Observance of Anzac Day

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 74, 28 March 1936, Page 5

Observance of Anzac Day

GROWING DEMAND FOR CHANGE Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. The question whether some change should be made in the customary observance of Anzae Day as a Sabbath has been considered by the executive of the Auckland Returned Soldiers’ Association. It has been brought to their notice that a section of the community desires some modification in tho observance of that day, and with a view to ascertaining the opinion not only of nearly 4000 members of the association but also of all ex-service-men in Auckland, the executive has arranged for a plebiscite to be taken on tho subject by means of a postal ballot.

The questions to be submitted arc: (1) Arc you in favor- of strict observance of Anzac Day as at present?; (2) Arc you in favo-r of holding all ceremonies in the morning, closing at 1 p.m.? The result of the ballot will not bo known until after April 17.

The executive of the Auckland Returned Soldiers’ Association realises that, as the Great War becomes more distant in time, there is a tendency for the vital lessons then learned to be forgotten and, furthermore, that there is a new generation which knew not war. It is these influences which are creating a desire for relaxed observance of the national day of memory. While the association regrets that there is a growing demand for a change, they fully recognise that they have no right to interfere with the liberties of others and that each should be free to observe Anzac Day as he thinks fit.