ANZAC DAY

Otago Witness, Issue 3398, 30 April 1919, Page 17

ANZAC DAY

FOURTH ANMSVERSARY. DUNEDIN CELEBRATIONS. Probably never in its history did Duiiedin have a. 'more generous display of buntnifj than was in evidence on Friday. Almost every building tliat possessed a liagpoie flew a flag, and many others had poles specially erected for the oecasToiy* It was Anzao Day—the fourth anniversary of the memorable landing of the Australian and New Zealand troops on the shores of Gallipoli. It was a day to recall sad memories to very many homes, but also a day which has added one of the most glorious pages to New Zealand's history. It recalled memories of the landing of our gallant soldiers on their first desperate venture, and their heroio struggle against tremendous odds to gain a footing on the bleak slopes of Gallipoli. But it was essentially a time for rejoicing—the war ended and complete victory won — and thousands turned out in honour of the brave men who had helped to secure the victory and also to honour the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of their country. And as if to add to the spirit of rejoicing the weather, which has been very broken of late, turned out beautifully fine, the sun shining out brilliantly from a cloudless sky during the afternoon.

The function arranged in honour of the returned soldiers oomrnenced shortly after 2 p.m. at the Triangle, where a large number of khaki clad men were assembled prior to being marched in procession to the Oval. The assemblage included a 'considerable number of original Anzacs, and also long service men, as was evidenced by the number wearing on their arms chevrons with the red and four blue bars. The procession, which was headed by Lieutenantoolonel Moir and Sturgeon-captain Harrison (president of the Returned Soldiers' Association) consisted of the filing party, mounted rifles, artillery; infantry, and other branches of the services, the following bands being in attendance: Regimental, St. Kilda, Kaikorai, and the Dunedin Pipe Band. The line of march was as follows:—Along High, Princes, George, and Frederick streets to the Hospital, thence via Cumberland, Hanover, George, and Princes streets to the Oval. U A short halt was made at the where 18 motor car loads of soldier patients joined in the procession, in which four car loads from the Convalescent Home at Montecillo also took part. Crowds lined the route along which the procession marched, every vantage point having its full quota of sightseers, and the utmost enthusiasm was displayed, 'the soldiers being oheered and cheered again. " FUNCTION AT THE OVAL.

At 3 p.m. the procession reached the Oval, the soldiers being marched into positions in a roped off enclosure, facing the South African Soldiers' Monument. The civio part of the day's business then commenced, the military practically handing over control to the civic authorities. A dense crowd thronged Princes street South and Anderson's Bay road, hi the .vicinity of the monument, cheers being given for the men as they, filed in, headed by the band of the Fourth (Otago) Regiment. The Mayor Sir J. J. Clark) was accompanied by the ayoress, Miss M. Downie Stewart (president of the Otago and Southland Women's Patriotic Association), Councillors Douglas, Green, Kellett, Begg, Black, Gilluson, Thompson, Sincock, and Lunn, and Chaplain Captain Balfour. The party took up a position on the platform of an electricallydriven motor lorry, and at the request of the Mayor the Regimental. Band struck up the National Anthem. The Mayor, addressed the men on parade and the assemblage, and said this anniversary day should be ever ■ observed as their most sacred anniversary, for it was the commencement of the work of our glorious men, who by their sacrifice; audacity, valour, resource, and determination have written their names deep on the scroll of fame. Since they left these shores the men had had hard and dangerous tasks to perform —days full of toil and peril and nights of pain and stress. But they had won great glory and had come back with the laurel wreaths of victors upon their brows. By their chivalry and valour, by their devotion and duty, they had taught the true nature of manly virtue and the spirit of unconquerable patriotism. Their deeds were treasured in the people's hearts and would be for all time an imperishable inspiration. Their work at Anzac wa3 magnificent, and the story of those ghastly months in Gallipoli was full of magnificent heroism, wonderful endurance, and valorous deeds. But their glory did not end there. On the blood-stained fields of France and Flanders, in the deserts of Egypt, in the fields of Palestine, and the dreary wastes of Asia Minor they had valiantly borne their part with the gallant and devoted men of their far-flung Empire. All honour bo given to them 1

