DISTRICT SERVICES

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 26 April 1933, Page 6

DISTRICT SERVICES

ASSEMBLY AT MANAIA TOWN HALL CROWDED. CEREMONY IN OCTAGON. The largest gathering known at an .Anzac- commemoration in Manaia assembled yesterday afternoon, when a sea-vice was conducted in the Town Hall and later in the Octagon. A procession formed up in the town centre and marched to the Town Hall for the service. There were three bands—Auroa school fife and drum, Manaia Municipal umler Mr, j. A. G. Cosgrove, and Au'rOa Pipe Band under Pipe-Major J. C. Duff. There were also war veterans and ex-service men, eighty in number, from Manaia, Otakeho, Auroa, Hawera and Eltham; Girl Guides under Captain Bridge; Scouts and Cubs under Cubmaster Davis and Assistant-Master Bennett; Legionaries under Lieut A. E. Langley; and the children of Manaia school under the masters, Messrs Browning, Sherson and Garner. Major L. M. Eairbrother was in charge of the parade, and there were present also Colonel C. N. Vickridge, Dominion Commandant of the Legion of ’ Frontiersmen, Captain A. Hastie,

of the Queen Alexandra Mounteds, and Mrs. John Houston, Girl Guide Commissioner for Taranaki.

After the singing of the National Anthem, the chairman of the Town Board (Mr. L. C. Harrison) expressed pleasure to see such a large and representative gathering. He said it was good for alt to have a remembrance of Anzac, and urged that parents should pass on to- their children a knowledge of the- glorious deeds of their ancestors.

The Rev. H. Cottom, who delivered 1 the address, said that lie considered it ! a privilege to be asked to speak on 1 such an historic -occasion and offered a cordial welcome to all present, especially the young people and the exservice men. He said it was good for ; the people to unite in a simple sacred ■ service in memory of those who fell in ' the war, and also to think of those who were wounded He felt sure that all who served would recall their comrades, as they thought of scenes of other days, and that' mothers and wives would often see in imagination the well-loved faces of the men who left and did not return tq them. “They are gone,” he said, “but not forgotten. To-day we pause and stop all our ordinary business to pay. a tribute of respect to the noble dead. We recall the men and honour their deeds and recognise what their sacri-

fice meant. Let us honour the dead ‘Lest we forget.’ We may indeed forget unless we make an effort to recall their, deeds and all they meant to us. We may revive old sorrows, but this should be a consolation to us all, to fill up the blanks, in our lives. They did not die in vain, and now they walk in a cloud of glory. “The boys and girls,” he said, “must be taught what all this sacrifice means and the debt we owe to these men.” He recalled an interesting Story Of a war orphan who became a scout and realised that he must give for the sake of others, just as his father had done. Mr. Cottom referred t-o the way in which the New Zealanders, though they came straight from farm or business or trade, showed a marvellous military power and fitness and mh'cte a record unsurpassed in history. They made not. only military prowess, but a spirit that was a great factor in the result of. the great' struggle for freedom. “Their , spirit,” he said in conclusion, “ik still with us, but there is a clear call needed ,to recapture that spirit of service so essential in these days as in the. days of the war. For,” he’ added, “.there is still a state of war and a real sympathy and brotherly spirit among, the nations and a faith in the w-orid and the people are needed, and. above all, an earnest faith in God. May He show us all the* way to a spirit of service among all nations and co-operation among all peoples.” The Scripture reading was from Revelation vii, by the Rev. C. W. Solomon, and prayer by the Rev. R. Miller. The latter also sang at the end of the service the solo “Requiem,” and the Benediction concluded the service. A combined choir from all the churches led the singing of the liyhum and the National Anthem. The hymns sung were, “0 1 -God our help,’’ “Jesu, lover -of my soul,” “God of our fathers,” and “For all the saints.” The procession re-formed, and, . headed by the Auroa school boys with fife and. drum, marched to the monument, where wreaths had been laid. Among the wreaths placed on the monument were those from the Kapuni school junior Red. Cross, Manaia school, Manaia W.D.F.U., Manaia R.S.A., Manaia Cub pack and Girl Guides. The Manaia Band played “Abide with me” and. “Memoria in aeterna,” composed bv Mr. Joseph Cosgrove. After a minute. silence Mr. J. A. G. . Cosgrove sounded the “Last Post,” and a “Lament” played by Pipers .J. and H. Lines, -of the Aiiroa Band, concluded a very impressive ceremony. At the conclusion of the - afternoon tea served by the ladies', Mr. L. A. Walters, president of the Manaia branch of the R.S.A., expressed thanks to the ladies, to the three bands, the Guides and Cubs, arid all others who had in any way taken part in the function.

