The Grey River Argus FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 1948. ANZAC DAY QUESTIONS

Grey River Argus, 23 April 1948, Page 4

The Grey River Argus FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 1948. ANZAC DAY QUESTIONS

REPEATEDLY has the approach of Anzac Day been heralded by debates upon the form of its observance, and, although this time the controversy is more mercenary than it usually has been, it may at least serve to focus attention upon the true significance of the anniversary. Many hitherto have insisted that it has a religious meaning, and . even now the objection to* having a holiday oh the following day is based on the idea that it is so sacred that it ought not to figure in the same category as ordinary holidays for workers. At any rate, tine grocery trade has fairly widely decided to risk a. prosecution and open for business on Monday, hoping in the ultimate result to counter any legal action by allowing an equivalent day to be added to the employees’ period of. annual leave. The observance, however, is really in memory of those Dominion soldiers who, . from “down under” have now in two world wars gone forth to defend the realm and the freedom for which it is proud to stand. But there is more than gratitude commemorated. That fact is demonstrated in the official Anzac Day message which the Australians have sent us through their High Commissioner, drawing attention to the fact that what the Anzacs strove for was a just peace, as also to the fact that such a peace has not yet been attained despite the result of the late war. If, therefore, the observances this year will give Anzac Day any fresh meaning’, the reason must be that the times place particular importance upon the example of the men of Anzac. Such is doubtless the true interpretation of. the action which the South African War Veterans’ Association are taking in asking that the Government restore military training. If New Zealand is yet distant from the centre of gravity, it is less so than formerly, considering new means of warfare, and in any case has a greater responsibility than ever to co-operate in the defence of liberty, which is as much in danger to-day as it ever was. The Government has recently defined a fairly comprehensive policy of defence, with the setting up of a scientific body to assist in view of new risks, while additional naval vessels are en route, and the Air Force as well as the Navy is to be strengthened to the extent that the country can afford. It is in respect of the manning of all arms that the veterans are now anxious. Their attitude can be reckoned not only disinterested and patriotic, but farsighted. Recruiting alike for the air and sea arms should be given a greater impetus, and the Defence Department will find a welcome for a progressive policy of training youth for the Army so soon as this begins to be implemented. In no direction can the verbal or diplomatic processes point to an amicable settlement of differences and rivalries. Mutual charges of aggressive intentions are more evident than agreements. Delay of preparedness has in the past meant costly military sacrifices for the nations which stand for democracy. The greatest of these to-day 'are not disposed to run the same risks again. But defence means that it must be integrated with a new. generation. Admittedly there are those who fear that preparedness for defence becomes a predisposition for warfare, and that no people to-day is anxious for warfare. On the other hand, if history is any guide, a lack of defence capacity

lias provoked attack from powerful forces oftener than ability to meet attack. The question is not one of party. The whole community needs to realise its responsibility. That is the significance of Anzac Day, and if the public mind fully appreciates this, the effect must be to assist and encourage the Government in preparing for any emergency.