DAY OF MEMORIES

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 96, 26 April 1939, Page 2

DAY OF MEMORIES

Impressive Anzac Service in Pahiatua

NEED FOE PREPAREDNESS Yesterday afternoon at 2.15 p.m. a citizens 1 memorial service was held in the King’s Theatre, Pahiatua. The chairman was the Mayor, Mr. S. K. Siddells, who in his introductory remarks said that 24 years ago that day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps forced a landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Facing fearful odds, performing deeds of heroism, fighting with skill, courage and tenacity, these brave men and their deeds so impressed the whole world that that day, the 25th day of April, had been sot aside throughout the whole British Empire to perpetuato the memory of those Australians, and New Zealanders who gave their lives so freely and so bravely in order that the great British Empire might remain free.

“The present foreign situation undoubtedly calls for calm thinking and cool action,” ho continued. “The lessons of Anzac, with the passing of years, are apt to be forgotten. While not wishing to be pessimistic I can only reflect that none can say when once more the whole world may be east into a cataclysm never dreamed of before.

“Two mottoes strike me as very applicable to-day. General Baden-Powell has given the British Empire the greatest motto, although until recently we have never realised it. —‘Be Prepared* —-and what a splendid movement he started. One could only wish that the Scouts could follow on their service with senior cadets and Territorial units. But that may yet come. Again Rotarians in every country in the world take a pledge in joining to give ‘Service before self. ’ How few of us are true Rotarians in times of peace, and yet if war broke out to-morrow, I feel sure every one of us would band together to work for our country’s safety.

“During the last year or so the New Zealand Defence League has been endeavouring in vain to awaken New Zealand to the present danger. Only last week, delegates from as far away as England had arrived in Wellington to attend the Pacific Defence Conference. We returned soldiers are alive to the situation and have already volunteered for service. But a new generation has grown up and times and the very atmosphere of home life are very much different to-day from that of 1914. The lesson of Anzac to-day requires greater teaching than ever. I earnestly appeal to every citizen young and old to adopt these two mottoes ‘Be Prepared’ and ‘Service Before Self.' “Boy Scouts we have; I understand Girl Guides are shortly to be established, while an attempt is to be made to organise a Territorial platoon for Pahiatua. On Thursday week, May 4, a public meeting will be called at the borough council chambers under the auspices of the Red Cross Society to organise instructional classes in first aid and other interesting things. It is necessary that those of us who understand the seriousness of the situation to-day should endeavour to impress upon those that have not bothered to think, the real lesson of Anzac. If we are genuine in our memories to-day, then surely the present foreign outlook should make every single one of us do his or her part to ensure that the inheritance of freedom the Anzacs handed on to us, at the price of so many valuable lives, is well protected and handed on by us safe and secure. And so we meet to-day in all reverence and respect praying that Anzac Day will forever b but a day of memories of 1915.

“May I now extend on your behalf our thanks to tho Returned Soldiers Association and the Ministers’ Association for organising this splendid gathering. To Mr. Hamilton and his choir we also extend our appreciation of their services.”

Rev. W. E. Moore announced the wellknown Hymn “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past.” Prayers of confession, remembrance and supplication were conducted by Captain J. C. Allott, of the Salvation Army, followed by a hymn, “God of Our Fathers Known of Old.” Mr. A. W. Hamilton read tho lesson and afterwards conducted the united choir in the anthem “The Radiant Morn.’’ The hymn “Almighty Father, Who Dost Give,” was followed by an address by Rev. A. A. Armstrong. In conclusion the hymn, “O Valiant Hearts, Who to You Glory Come,” was sung.

After the National Anthem and Benediction the service adjourned to the war memorial in tho Main Street. Returned Soldiers led by their president, Mr. A P. Jenscu, paraded and beautiful wreaths were laid about the column in the Square. After tho “Last Post” had been sounded, heads were bowed in silent prayer. The “Revellio” brought the service to a close.

KING’S THEATRE PAHIATUA. TO-NIGHT & TO-MORROW at 8 P.M. Mr. Paid Muni (Brilliant Star of “The Good Earth” and “The Life of Emile Zola”) In Warner Bros.’ ‘THE STORY OF LOUIS PASTEUR.’ (Approved for Universal Exhibition.) The thrilling life story of the world famous French scientist.