Major Fairbrbther expressed • his pleasure afc . -beihg . present and being able to assist in such a historic gathering. Mr. A. G. Bennett, who was formerly president of the old Patriotic Society, added a, tribute to ..the. many residents of town and ..district who had co-operated in the gathering, and expressed the hope that . parents , would hand on to. their, children a reverence for the deeds of the men who had gone to serve for tne sake of their country. ...

Mr. M. B. Jones,, of, Hawera, president of the South Taranaki Returned Soldiers’ Association, said that, mem r bers of the association were pleased to visit Manaia to reciprocate the help given by members from Manaia. He said he was pleased to record that there was an increase in membership, which proved that the returned men were getting together. He -added a tribute from the Hawera men to the ladies for showing such kindly hospitality.

OBSERVANCE AT ELTHAM

PARADE AND UNITED SERVICE. IMPRESSIVE SIMPLICITY. Impressive simplicity characterised the observance or Anzac Day at Eltham. Returned soldiers, volunteers and scouts assembled at the school memorial gates, where tributes were paid to the fallen. The gathering, Beaded by the Pipe Band, and including the Eltham Brass Band, the Salvation Army Band and the Boys’ Band, then paraded to the Town Hall, where a united service was held. The Mayor of Elth am OMr I. J. Bridger), who- presided, expresed his appreciation of such a large gathering in remembrance of the awful conflict and to honour those who sacrificed themselves so willingly. Ho was indeed pleased to see so many returned soldiers present. The service opened with the hymn “O God our Help in Ages Past,” followed by a prayer by the Rev. T. Coats worth and the selection “Garland of Flowers,” rendered by tlio Eltham Brass Band. A Scripture reading was given by Adjutant LI. J. Parkinson, after which Piper J. Hamilton played the lament “Lochaber No More.” The address was given by Major A. Perry. It hardly seemed like 18 years since the Anzac forces made their gallant stand, he said. The word Anzac meant a great deal. It meant a call to duty all over this land, and thousands fell in and took the oath of loyalty to King and country. Many sad farewells were said, hut with bravery, . cheerfulness and courage. Even amid the heat and nests of the torturing desert or in • front of the enemy’s guns there was that same

cheerfulness and bravery. The speaker referred to the importance of the event of taking Palestine by British forces under Lord Allenby. This had been foretold in the Bible, where it was stated that all would enter Jerusalem with lilies unbroken. This actually happened; the city was taken and handed over to its rightful owners. Allenby was so impressed with his sacred mission that he entered the gates bareheaded. Major Perry wished there was more of that spirit of cheerfulness 1 to-day. The Red Cross nurses, too, were imbued with the same spirit and were of the same typo as their soldier brothers. It was the obedience, loyalty and braveheartedness and to hold the enemy that caused the King to -say of the “Anzacs” that they were amongst the best of the Empire’s fighters. The speaker touched -on the value of the Bible during the fearful days of the war. It was, he said, the mostused book on the battlefield, and a copy was carried in the breast pocket of every -Soldier. He instanced its comforting value in the closing hours of Founded -soldiers’ lives and referred to the fervid religious services that had been held behind the lines. Each Sunday marquees had been crowded with men singing popular hymns. He hope that the people, of to-day would live and conduct, themselves - in a manner worthy of the sacrifice that had been rriad'e. Mr S. E.. Carson impressively sang “Crossing the Bar,” which was followed by the observance of one mmute’-s silence and tlie sounding of the Last Post by Bandsman H. Drabble. The pronouncement of the Benediction -by the Rev. J. A. By-burn and the singing of the National Anthem brought the service to a close. Subsequently returned soldiers and their wives •were entertained at afternoon tea, dispensed by members of tbe Women’s Institute.

