CITIZENS REMEMBER

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 96, 26 April 1939, Page 3

CITIZENS REMEMBER

Service at Soldiers’ Memorial

The customary Anzac Day memorial service was held yesterday morning at the Feilding soldiers’ memorial, the Mayor, Mr. T. L. Seddon, presiding. The address was delivered by Rev. B. F. Carlisle, who drew attention to the danger amidst the present international situation, of the sacrifices of the Great War having been made for nought. Thero was a fair attendance of the public and returned soldiers, while pupils of the High School paraded. The Salvation Army Band led the singing of tho hymns “O God Our Help in Ages Past” and Kipling’s “Recessional.” Rev. J. H. Allen led the prayer and Major H. M. Brown read Scripture verses. The ceremony concluded with the laying of an official wreath at the base of the memorial by the Mayor, the sounding of the “Last Post” and the National Anthem. Tho Benediction was pronounced by Rev. A. L. Dixon. Rev. Carlisle, in his address, recalled that beforo many days had gone by, a quarter of a century will have elapsed sinco the outbreak of the Great War. There were many living who still had memories of the years 1914-1 S which were ghastly, grim and terrible. They wero years not easily effaced and full of tragedy, and yesterday the peoplo of New Zealand were assembling to honour the gallant men and boy a who hud laid down their lives for King, country and their fellow men. No human tongue could adequately portray the gallantry and heroism of those men who, in the face of suffering indescribable, went to their death with smiles of courage on their lips and songs of victory in their hearts. British freedom and liberty today was due in great measure to their sacrifices; the glory of what they did was seen in our unfettered freedom today.

Rev. Carlisle then drew attention to the possibility that the permanent value of those sacrifices being lost. The purpost of the Great War was said to end war; to wipe from the face of the earth aggression on freedom and safety. Yet had that been done? Was our freedom as safe as we imagined it to be? There was cause to doubt it when one looked at the international situation. Sometimes one was inclined to think that the war fought to end war was not fought for that purpose. The spirit of hate, destruction and antagonism was abroad rather than the spirit of peace, love and brotherhood. Could it be that the soldiers of 1914-18 died In vain and that their sacrifices would be for nought? Was there no solution for tho ills of the world? He thought there was. He thought of the Greater Sacrifice—greater because it was bought at infinite cost. Only universal acceptance ot that Greater Sacrifice for the sins of the world would save us from another 1914 and another Anzac Day. The passing of the years had not effaced the memory of the years 1914-18. The men who fell were honoured to-day, their names enshrined amongst the heroes of the ages, and their deeds given a place amongst tho noblest of the noble. Let everyone acknowledge their sacrifices and appropriate their worth to one’s heart. DEAD BEST HONOURED BY WORKING FOR PEACE Canon Watson, missioner of the Wellington Diocese, who was the principal speaker at yesterday’s Anzac services in Feilding, urged his congregation in St. John’s Anglican Church to work for peace. The fallen soldiers whose memory the gathering had assembled to honour had sacrificed their lives for peace, and moro than merely gathering together everyone should become dedicated to strive for peace. “During the Great War wo said it only we could finish this thing, nobody would be so mad as to enter upon another war. But alas, science had continued to advance and unless the deathdealing machinery invented was got rid of and men aimed at peace instead of war, civilisation must perish. Throughout the years since the Armistice was

signed, there had been wars—bitter and cruel wars, and some people were inclined to believe that wars were inevitable; that man was a natural fighter. “I want to protest against that teaching,” said the Canon. “Peace is not easy but it is not impossible,” he declared. “Some thinkers believe that racial problems are the primo cause of wars. Children, you will note, are free from race and colour prejudice, and they are as happy with a dark skinned nurse as with a white nurse. They go to school and play with dark children quite happily. This goes to prove that racial prejudice is not natural but is imposed upon them by their eiders. Even when prejudice has developed it can be overcome. Docs it not disappear in a crisis? Nobody worries about nationality when volunteers are required to meet and face a common danger. Courage and self-sacrifice are things which make for peace. Jesus of Nazareth is the Prince of Peace and He has said ‘Blessed are the peacemakers .’ As Christians and children of God it was our natural duty to bo peacemakers. By justice, fairplay, love, understanding sympathy, and self-sacri-fice peaceful conditions were possible.” The Feilding Ladies’ Anzac Day Luncheon Committee provided luncheon for the R.S.A. members and thanks wero expressed for their services given so generously every year. Last evening a concert was held in the Tivoli Theatre.

The dancing community will be assured of a pleasant outing to-night at tho wind-up dance of tho Halcombc Tennis Club.