HONOURING THE DEAD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, 12 January 1921, Page 2

HONOURING THE DEAD

TORQUAY TRIBUTE TO NEW ZEALANDERS Tins morning the firing of maroons at Torquay was the signal for two minutes’ cessation of business and traffic at II o’clock (says the Exeter Express and Echo of a recent date). At the same time a service took place at the cemetery, and wreaths were placed by the ’ladies of the former Ncav Zealand canteen at St. Marychnrch on the graves of the six New Zealand soldiers buried in tho cemetery, Avhilc tho members of tho V.’A.D. 'did honour to the memory of the seventy British soldiers avlio icst close by. The ceremony at the cemetery was very impressive. V.A.D.’s of the Devon 22 and 26 joined the ladies of the Anzac canteen, and fell in at the residence of Mrs Acton (commandant), tho V.A.D. being in uniform, wearing 'their decorations, and carrying Union Jacks. The New Zealand ladies, headed by Miss Morrison, carried the; presentation flag kindly lent by the Mayor. The procession marched through St. Marychnrch streets to the cemetery, where'every soldier’s grave was decorated, chrysanthemums being largely used. About 30 floral tributes ware on tho New Zealand enclosure, o mimosa, ivy and roses being decked round the memorial cross, Avhich hears the touching inscription; “And they rise to their feet as He passes by, gentlemen unafraid.” At 11 o’clock tho ladies formed in double line facing the graves, and flags wore draped as tho .maroons gave the signal for silence, which was impressively observed, and at tho close a short prayer was recited. This tribute to tbo memory - f men from various parts of tho country is much appreciated by the relatives of the men who could not lie present to pay this tribute and it is hoped the ceremony will become an annual one. Between 30 and 40 ladies were present.