Archdeacon J. A. Jermyn. The hymn, “Oh God Our Help in Ages Past” was sung after which the Band played the “Garden of Flowers.” Proceedings at the school closed with the playing of the “Last Post by Mr A. McMaster, junr.

Led by the Band and the Girl Guides the public marched to the Bridge of Remembrance, where some 30 wreaths were hung and dedicated by the Rev. Beaumont. The singing of a verse of the National Anthem concluded the gathering. SACRED CONCERT. AT METHODIST CHURCH. There was a large congregation at St. Paul's Methodist Church last evening. the occasion being a sacred con cert rendered by the choir and assisting artists. The Rev. A. 0. Harris conducted the service. The programme wag as follows: — Anthem, “What are These”; instrumental sacred selection, Messrs Chalk, Rudall, Ashurst, Flewellyn, Pearson and Resticaux; tenor solo, Mr J. Hadland,; cornet solo, Mr J. Budhall; Anthem, “Hark My Soul”; duet, Messrs J. Hadland and F. Smith; violin solo. Mr J. Ashurst,; solo, Mrs E. Wright; Anthem, “Sweet is Thy Mercy”; instrumental selection; tenor solo, Mr F. Smith; Anthem, “Gloria”. The pronouncing of the benediction concluded the evening.

A collection taken up on behalf of the Unemployment Relief ralizod £5 6s 9d. ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH. There was a largo congregation at St. Patrick’s Church at 9 o’clock yesterday morning, when Requiem Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Healey. A party of volunteer cadets and territorials attended in uniform. Wellington Carillon THE DEDICATION. fPer Press Association). WELINGTON, April 25. The usual Anzac Day observances in Wellington were headed by a historic ceremony on Mount Cook, when, in the afternoon, the National War Memorial carillon was dedicated and opened by the Governor-General, after being consecrated by the Bishop of Wellington, Bishop Sprott. The ceremony was attended by thousands, and every vantage point in the city and nearby hills was occupied. There was a monster' parade of returned soldiers and military and naval units. The carillon was formally handed over by Mr H. D. Bennett (chairman of the Carillon Society), and accepted on behalf of the people of New Zealand by the Governor-General, who lit the perpetual memorial lantern, and gave the signal for the playing of the National Anthem on th© bells. The vast audience was hushed as the melodious chimes rang from the campanile, and later the carillon accompanied the singing of the hymn “Oh God Our Help in Ages Past.” The carillonist was Mr Clifford E. Ball, of Bourneville, England. The Mayor, Mr T- C. A. Hislop, presided during the ceremony, and the Prime Minister was among the speakers. In the evening the carillon recital was attended by a large audience and the soft music of the bells drifted over the city born a on a southerly breeze. The Anzac Day service, attended by returned soldiers and next of kin, took place at Wellington Citizens’ Mem- | orial in the morning. The GovernorGeneral read the King’s message and a short service was held. Wreaths from citizens and various organisations were placed on the base of the memorial. The wreaths included a magnificent one from the Australian Society of .New Zealand in the form of a huge map of Australia.

AT WESTPORT. WESTPORT, April 25. An Anzac memorial service was held in the Theatre Royal in beautiful weather, with a large attendance. The Mayor, Mr Harkness, presided. Au impressive address was given by Rev. S. Webber (Presbyterian), and other members of the Ministers’ Association also took part. In the service a new feature was an anthem by combined choirs. At the conclusion of the ser

vice a procession comprising a firing party, Municipal Band, veterans, re- . turned soldiers, territorials, cadets, boy scouts, wolf cubs, girl guides and brownies was formed outside the theatre and marched to the Gates of Remembrance, Victoria Square, where a further brief service was hold, with an address by Rev. C. A. Foston, a salute by a firing party, a lament, played by Pipers J. and M. Banks, and “The Last Post” sounded by Bandaman Taylor. A large number of floral tributes was placed at the foot of the memorial. The service concluded with the National Anthem played by the Municipal Band. The returned soldiers subsequently were entertained at afternoon tea by a citizens’ committee. AUCKLAND SERVICES. AUCKLAND, April 25. With the simplest ceremonial the roll of honour in the Hall of Memories in the ' Auckland War Memorial Museum was dedicated on Sunday afternoon by the Governor-General. Customary Anzac Day services were held to-day, first a morning service in the Town Hall, and a ceremony at the Cenotaph this afternoon. MELBOURNE MARCH. (Received April 25 at 7.45 p.m.) MELBOURNE, April 25. At the Anzac commemoration, 22.000 marched, including Gallipoli veterans and many bands. A combined religious service was held in the Exhibition Building. CHRISTCHUDCH PARADE. CHRISTCHURCH, April 25. Anzac Day was celebrated in the manner which has now become traditional. There was the largest parade of ex-service men for many years in a procession which marched from Crarimer Square to King Edward Barracks, where a united memorial service was held. An address was given by Mr J A. Lee. M.P. About seven thousand people attended the service. A wreath was laid at the Bridge of Remembrance, and a largo number were carried in the parade where they were hung on the front of the Cathedral. IN ENGLAND. MEMOR OF 29TH DIVISION. LONDON, April 24. A memorial service for the Twentyninth Division, of Gallipoli fame, was held at Eltham. It was attended by the Bishop of London, General Gouraud (France), General Voruz (France) and the Australian High Commissioner, Sir G. Ryrie. On the eve of Anzac Day, at Portsmouth, Legioners headed by Admiral Farquhar, held a procession through the city to the cemetery, where they placed wreaths on the graves of Anzacs there, which Portsmouth citizens - have maintained trim and flowerstrewn the year round.

SYDNEY COMMEMORATION. REMEMBRANCE STARTS AT 4.30 a-m. (Received April 25 at 7 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 25. Anzac Day was commemorated in brilliant cool weather with a spectacu*

Tar march of fifteen thousand veterans through the streets past the Cenotaph to the Domain, -where a commemora tion service was held. General Hig g’ns, the Salvation Army Leader, gave a stirring address, and various returned chap'.ains participated.

The remembrance began at 4.30 o ’clock in the morning the fateful hour on the troopships seventeen years ago off the Gallipoli shore, whe n five thousand people gathered in Martin Place and saw the Cenotaph wreathed by the Governor and others. j\lr Schmitt, New Zealand Government representative, placed one wreath on the Cenotaph on behalf of the Government of New Zealand, and in the subsequent march the New Zealand cont ngent had pride of position, immediately following the naval men. KING’S MESSAGE. WELLINGTON, April 2b. The Governor General has been con. manded by the King to communicate to |the people of New Zealand on the occasion of Anzae Day the following message from His Majesty:—“On this solemn anniversary, the thoughts ol the Queen and myself are with my people of New Zealand in proud rt» membrance of those who *laid down their lives at Gallipoli.—George Rl. ’ His Excellency has sent the following reply to His Majesty: “Your Majesty's gracious message has been com municated to the people of this Dom inion, who appreciate most deeply the knowledge that the thoughts of Your Majesty and the Queen are with them on this day of hallowed memories. Bledisloe. ”