ANZAC REMEMBRANCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 121, 22 April 1932, Page 8

ANZAC REMEMBRANCE

SERVICES IN SCHOOLS. ADDRESS TO HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS. With the commemoration of Anzac Day falling on Monday, services of remembrance were held at a number of Palmerston North schools to-day. This morning addresses were delivered to the pupils at the Girls’ High School and the Technical School. Mrs M. Rhodes presided at the former servioe, where Rev. G. i. Brown led the prayer and addressed the girls, Kipling’s Recessional and the National Anthem being sung. “I think that the time is far past when this day should bo made one for the glorification of physical courage and warlike valour,” stated Mr Brown, “though we are all proud to know that in time of need Now Zealand was not found wanting. I am glad to know that even to-day young manhood, in time of need, grows in its strength.” , , „ , Mr Brown asked what had the Great War dono for them? Thousands .of voung men had had their lives destroyed in the War. To-day there were broken lives and homes of sombre gloom. The war had reduced the nations of the world to sorry financial straits, and the people to bankruptcy and despair. Moral constitution had been undermined by the War. Moral strength had been sapped and moral fibre weakened. One good thing and one only had the Great War done, it had revealed the horrors of the clash of arms and the utter stupidity and futility of war. Force was a very poor argument at any time and was gradually being displaced from one sphere after another. People had to learn to trust each other, and there was a quest for international amity, with Hie outlawry of war. Unless that nere achieved the sacrifices made had been in vain. Another large-scale war would mean the destruction of civilisation. Complete disarmament was the only way to peace and security. was wrong to suggest that the best way to peace was preparation tor tn eventuality of war Goodwill among nations was essential. , Anzac Day afforded an opportunity for stressing the horror and of war, concluded Mr Brown, who urged all to endeavour to create that atmosphere which would cause spears to be turned into reaping hooks and swords into ploughshares. THE TECHNICAL SCHOOL. There was a short service for Technical School pupils this morning in the Congregational Hall. The director (Mr G. G. Hancox) read the 46th Psalm and emphasised the nature of the occasion as a tribute to the mem ory of those who had made the supreme sacrifice, and more especially those who had been old boys of the school, then names being read while the pupil stood in silence. ~ , , Rev J D. McArthur stated that he had selected a few words from the 6th verse of the 4th Chapter of the Book of Joshua as the basis for his remarks. Joshua nad desired that stones should be set up m memory ot an. important page in the history or Israel, and that the people should learn their meaning. Although the reverence and deep feeling ot their elders might not be felt by the younger generation in remembering Anzac Day, said Mr McArthur they should learn its historical significance. War was futile and the nations were still paying the price for it. ‘ What mean ye by these stones ? Anzac called to mind a wonderful event, and if it was to continue to be oh'served as a sacred day, its significance should be clearly understood. It was meaningless as a holiday, but should he'fuH of remembrance as a holy day. Meaning should be put into sorrow. Anzac Day enabled the people to put God more completely into their minds. Ties of common friendship, common ToVe and common interest should bind the world together. The reason for the Anzac service was that death could not stop the_ upward climb of men who believed in God. It was to our shame that we allowed others to be path-finders, then crucified them and subsequently erected monuments To their memory. The meaning of memorial stones was that the nation which shrank from pain died. The facing of pain or death was recorded where there was no forgetfulness. Mr McArthur spoke of tile 1 eroism associated with the landing at the Dardanelles, and the challenge left behind to others to “carry on.” The Anzacs’ sacrifice should not be in vain, and the memorials should be memorials both of remembrance and instruction. The service concluded with the Binging of the National Anthem. PUBLIC COMMEMORATION. SERVICE AT SHOWGROUNDS. There will be a public commemoration service at the Palmerston North Showgrounds on Anzac Day (Monday) at 2.45 p.m., and the speaker will be Major J. Milburn Stewart, of Christchurch, who conducted the principal' part of the service on a former occasion. The service will be held in the Opera House if the weather is unfavourable. Ex-servicemen whether of tho JmSerial, Canadian, Australian or New ealand Forces, will parade on Monday at 2 p.m. in George Street.