Tha Rev. Graham H. Balfour said they had gathered to celebrate one . of the most magnificent feats of arms in the history of the world —the taking of the heights of Gallipoli and holding the peninsula against what might have seemed overwhelming odds. > The honour belonged to all those' splendid men who so grandly upheld the traditions of the Empire, and won for it fresh laurels. All won immortal fame. The speaker made feeling reference to the last resting places of our fallen soldiers on Gallipoli, which he said was to be permanently transferred to the Empire. At the conclusion of the addresses Chap-lain-captain Balfour offered up a short prayer, after which the military resumed charge of the parade, and a firing party of 24 men, under Lieutenant Gustafson, fired three volleys.'" The "Last Post" was Bounded by Buglers Bain, Ferguson, and Turnbull, and the parade, marched from the enclosure, and was dismissed. The following is the parade state: — Officers, 60; n.c.o.'s, 50; men, 628; total oil ranks. 733. In addition ther9 four bands, all of which paraded at full strength. Lieutenant-colonel Moir was in chargo of the parade, and was accompanied by Surgeoncaptain Harrison (president or the Returned Soldiers' Association), while Captain R. P. Jones was adjutant. The officers present included Colonel J. Cowio Nichols, Colonel E. R. Bowler (Gore), Majors I/ampen and Waite, Captain Dyer, surgeon-colonel Will, Chaplain-major Button, Chaplain-major Bush-Kin ar, and Lieutenant W. D. Stewart, M.P". The

Band of the 4th Otago (Otago) Regiment was in ohargo "of Lieutenant George, the Kaikorai in charge of Conductor Davie, the St. Kilda in charge of Sergeant Smith, and the Dunedin Highland Pipe Band m charge of Pipe-major Grant.

WREATHS ON SOLDIERS' GRAVES. On .Friday morning representatives from the Otago and {Southland Women's Patriotic Association placed some beautiful wreaths on graves of returned soldiers, including a particularly beautiful one on the grave of Captain Martineau, V.C. A beautiful floral cross, 4ft in length and fashioned with red, white, and blue flowers, was deposited on the graves of the returned soldiers who are buried in the Anderson's Bay Cemetery. Duplicate sets of wreaths prepared by the Women's Patriotic Association for the Returned Soldiers' Association were placed on the graves by representatives of the latter body. At the Oval the South African soldiers' memorial statue was draped ,with several wreaths, including a < particularly large one bearing the inscription: "In memory of these, and all nurses who are- at rest overseas." CHURCH SERVICES. Many individual and combined religious services were held in the city and suburban churches, both in the morning and the evening, for the purpose of fitly recalling and honouring the memory of Anzao Day. a united service, conducted by the Port Chalmers Ministers' Association, was held in the local Presbyterian Church. SERVICES AT THE HOSPITAL. A brief service was held in the Batchelor Ward of the Dunedin Hospital. All relumed soldiers in hospital who were able to attend were present, and appreciated the service, which was conducted by Chaplaincaptain Fairmaid. The singing was led by members from the three hospital choirs of the Patients and Prisoners' Aid Society. Sympathy with the spirit of the day and the service was shown by the attention of the men and the presence of Mr P. G. Gumming (Hospital chaplain), Dr Falconer (medical superintendent). Miss . Mylea (matron), and as many of the sisters and nurses as could leave their duties for the half-hour. AT PORT CHALMERS. Ths newly-formed Port' Chalmers Pipe Band, under the conductorship of Sergeantmajor M'Callum, made its first official appearance at the band rotunda on Friday afternoon to mark the fourth anniversary of the Jandi.ig at Gallipoli. The band played an' excellent programme of music, which was keenly enjoyed by the large crowd MEETING AT GREEN ISLAND. The only function held in Green Island yesterday in the way of celebration attracted a very small audience to the Town Hall, where it had been arranged that a public meeting should be held in the evening. The Mayor (Mr J. J. Lindsay) presided. Brief addresses were given by Mr J. H. Wilkinson and Mr S. Solomon, K.C. Patriotic songs were contributed by Messrs Miller and M'Clymont, and _ the meeting was closed with the National Anthem.

