ANZAC DAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20819, 11 March 1931, Page 14

ANZAC DAY.

Sir, —May I offer a few suggestions for a better and more continuous manner of observing Anzac Day, so that it may still be a day of respect to our departed comrades and one of joyful observance of tho traditions and achievements of our sailors and soldiers by the living ones. I suggest: That the parade be held as usual and be dismissed as soon as possible to enable all ranks to collect their families and embark by sea and land transport for, say, Ellerslie Racecourse, Rangitoto Island, Motuihi, etc. On arrival at the selected places, divine service be held, either undenominational or as arranged, the services to be somewhat similar to those conducted at the front during the Great War. At the termination of the picnics to be the order of the day. This method will enable a sailor or soldier and his family to attend the service. A padre of each denomination could be detailed to conduct the service at each place of assembly. I feel sure that if the owners of boats and land transport vehicles were approached, they would allow wearers of war medals and their families to travel at half-fare, or at reduced rates, and would issue to the different associations a number of free tickets for those unable to afford the trip. We would thus observe the day in a fitting manner and do as that good soldier and ex-Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, has frequently said, "We should make Anzac Day a day of respect and joy." I trust tho sailors' and soldiers' associations will note these suggestions and act on them and make Anzac Day a day to look forward to for the rising generation. S.A. and N.Z.E.F.