AT THE TOWN HALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16213, 26 April 1916, Page 4

AT THE TOWN HALL.

CITIZENS' MEMORIAL SERVICE

CHEERING OF THE SOLDIERS.

OVATION TO THE WOUNDED.

The citizens' memorial service, held in the Town Hall, was simple in character, but at the same time most impressive and solemn. All the available accommodation in the large hall was eaily taken un, and long before three o'clock the only remaining space was that set apart in the middle of the hall to be occupied by the returned soldiers. As the Anzac veterans passed into the hall through tho ranks of a guard of honour comprising members of the King's Empire Veterans, the audience rose and greeted the men with cheer on cheer. The wounded men who had still to retain the use of crutches were given seats on the stage, and received a particularly hearty reception. While the men were being accommodated the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, played a number of selections. The Mayor, Mr. J, H. Gunson, presided, and seated on his right was His Excellency the Governor, ana on his left the Countess of Liverpool. There were also present on tho stage the Mayoress, the Hon. A. M. Myers, Minister for Munitions; Hon. J. A. Hanan, Minister for Education; the Hon. Dr. M. Pomaro, Minister representing tho native race; Sir Robert Stout, Chief Justice; tho Hon. F. W. Lang, M.P., Speaker of the House of Representatives; the Hon. T. Thompson, M.L.C., Messrs. C. H. Pcole, A. E. Glover, C. J. Parr, C.M.G., A. Harris, M.P.'s; Mr. H. D. Heather, chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board; Mr. G. J. Garland, chairman of the Auckland Education Board; a number of city councillors, members of local bodies, and leading citizens. A ntmber of returned invalided officers also occupied seats on the stage. The service commenced with tho singing of the National Anthem, the audience then recited the Lord's Prayer. Addresses were delivered by Dr. A. W. Averill, Anglican Bishop of Auckland, the Rev. A. Millar, M.A., president of tho Auckland Ministers' Association, and Commissioner H. C. Hodder, of the Salvation Army. The audience stood while the " Dead March" in "Saul" was played by Mr. Maughan Barnett. The hymns included, "0, God the Strength of Those Who War," and "Lead, Kindly Light." After the final address had been delivered, tho "Last, Post" was sounded on the | bugle, and the singing of Kipling's I Recessional and the Doxology concluded! the service

BISHOP AVERILL'S ADDRESS,

"CAMPAIGN NOT A FAILURE." In an eloquent and impressive address. Dr. Averill said they had met to coml mcraorate a feat of arms unsurpassed in the history of the world, and especially to commemorate the part taken by the sons of New Zealand, and to offer them respect and honour. They also wished to express their senso of love find devotion to the memory of the brave who had given their lives. Ho had no intention to make any distinction between the splendid heroism and courage of our own boys and the equally brave Australians, and the deathless renown won by the immortal 29th Division. (Applause.) They desired to honour all who took part in the memorable landing, and who subsequently showed such devotion to duty in that cramped shell-swept space. . "I think, however," continued Dr. Averill," that the first wish of those

spared to corao however wounded and suffering they may be—is to honour thoso who went out from us and whose bodies now lie in tlio ravines and scrubclad hills of Gallipoli, in the depths of the ocean, or in tho base hospital cemeteries. The fact that the bodies of so many of our bravo boys lie in the enemy's country appeals to us all the more strongly, and intensifies our sympathy for tho bereaved; and yet wo dare to hopo that tho spots hallowed by sacred memories may come into our possession, and be cared for by loving hands!

Dominions and Motherland. ''Tho self-governing Dominions have been asking when tho timo would come when they would have a voico in the conduct of Imperial affairs. Tho answer came back at the beginning of tho war. ' Is your love of the Motherland so strong that you aro prepared to stand by her in her hour of trial, and suffer with her ?' asked tho Motherland. Tho Dominions replied, 'We aro; your cause is ours, and your honour, your welfaro and safety, and your God aro ours.' Then came back tho word from the Motherland : 'You shall prove your worth and fitness by sharing in my work, and suffering.' We then realised that if the honour of the Mother Country was at stake, so was ours, and wo could not honourably stand on one side, whatever tho approaching conflict might mean. And in our response to lier call we were not unconscious of and ungrateful for what wo owed to her. Then came tho call to arms, tho training of men, the life in Egypt, and tho day of trial in Gallipoli."