SERVICE AT PATEA

REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY. PROCESSION TO MEMORIAL GATES. A combined- service was held in the Patea Town Hall yesterday morning, the Mayor (Mr F. Ramsbottom) presiding. Later there was a large and representative proceessiou to the memorial gates at the domain, where wreaths were placed by many, of the followers. The service concluded with the sounding of “The Last Post” and a final hymn. The service opened with the National Anthem, the Patea Band providing the music, and the chairman briefly set forth Hie purpose of the gathering. Captain M., Carey, of the Salvation Army, offered a prayer and the Rev. W. 11. Vyalton read the lesson. A brief address- was given by the new Methodist minister, the Rev. Mr Wilson. He stressed the sterling work of the early pioneers in making New Zealand an attractive country to live in. It was due to them that New JZealand was able to do its -share in the Great War and particularly at Gallipoli. “It was the greatest day in the history of New Zealand when these men -landed upon those inhospitable shores,” said the speaker. And so it was fitting that the anniversary of such a day should he kept apart. It had two great lessons to teach; first, that nothing was too high to he atempted, and secondly, that * nothing was too precious to give for liberty. Too many people were forgetting, these truths to-day and hence exploitation of man by man and a shirking of lesponsibilities. The undying example of Anzac wa-s to put love in place of hate and so establish harmony where formerly was discord. After the address Miss- Marion Hamer ton sang a -solo, “Land of Hope and Glory,” with Miss- J. Sheild at the piano. The Benediction was pronounced by the Rev. A. W. Smaile. The Patea Band headed the procession to the Domain, followed ihy the South African veterans and a large narade of ex-servicemen, a unit of the Q.A.M.R. machine-gun section under Lieut. L. _ Honevfield, followed by Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Brownies. Mr P. S. Finlayson was in charge of the parade.

OPUNAKE PARADE

SERVICE AT NEW THEATRE. WREATHS LAID AT MEMORIAL. Instead of holding the service in the evening as in previous years Opunake remembered Anzac Day with a parade and a. service in the morning. Assembling ait the school at IQ a.m. the parade presented an imposing spectaoVs. it was led by the Opunake Federal (Band under Conductor R. Henderson and Drum-Major G. Short. Then followed Messrs T. P. Hughson and C. N. Thayer (town clerk), representing the Town, Board, and carrying a beautiful wreath,' “In Remembrance,’’ the returned soldiers numbering over 50, under the leadership of Lieut. L. H. Des Forges, with Captain T. N, Watt and Lieut. G. O. Edmonds carrying another beautiful wreath, “Lest We .Forget.” There was a good muster in uniform of the newly-formed Opunake troop B Squadron, Q.A.M.R., under SergeantMajor Bell, who were making their first public parade. The Opunake Girl Guides under Mrs T. N. Watt. District Commissioner, Guides Jean Hughson, Nancy Watt and K. McKenzie carrying a wreath, and the school children under Messrs W. H. Burgess and Oaigouj also mustered in full strength. • The parade marched to the Cenotaph overlooking Opunake Bay. Here four soldiers stood with reversed arms ancl bowed heads, whilst the representatives of the various organisations added their floral tributes to the large number already there.

The New Theatre was well filled. In the absence of the chairman, Mr. A. J. Brennan, from whom an apology was read, Mr. T. J. Hughson presided. There were also on the stage the Revs. A. J. Fntrnell ('Anglican), A. Penn (Methodist) and S. J. Webb (Presbyterian). Mr. Parnell led the prayers and Mr. Penn read the lessons, the special hymns being accompanied by the Opunake Federal Band, Which also played the “Land of H!oi>o and Glory” during the offertory, which is to be given to the Returned Soldiers’ Association.

In his address Mr. Webb said that to “hold aloft the torch’’ called for something mare fervent than the feeble flickering of one brief hour each year. In the multiplicity of societies and orders philosophical, economical and political!, there was badly needed a spiritual league which might arise from the present service. In their honest desire to give credit where credit was

due they -should be consistent and truehearted enough to ascriioe due honour and reverence to One who was often remembered at the battle-front. Could not the people of to-day ihe made to see that they were only a dominant rape free and unshackled as they acknowledged God? he asked, in conclusion. The iba-nd played “The Garland of Flowers,” followed by the “Last Post” and the “Reveille.” which were sounded by Bandsman 0. Humphries.

