ANZAC DAY.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 14189, 25 April 1919, Page 5

ANZAC DAY.

LOCAL CELEBRATIONS. * Four years have passed away since Hio Aiew Zealand and Australian troops created for themselves, in the landing on Gallipoli, the name which will stand for all time as an emblem of high courage in the face of fearful odds —the Anzacs. Wo should indeed be ungrateful to our heroic soldiers, if we ever allowed ourselves to forget their noble sacrifices on that occasion. To-day is the anniversary of the first great fight in which so many of our men cheerfully and gloriously laid down ' their lives for their country and humanity. In all parts of the country, the day is to be celebrated as a whole-holiday, but the day should not be allowed to develop into something representing a more respite from work. We should bear in mind always the sacrifices which our men made for us all, and have a due regard for the solemnity of the occasion.

It will not bo possible to hold a procession in Palmerston this year owmg to the absence of senior cadets and territorials, and the day will be celebrated quietly. At seven o ’clock in the morning there will be a celebration of the Holy Communion at All Saints’ church in special commemoration of those who have fallen in the war. In the evening the Returned Soldiers’ Association will hold their annual reunion at the Empire Hall, commencing at S p.m. This function will preclude the possibility of arranging any civic function for the returned men on that night. Memorial services will be held this evening at the Congregational church and Salvation Army hall, Broad Street, particulars of which are advertised. The following appeal has been issued by the Acting Prime Minister: “The Government has decided . that April 25th, Anzac Day, should be observed by the Government departments as a close holiday. In order that the general public may suitably recognise the memorable occasion I should be glad if the Mayors and heads of local authorities concerned will arrange for tho day to be observed as a holiday.”