MOSGIEL'S CELEBRATIONS. The residents of Mosgiel marked the anniversary by flying flags from the mastheads and generally decorating premises. During the day his Worship the Mayor (Mr A. F. Quelch) and Captain Spedding (president of the Taieri Returned Association) placed wreaths on the graves of soldiers interred in the East Taieri Cemetery. 4> In the evening a united religious service was held in the Hall. The Rev. R. Robertson presided, and addresses ,were delivered by the chairman and the Revs. D. Calder and O. Burnet, while the Rev. S. J. Couper and Captain Grindlay assisted with the service. CELEBRATIONS ELSEWHERE. WANGANUI. April 25. Anzao Day was celebrated in a becoming manner. In the afternoon the foundation stone of the Soldiers' Club was laid by the local Masonic lodges in the presence of a very large assemblage of the public. WELLINGTON. April 25.. Anzao Day was observed as a partial holiday. Some firms closed all day, others from midday, and others for a short period to enable their employees to attend the memorial service in the afternoon. GREYMOUTH. April 25. Beautiful weather prevailed for Anzao Day, which was observed as a close holiday. Church parades were held in all the churches this morning, a* procession this afternoon, and an Anzao ball in the evening. CHRISTCHURCH, April 25. In connection with Anzao Day special services were held in a number of churches. A military parade this afternoon was a very imposing spectacle. Nearly 2500 troops were on parade, including over 400 returned men. The Returned Soldiers' Association's wreath, bearing the simple inscription: "In memory of our fallen comrades—they gave their immortality," was deposited at the cathedral as the procession passed. Many other wreaths were hung at the front of trie cathedral. TIMARU, April 25.

Anzac Day was observed in fine weather. There was a military parade, in which 100 returned soldiers took part, with a few Territorials and a big muster of Cadets. A number of soldiers from the Orthopaedic Hospital were present. At King George's place a cross had been erected, and on this the returned men placed a large wreath, while the relatives of deceased men placed wreath* and flowers. The Regimental Band played the "Dead March" and some appropriate hymn tunes, and "The Last Post" was sounded by a bugler. A large crowd witnessed the parade and ceremony. In the evening the returned soldiers attended commemoration services in the Anglican and united churches, and afterwards opened large club rooms in Hay's Buildings. An appeal is being made for funds to # erect a memorial hall and club, but donations are coming in very slowly, less than £IOOO hav inn- been promised so far. OAMARU, April 25. Anzao Day was observed as a full holiday. A combined service in the morning was attended by a large number of returned soldiers, and a fete was held in the Gardens in the afternoon,

INVEROARGILL, April 25. Beautiful weather prevailed for the Anzao Day oelebrationa. A close holiday was observed. Memorial were held In the churches in the morning, and in the afternoon the Anzacs, Territoriala, and Cadets paraded, and were addressed in Post

Offic3 square. Returned Anzacs assisted the schools in the morning, and delivered lectures on the landing to the scholars, who were afterwards given a holiday;. NO DEMONSTRATIONS IN SYDNEY. SYDNEY. April 25. Owing to the influenza restrictions no demonstrations were permitted to celebrate Anzao Day, except special church services and a display of bunting. CELEBRATIONS IN LONDON. NEW ZEAL3NDERS DO NOT TAKE PART. LONDON, April 25. For the Anzac Day celebrations there was a perfect English spring morning and bright sunshine. The Australians in the procession were headed by Generals Monash and Hobbs. The Mall was crowded, and there were thousands of Australians along the route, including a number of limbless men in self-propelling bath chairs. The Nelson Memorial steps were packed with Anzacs, one being on top of a lion's head. Another popular centre was Australia House. In order to greet the Prince of Wales a detachment of Indian veterans was drawn up at the saluting point, representing the Indians at Gallipoli. The mounted force was a splendid body of picked men, representing the heroes who captured Gaza, Jericho, and Damascus.

The Australian Artillery, represented by an 18-pounder battery, followed. General Glasgow and Brigadier-general Heane led the First Division, whose battle honours included Gallipoli, Pozieres, and Bullecourt.