ADDRESS AT MEREMERE

DEEDS OF HEROISM. COMMEMORATED. <* In the afternoon a service on somewhat similar lines to- that conducted at the Hawera, Opera- House in the morning was held at Mereanere. The weather was fine, hut a- cold wind was perhaps responsible for the slightly smaller attendance than in previous years. An addres-s on the significance of the occasion was given by the Rev. John Ings, who said that April 25, 1915, was “red letter” day in the history of New Zealand and Australia. This day, on (both, sides of the Tasman Sea, people in cities l and in townships gather to commemorate- the deeds of heroism performed by the “Aaizaos.” The task allotted to the Anzacs was one of the most formidable 1 in the annals of war. The speaker outlined the moral issues and laid -stress upon the' moral! factors in the conflict. Incidentally, the -great part -played by the ruler of Afghanistan, Amir Habibullhb, who- restrained his Maho-mmedan subjects -from aiding; and assisting the Turks was- me-ntioned. Sir Hamilton Grant had left it on record that the Aimir, who wa,s murdered a short time after the Armistice, “was a martyr to his own good -faith in us.” The speaker referred to the King’s wonderful restraining influence upon his Mahomlodan -subjects in India. His character and personal charm and his high sense of duty, appealed powerfully to them. Not only did they refrain from making the task at Gallipoli more difficult, 'but -stood shoulder to shoulder in tbe conflict. In conclusion, the speaker urged one and all to remember what wa-s owing to those who gave so much. The chairman Was Mr. T. J. Hurrell, of Hawera. Hymns in which the com gregation joined in unison, wore “For All the Saints,”. “O 1 God, o ; ur Help in Ages Past,” ancl “Lead Kindly Light.”. The National Anthem also wa-s suing. Prayers and isdriptures were read by the Rev. H. Curran and the Benediction was p-rononncecl by the Re-v B. Melison. Concluding the -service, “Th’a Last Post’ ancl “Reveille” were sounded bv Mr. H. C. A. Fox, conductor -o-f tlhe Hawera Municipal Baud. The band also attended the service and rendered incidental music. Wreaths were laid -on the memorial in the -school grounds by Beverly Forman and Mary Mid Naught, on behalf of the -senior devision of the school, by Betty Wi'llilaims -ancl Rovee Dun-lop, on behalf of tbe junior division and by several residents -o-f the district.

Afternoon tea wa-s provided, by the ladies and thanks were -returned on behalf of the -visitors from Hawera by Messrs lugs and Curran. Mr. G. W. Williams in turn thanked the band and the visiting clergymen for their attendance -ancl expressed appreciation of the opportunity thus afforded the residents of attending a service in their own district-.

KAPONGA’S COMMEMORATION SERVICE IN TOWN HALL. A combined -service was held in the Kapongai Town Hall yesterday afternoon, there being a very large public attendance. Mr. R. A. Law, deputychairman of the Tow n Board, presided. The officiating ministers were the Rev. J. Rl. Nelson and the Rev. A. J. Fnrnell, while singing wa-s led by Air. J. W. Nelso-n. An -address was given by tiie Rev. Farnell. Girl Guides, Brownies and members of the public la-id wreaths -at the cenotaph and after the ceremony the Guides and Brownies proceeded to the Kaponga cemete-ry, where wreaths were la-id on the graves of ex-servicemen.

MEMORY EVER GREEN

GRAVES ADORNED WITH FLOWERS. I SERVICE AT HAWERA CEMETERY At the Hawera cemetery yesterday afternoon members of the Hawera Junior National Reserve, assisted by • senior members under the leadership of Mrs E. Frisk, performed a simple ceremony—the adornment of all the soldiers’ graves (109 in number) with flowers, a work that Mrs Frisk lias carried out during the past 17 years. The senior reservists were Mesdameu Old and Phillips and Misses A'. Baliantine and Joyce Dix, and the juniors, led by Mrs A. P. Rue, included Misses N. Gray, Nancy Evans, Sybil Collier, A. Monaghan, Jean Stevenson, Isobei Cruickshank, Mavis Collin a, Margaret Stove,nison, Jocelyn Pearce, Joyce Sloan, Gwen Marshall-, Gloria Sloan and Nancy Marshall. Another duty performed regularly throughout the year is the placing of fresh flowers on the Memorial Arch in Princes Street—a- task that is undertaken by Mrs T. C. Hobbs.

CELEBRATION AT SYDNEY

THOUSANDS TAKE PART IN MARCH. NEW ZEALANDERS INCLUDED (United Pi ess Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) SYDNEY, April 25.. The Anzac Day commemoration 'began at dawn when under grey clouds ,and cold, drizzling train several thou--1 sand people gathered at the Centotaph in Martin Place fronting the general post office. The Governor of New South Wales, Sir Philip Game, the Prime Minister, Mr. B. S. B. Stevens and the Federal Minister of Health, Major Maw, headed the march, which was led by the Australian Legion. The Governor deposited a wreath from the Legion, and a- brief religious service followed. As the people slowly filed past the cenotaph many of them laid wreaths. The main .spectacular ooimenioration was witnessed when fifteen to twenty thousand ex-servicemen began to march through the city past the cenotaph to the Domain, where a united religious service took place. Ex-naval men headed the procession, followed by tlie Light Horse, New Zealanders and detachments, lainge and small, of all tlio various Australian army units, South African veterans, “old contemptibles,”

