Anzac Day Services

Northern Advocate, 26 April 1944, Page 6

Anzac Day Services

Solemn Observance In Whangarei

In the fifth year of another war and 29 years after Australian and New Zealand forces blazed an imperishable name on the scroll of fame, Anzac Day is gaining in significance. Now, with men from both southern links of Empire fighting in all parts of the world, Anzac Day is, to most people a commemoration, not only of the men who gave their lives in the Great War but of those who have fallen in the present conflict. As the years pass and the death roll of the sons of Empire mounts, and the early-anticipated second front in Europe promises to shorten the war, the commemoration of Anzac Day grows nearer to the hearts of the people. So it was in Whangarei yesterday. Heavy driving rain compelled the cancellation of the parade and the outdoor 'service at the Cenotaph but it did not deter the public from attending in great numbers at the Town Hall, the alternative venue for the service. The hall was not sufficiently large to accommodate all who wished to join in the solemn tribute to the dead. The service, over which the Mayor t'Mr W. Jones) presided, was opened by an invocationary prayer by the Rev. S. Clark and the Lord’s Prayer and the audience joined in singing, to the accompaniment of the Salvation Army Band. “O God Our Help in Ages Past.” After a scripture reading and further prayer by Mr Clark the Mayor introduced the speaker for the day, Captain E. R. Elliot, chaplain to the forces Anzac Day unlocked the gates of memory, said Captain Elliot. It not only revived memories sacred and sorrowful. glorious and inspiring, but it had, and must have, a call from Ihe men who had gone to men of today and of tomorrow. Anzac was more than a day—it was the spirit of the people. The day had become a symbol of the spirit of the country, a spirit of dauntless courage, of personal abandonment and careless indifference to personal hurt, of service and sacrifice even unto death.

This was the heritage of the people and in the spirit of Anzac they found most eloquent expression in men such as Flying-Officer Trigg. V.C.. and men of all services who were upholding the traditions of the fighting forces of the Dominion. The national heritage was sacrificial giving, both spiritually and nationally. At the conclusion of the address Mr. Clark pronounced the Benediction, the “Last Post” and "Reveille” were sounded and the “Star Spangled Banner” and “God Save the King” were played. Although the weather had cleared it was decided not to hold the parade and the ceremony was confined to placing of official wreaths on the Cenotaph. In remembrance of Anzac Day, two communion services were held at Christ Church. Whangarei, and a third at the Anglican Armstrong Avenue Hall, yesterday. All services were conducted' by the Rev. A. E. Prebble, and in spite of bad weather, there were good attendances. A Requiem Mass was held at the Whangarei Roman Catholic St. Xavier's Church, and was attended by scouts, girl guides and a fair congregation. The preacher recalled the world-wide indignation over the rape of Belgium by the merciless German military machine 30 years ago. Two facts gave evidence of the great pity felt by the New Zealanders, removed though they were by 12,000 miles from this small nation; the very flower of the nation enlisted to fight it's battles —the memory of those who never returned is with us to-day. asking the pity of our prayers, the nation suffers yet: by their loss—and in the second piace. "a sum representing over a pound a head was voluntarily subscribed by us for the relief of the distress of the people hunnishly enslaved. Under test at Gallipoli, our men. fighting beside Australians, proved their quality. Then was born Anzac. When 25 years later the same military machine invaded Poland, the sons of Anzac sprang to it. They, too, were tested and in Africa became the spear-head of the Eighth Army of undying fame. Son and Father were of the same quality.