ANZAC MEMORIAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 307, 24 November 1934, Page 8

ANZAC MEMORIAL.

OPENED AT SYDNEY. Received November 24, 1.20 p.m. SYDNEY, Nov. 24. The opening ceremony of Sydney’s Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park was performed by Prince Henry at mid-day to-day. The memorial is a magnificent edifice. From a coloured marble base, pure white granite walls rise to a dome of thousands of golden stars. Four alcoves break the circle of the walls, inscriptions in them telling the stories of the battles on every front. High up, four friezes contain simple groups of sailors, soldiers, airmen, and nurses. One looks down over a marble balustrade to the “WelL of Sacrifice,” where stands the bronze group which is the motif of the memorial. Bronze flames of sacrifice are inlaid in the centre of the room. From them rise bronze plinths on which stand figures of three women (one carrying a babe), who hold on their heads' and upturned hands the supine figure of a naked warrior lying on a shield, his arms outstretched along a sword beneath his neck. Outside, in the “Pool of Reflection,” the monument is transfigured into a shimmering and dancing thing of shadowy, elusive beauty. The dedication service was simple and impressive. Some 25,000 ex-service-men in mufti marched to the memorial, where a vast crowd gathered. In the ranks of the ex-servicemen were representatives of other States, the Dominions, and the Allies. Near the van of the procession paraded a detachment of New Zealanders headed by Hon. J. G. Coates, who was accompanied by Mr W. P. Endean. Arriving at the memorial, Prince Henry inspected the guards of honour representing the naval, air, and military forces. The solemn service commenced with the hymn “0 God Our Help In Ages Past,” which was followed by a prayer offered by the senior chaplain of the forces. Prince Henry then declared the memorial open, after which Archbishop Mowll offered the prayer of dedication. The Recessional was followed by the Benediction by Archbishop Mowll. After the Last Post had been sounded there was one minute’s silence, followed by the Reveille and the National Antliem.