Fruits ot the Campaign. " And what of the gallant bovs who will not come back!" continued l3r. Averill. j "Have they died in vain? No, a thousand times No. I cannot bear to hear of the Galiipoli campaign spoken of as a (failure, it was really a moral victory. Our bravo boys went to their deaths us soldier? should. 'Thcir's not to reason why, thcir's but to do and die.' We aro beginning even now to realise some of tho fruits of holding up the flower of the i Turkish Army, and wo will yet come to realise that the historic campaign effected ' far more than wo ever imagined. But whatever place and importance in history may bo assigned to it, we know enough to rcfuto tho foolish idea that our boys died in vain. (Applause.) They represented New Zealand's sense of honour and gratitude, New Zealand's loyalty to King and Empire, and by giving their lives they have helped to weld the Empire in imperishable bonds. They have proved the worthiness of the nation to tako its place in the great family of free nations in the Empire. (Applause.) To-day we honour their memory, lay wreaths of thankfulness on silent graves, proclaim that they have not died in vain, and acknowledge that they have raised tho standard of manhood, increased our sense of duty to God and man, and exalted the name of patriotism. Wo thank God that they withstood the baptism of fire, and showed tho whole world that when New Zealand's day of testing came she was not found wanting. Surely as long as tho Empire lasts this campaign will bo remembered and honoured as one of tho peaks of the Empire's great struggle on behalf of God and humanity. It remains for us to carry on the work that has been commenced so nobly and keep tho sword unsheathed until tyranny has been overcome.'' (Loud applause.)

REV. A. MILLER'S REMARKS.

NOBLE EXAMPLE OF HEROISM.

In his address the Rev. A. Miller remarked that our soldiers had acquitted, themselves so creditably, and had so covered themselves with glory, that they had taken their rank with tho finest troops in the world. (Applause.) The landing at Anzac was truly a wonderful feat of arms, and ono could not fully realise the magnificence of the achievement; no pictures could give them any idea of tho tremendous difficulties that had been overcome. The same fine spirit of courage and noble determination which had characterised our men at the landing was manifested during the whole eight months of occupation. Tho position occupied had been under firo all that time, and the men had come through this strenuous test with infinite credit. (Applause) New Zealand had had to pay a very heavy price for the honour of participating in this tremendous conflict. The total of New Zealand's casualties was now well over 8000, and more than 2500 had been lost on various fields. This meant that into more than 2000 homes in New Zealand this war had brought bereavement. Nevertheless, thev gloried that, their young nation had not hesitated to pay that great price, and believed that in most of the bereaved homes prido was mingled with sorrow. They must see to it that these lives had not been given in vain, by making cheerfully whatever further sacrifices might be necessary to secure eompleto victory. "The strenuous time through which we are now passing," concluded the speaker, should induce us to think more seriously about the things that are eternal and spiritual. Our young men who laid down their lives on the -stained fields of Galiipoli, have set us a noble example of unselfish heroism—applause—and it is for us to follow that example in our everyday life. This will make purer and better our national life in every department, political, commercial, and social, and will prove tho best and most worthy memorial of tho heroes of Galiipoli. (Applause.)

COMMISSIONER HODDER'S TRIBUTE.

VALUE OF BRITAIN'S WORD,

Commissioner Hodder said he was glad to have tho opportunity of expressing, on behalf of the Salvation Army, the deepest gratitudo to tho men who had so courageously fought in their interests. While their men had been engaged in a bloody warfare it was nevertheless a glorious fight inasmuch as it had been in the interests of thoso nations who were threatened with annihilation, as well as'to safeguard our own honour. He had worked in many countries and he knew what reliance was placed on Britain's word by other nations. It was by actions such'as the honouring of our signature to " the scrap of paper that had made Britain's name respected and honoured tho world over.