General Rosenthal and Brigadiers Wisdom and Robertson led the Second Division, who fought at Brookseinde, Mont Saint Quentin, and Mont Bresain. Brigadiers M'Nicoll and Jess rode ahead of the Third Division, which was formed on Salisbury Plains on the 16th of July, 1916, and fought at Messines and Passchehdaele and on the Hindenburg line.

General MacLagan and Brigadier Leane led the Fourth Division, whereof the Fourth Brigade took part in the Anzac landing and at the battle of Sari-Bari. Brigadier Stewart, as deputy for General Hobbs, led the Fifth Division, who were heroes of the glorious doings from the Cape Helles landing to the victories of Bapaume, Polygon Wood, and Peronne.

The procession reached the Victoria Station at-10.45, and Westminster Abbey at 11, and thence to Trafalgar square, whence it turned into the Strand, the headof the column reaching Australia House at 11.17. Here the Prince of Wales took the salute, being accompanied by Mr Winston; Churchill, Sir Douglas Haig, and members of the Army Council, and General Birdwood, who was the recipient of a flattering reception by the Australians, they recognising him as the soul of Anzac. Many prominent Australians, including Ministers wives, were on the .balconies and at the windows of Australia House, which was charmingly decorated with the Australian emblems, the columns being festooned with laurels.

The only regret was that the New Zealanders were not represented on this anniversary of an historic occasion, in which they earned a full share of the glory with the Australians.

The head of the procession reached the Honourable Artillery Company's headquarters at 11.45, where lunch was quickly served to all the men, apart from the 350 officers and men who lunched at the Mansion House with the Lord Mayor, Mr Hughes, and other Ministers sitting down with the men to a thoroughly British repast of roast beef, plum pudding, and beer. When the lunch was finished the men at the Artillery headquarters and the Mansion House dispersed and found their way to various entertainments. . LUNCHEON SPEECHES. LONDON, April 25, At the Anzac luncheon Mr Hughes said he hoped to take'back to Australia tidings that liberty and freedom had been secured for ever by the Peace Conference. Australia had also fought for the right to keep Australia for the and to govern her own land in her own way. As France must have the Rhine frontier, so Australia must have such a frontier. The difference between the leasehold and freehold of the Pacific Islands mattered nought. General Monash also responded for Australia, describing Villers Bretonneux as the crisis of the whole war. But for the success of the Australians at Villers Bretonneux Amiens would have fallen in four days, and the British would have been separated from the French. Lord Milner and Mr Fisher proposed the health of the Lord Mayor, the boys singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." General Birdwood, in response to a unanimous cry for " delivered an impromptu speech. He paid a tribute to the Australians who won Victoria and Military Crosses, but said none were more honourable than the wooden crosses erected over the graves of the dead.

There was some comment over the absence of the New Zealandera, -who were invited to join at a late stage, causing some resentment. The Australians marched through the city with fixed bayonets. This is a noteworthy innovation; the right hitherto has been reserved for regiments associated with the city. Australian aviators also performed intricate evolutions at low altitudes along the route.-

April 25. Mr Hughes, Mr Cook, and Senator P'earce, in speeches from the stage of His Majesty's Theatre, paid tribute to the heroism of the Anzacs.

Senator Pearce promised the men something more substantial than hand-clapping when they returned to Australia. Mr Hughes, dealing with the problems of reconstruction, said he was delighted

to see the way the Australian soldiers dealt with the Brisbane Bolshevists. Addressing another body of Australians, Mr Hughes wished them a speedy and safe return. He regretted that he could not accompany them, because although the war was over, the peace now going on bade fair to be longer if not bloodier than the war. CONGRATULATIONS. LONDON, April 27. General Godley telegraphed to Sir lan Hamilton heartiest greetings on behalf of all ranks of New ZeaJanders under General Hamilton's command at the landing at Anzac. Admiral Do Robeck telegraphed: " Greetings from sailor friends in memory of the great landing so nobly won by gallant fellows." Admiral Keyes sent congratulations from Scapa Flow.