with the Governor marching in the van, Canadian and veterans ol other campaigns. The streets wrire lined with many tliouisajnids of people, and a great conoaurso pairtieipated in the service at the Domain, which was attended by the Governor-General and leading .public men and officials. After wards there were other .brief services at the Cenotaph, including one in which New Zealand soldiers placed a wreath on the memorial', and a wreath was placed on the monument on behalf of the New Zealand Government. Commemoration services were also held in suburban and country centres. Almost at the moment the notes of the Reveille were sounding as day buake at the Cenotaph three ex-soldiers died in the Rjaaidwick military hospital. Simple but impressive .services in the cold .starlight marked the Anzac commemorations in Melbourne early this morning.

TRIBUTES JN CITIES HUGE CROWDS ASSEMBLE. GATHERINGS AT MEMORIALS. The Press Association reports that Anzac Day services were held at Wellington in cold southerly weather, which interfered with a full attendance. A parade of returned .soldiers, volunteers and frontiersmen marched behind the Port Nicholson and Pipe Bands 1 . to the Citizens 1 War Afemorial on Lambton Quay, where wreaths were placed. Naval men, cadets, scouts and guides were also present. The weather improved in the afternoon, when ex-servicemen assembled at the Basin Reserve, where a memorial service was conducted, the Requiem being played on the carillon . The units' afterwards marched through the .streets' to the Citizens’ Memorial. A next-of-kin service was held in the Town Hall. Impressive Anzac Day services were conducted in Dunedin city churches and in Queen’s Gardens.. A parade of army and navy services at the Cenotaph was watched hy a huge crowd. The principal speaker at Outram was Mr W. Downie Stewart. Anzac Day fat Wanganui was marked by a- Maori service at the Moutoa memorial in the morning, at_ which the principal speaker was Canon Williams, and by a combined .service and veterans’ parade in the afternoon at Cook’s Gardens, at which there was an attendance of 10,000. The speaker in the afternoon was Major-General Sir Andrew Russell. Impressive Anzac services were hold in Westport churches. A . .service m the Theatre Royal in the afternoon was conducted by the Ministers’ Association, a* also was a ..subseauent .service nfc the Gates of Remembrance at Victoria Square. ’Hie weather was beautifully fine. Anzac Day was celebrated at Christchurch in overcast, .showery weather. The parade of returned soldiers and volunteers was approximately equal to that of last year. About 1000 returned men paraded. A wreath was laid on the Bridge of Remembrance and other wreaths were placed at the Cathedral. At a special service at King Edward Rarracks an address was delivered by Colonel Hargest. Impressive. Anzac'Day .services were held at Auckland anti suhurtis in fine weather. The gathering at the Cenotaph was the largest .since the ceremony ha.s been held there. There was a large procession of ex-soldiers of all branches. Many wreaths were deposited on the Cenotaph.

AT LONDON

ST OLEAJENT DANES OHURIOH. NOTED GENERAL PRESENT LONDON, April 24. . Mri S. M. Dnnoe, An stratian Resident Minister in London, read the lesson and the Rev. G. R.. Bh;rne.tt, formerly Dean of Hamilton, New Zealand, preached the sermon at the Anzao Day sendee at St. Clement Danes Church. A New Zealander, May Meredith, was soloist, and a, Syduev resident, Mr. Arthur Maison, was pianist. The com .ctrqoiation included General Bird wood, •Genova I Sir lan Hamilton and the Age i its-G enera 1. Mr. Brace placed a. wreath on the shrine of the chuirdh as a, remembrance on behalf of the Commonwealth. Mr. Hal Will hums noted similarly on behalf of ; New 1 Zealand, owing to Sir Thomas Wiilford’is absence at 'Geneva. Alt onwards, in the presence of representatives 'O.p the British and French army and navy. General Sir Tan Hamilton placed a, wreath on the Cenotaph on behalf of the Empire Service League. Wreaths were also deposited by Mr S. M. Brace on behalf of the Commonwealth, Lt.-General Sir Cecil Bonier on behalf of the War Office, Colonel E. F. LoiSOSlles on behalf of New Zealand, and Airs.. Hal Williams on behalf of the Auckland branch of the Mothers’ Union.'. - The day was also commemorated a,t Woking, Harefiel.d and Walton-on-T 1 lames, where wreaths were placed on the graves of Australians and New Zea-i landers. ’