TRIBUTES IN CHURCHES

LARGE CONGREGATIONS. SERVICE AT ST. MATTHEWS. ADDRESS BY DR. AVEItILL The commemoration of Anzac Day in the Auckland Anglican churches centred in a, memorial servico held at St. Matthew's at mid-day, when the Bishop of Auckland, Dr. A. W. Averill, delivered an address to a crowded congregation. His Excellency the Governor and tho Countess of Liverpool were present, as well as a number of officers of the district Defence staff. The service commenced with tho singing' of the Russian National Anthem, followed i by the generil confession and special i prayers read by tho vicar, the Rev. W. E. (Jillam. The lesson, beginning '"'The souls of the righteous are in the hand of <iod," was from Solomon's Book of Wisdom. Chopin's "Marche Funebro" followed, and a line rendering of the anthem " Blest arc the Departed" was given by the choir. In an earnest address, based on the texts " God is not the fiod of the dead, but of tho living," and " Binder therefore unto Crosar the things which are Cam's," Bishop Aver ill spoke of the special significance of the fact that the commemoration of Anzac Day and St. Mark's Day should fall in the Easier season, when the message of the Resurrection came to dispel the dark and pagan thought that death had planned for all time those who had passed beyond. "Thanks to the glorious Easter message," said the bishop, i'.we are confident

that tho bravo men who will not come back to us have not finished their life of devotion, but havo gone into God's higher training camp of service, where He has special work for each ono of them. He did not intend that that martial soul, that brave heart, should pass into oblivion. As soldiers they fought and nobly fell; as soldiers they will stand before the Great White Throne of God. Death for them is not tho end; it is but tho introduction to fuller life and increased powers. In their great sacrifice they aro drawu very near to Him who said, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for a friend.' "

"At such a timo as this," concluded Dr. Averill, "it is "fitting that wo should tako fresh courage to continue our 'herculean struggle, that we dedicate <■*•• selves anew to the service of God and tho Empire, to uphold the cause of right against might, that of Christ against antichrist. Wo have put our hands to tho plough, and thero can be no turning back until the furrow is completed." After the address, choir and congregation joined in singing Kipling's " Recessional," which was followed by tho Benediction and Te Dcum. A solemn and impressive scrvico was concluded by the singing of the National Anthem.

There was a large congregation at St. Mary's Cathedral hist night, when a thanksgiving service was hold. The special order of service used for the commemoration of Anzac Day at Westminster Abbey was followed. Tho sermon was preached by Archdeacon Mac Murray, who chose as his text, " Zebulun and Napthali were a peoplo that jeopardised their lives unto tho death in tho high places of the field."

At All Saints' Church, Ponsonby, two Communion services were held in the morning, and a thanksgiving service in the evening, when special psalms were sung, and appropriate prayers offered. The anthem, " Blest Are the Departed," Kipling's "Recessional Hymn," and a "Te Dcum " were rendered. No addresses wero delivered. At St. Barnabas's Church, Mount Edon, a memorial Communion service was held at 7.50 a.m., and a thanksgiving service at 10.30, when an address was given by the Rev. O. J. McFarland. Tho Diocesan Brigade of Boy Scouts were present at tho latter service* The offertory which was taken up i.< to be donated to tho Russian Prisoners' Fund.

ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL.

AN IMPRESSIVE SERVICE.

Tho Commemoration service at St. Patrick's Cathedral was most solemn and impressive, and was attended by a very large congregation. The Right Rev. Monsignor Gillan, V.G., occupied the pulpit, and in an eloquent address brought home to all those present the deep significance of Auzac Day—the commemoration of the magnificent courage and the deathless heroism of the men who fought and fell at the landing it year ago. This commemoration, ho said," specially appealed to New Zealand, for it was New Zealand lads who had made tho great sacrifice- By their constancy in battle, and chivalry to the foe, they had won not only for themselves, but for their country, undying honour, proving that even amid tho horrors of war they still remembered that the whole world was kin. Monsignor Gillan read a vivid and dramatic account of the landing and subsequent fighting, written by a priest on active service. Amid scenes oV horror teyond description, the men did their duty with unswerving loyalty and devotion, with a sure faith in God that led them to face death unflinchingly. By their work on Galiipoli, these men had served the Empire nobly and well in her hour of need, for no one could doubt but that their holding of the Turkish Army at a most critical time had had far-reaching effects on the course of the war. Some had lived to return to the country that honoured them that day, some lay in far, unknown graves. "All honour to tho parents who sent them," said the preacher. "All honour to the country that trained them! Wo thank God for them, every one. Who were these men but your sons, your brothers, your friends? You sent them in all the love of your hearts, proud to know that Catholics all the world over were giving their lives for tho great cause."

