COMMEMORATED IN SHANNON.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 28 April 1931, Page 3

COMMEMORATED IN SHANNON.

Anzac Day was fittingly commemorated in Shannon on Saturday when a memorial service was held in the Druids ’ Hall in the presence of a large gathering of the public. Prior to the service, Dr. S. J. Thompson, of Levin, addressed the school children at the school, briefly relating how the troops loft these shores

in 1914 and after intensive training in Egypt made the memorable landing at Anzac Cave, giving a brief summary of the events of the landing. The heroic deeds performed by those who took part would resound the world over for all time. He explained the meaning of the word “ Anzac/ ’ showing how it stood particularly for all New Zealanders and Australians who took part in the landing or laid down their lives and how in a wider sense, Anzac Day was a day of remembrance for all who made the great sacrifice in all fronts. He impressed upon the children to emulate those men and live, up to the deeds done at that time. “Try and rub. straight and do the honest thing,” was liis advice, and if they did it honestly then they would rank as earnest citizens of their country. At the conclusion of the address the school children, in charge of their teachers, together with the returned soldiers, South African war veterans, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts marched through the township to the Cenotaph, where on arrival a large number of beautiful wreaths were laid as a tribute to those who died fighting for the welfare of the nation. Th e procession

then proceeded to the Druids’ Hall. On the platform at the hall were Dr. Thompson (Levin), Rev. G. Young, Rev. Williamson, Mr L. J. Mark and Mr G. Hemmingsen. Owing to indisposition His Worship the Mayor (Mr E. Butt) was unable to be present. The service opened with the hymn, “O God, our Help in Ages Past,” after which a prayer and the Lord’s Prayer was offered by the Rev. G. Young, this being followed by a scriptural reading by Rev. Mr Williamson. Dr. Thompson (Levin R.S.A.) then delivered an address. He thought the spirit of Anzac Day could not be better conveyed than in the words of Kipling’s well known hymn, “Lest We Forget.” This day, h e said, had been set apart as a day to commemorate the mqmory of all who took part in the memorable events of the landing. It was now sixteen long years ago since the first Anzacs, a small force of New Zealanders and Australians, landed on Anzaes and made the meaning of Anzae resound all over the world. It was not only in memory of those men who took part in the Gallipoli campaign but also of all those who served in other war areas. Various criticisms had been levelled at the Dardanelles expedition and its leader, but no such criticism had been levelled at the personnel of the soldiers. The undertaking had been condemned, but it was a great piece of strategy if it could have been carried out as conceived. Much was thrown on General Sir lan Hamilton, but if he had received the two or three divisions from France, probably they would nave got through and the war ended in 1916 or 1917. It had been said that the Anzac services should not be continued as they had a harrowing effect on those who had suffered and lost their dear ones. But the thought that, with the passing of time, the pain and sorrow was dead and there remained quite a thrill of joy for those men who laid down their lives so that those at home could live in peace and comfort. It was left to us to carry on the work they had commenced on the common grounds for peace. In other phases of life we could find means to carry on their noble work. This country was uow going

through a period of financial stress, made worse 'by the earthquake disaster in Hawke’s Bay. We looked on the latter as an enormous loss, but when we considered the number lost in an hour in an offensive at th e war we could see the horrible thing that war was. These horrors which were brought to the mind on Anzae Day were a great aid towards peace, also a reminder to help those who suffered and whom the chief work of the Returned Soldiers’ Association had been to assist. He mentioned those men who had been discharged fit, but who, having gone through four years of hsf?ftship, now felt the strain. The “National Anthem” was then sung, at the conclusion of which all stood and observed two minutes’ silence, the service being brought to a close with the Benediction.