To those who sorrowed and suffered, tho loving sympathy of the whole Empire was turned; there v was a bond unbreakable between those dear ones lying in their last resting-place on lonely hillside and ravino and those who still carried on the fight. The separation was only .for a fow years; tho angel of God would surely come, tho stone be rolled back, and the wonderful promise of Easter bo made manifest, death being swallowed up in victory. The night would surely give way to tho dawn of th o Resurrection. "Lot us then raise our hearts in strong faith and resignation," concluded the speaker, "knowing that God has but taken them to Himself. Let our united prayer bo that we may do our duty as the men of Anzac did it, let us be patient" and courageous to the end, awaiting the glorious fulfilment of the promise of Him who said, 'I am the Resurrection and tho Life.' Let us still carry on our training in duty to our King and country, and, above all, our training in tho scrvico of Almighty God." Tho musical portion of tlio service consisted of an organ solo, "The Garland of Flowers," the singing of the Litany of tho Saints, the Dies Irae and the Miserere. The service concluded with the Benediction and the impressive rendering of "Tho Dead March in Said."

OTHER CHURCH SERVICES.

APPEAL TO YOUNG MEN.

, Intercessional services were conducted Jat the Pitt Street Methodist Church in . j tho morning, from eleven till noon, by tho . Rev. C. H. Laws. In the evening a largely . I attended patriotic service was held in the , | church, at which the Revs. H. Rouston ; i and P. R. Paris took part. The address I was given by tho Rov. J. J. Lewis. Speak- . ing of the landing at Anzac, he said that , the place of tho landing would appeal to 11 many in our ranks who had knowledge of ancient history, and whoso aim it was to restore Constantinople to Christian control. The landing was a supremo effort of heroic soldiery, and the danger had made a courage of which New Zealand would ever be proud. The lesson of •Anzac was ono of encouragement. It proved that the British race was not decadent, but us it was in the best of the olden days. Tho unity of Empire had been cemented by a common danger and a common struggle. The war had intensified the loyalty of the people to the throne, but tho time demanded national heart searching. Yet tho heart of tho nation was sound, and would assert itself. He concluded with an appeal to all eligible men to fill the gaps in the ranks. A united intercessional and memorial service was held in the Presbyterian Church, Onehunga. Tho church was crowded! among those present being the memT bers of the Borough Council. The service was conducted by the Rev. D. D. Scott Prcsbvterian, and Ensign Brodie, Salvation Army, and Mr. J. Liking, Congregational, also .took part in tho devotional proceedings. The address was given bv the Rev. C. C. Harrison, Methodist. A special feature of tho service was the singing by Mrs. Yeoward of tho solo "Let lUs Have Peace."' The congregational ' singing was led by a united choir. A col- | lection in aid of the Feathereton Camp i United Institute realised the sum of £12 16s BJd. The service, was brought to a conclusion by the organist, Mr. W. J. Bellingham, playing tho Dead March in " Saul." A special service was conducted in the Synagogue yesterday morning by Rabbi Goldstein. This was a day, said tho Rabbi, on which cur present thoughts should bo of those who "jeopardised I their lives unto the death in the high places of tho field." How they fought to uphold Britain's traditions would never be forgotten. He expressed the hope that the great lesson of the sacredness of duty would not be lost, but that it would bo an incentive to all to discharge the responsibilities of the hour. In conclusion, the Rabbi said that he hoped the commemoration 'would stimulate _ the people to increased activity in making every possible sacrifice for the Empu/ej