THE BORSTAL INSTITUTION

Southland Times, Issue 23183, 26 April 1937, Page 6

THE BORSTAL INSTITUTION

INMATES ADDRESSED “A WORLD IN TURMOIL’’ An impressive Anzac Day service was held at the Borstal Institution under the auspices of the Returned Soldiers’ Association and the Invercargill Ministers’ Association. The primary theme of the speakers was “the spirit of Anzac,” and the Superintendent (Mr R. W. Arnold), before introducing the speakers, emphasized this in his remarks. “Once again, we meet here to perpetuate the memory of Anzac,” he said. “A.N.Z.A.C. is a coined word, but what a wonderful, memorable and significant meaning it has. It is twenty-two years since the news of this event was flashed across the world —an event which brought a thrill to each one who realized the greatness of the deed—yet to many it meant the loss of a loved one. To others, who have returned to these isles, it meant disease and disablement. “But what has this achievement brought us?” he asked. “Is it peace and goodwill towards men? No! Rather are we confronted with a world in turmoil, men shouting peace and wanting war; not necessarily a war of gas and high explosives, but the battle of business. Fascism, Nazism, Communism—all are making their conquests. Youth fights the air, or other youth on the football field. Man’s passion for self-expression has become so strenuous that it cannot be painted in neutral colours. This struggle may be sublimated, but the strife is there. Combines clash with combines, and nations manoeuvre for markets. Of such is the world today—the world which you lads have to face.” The speaker urged that the sacrifice of the last war be an inspiration to the boys and that they set their minds in nobler thoughts and deeds. The two visitors, Mr Brian Hewat, representing the Returned Soldiers’ Association, and the Rev. H. B. Hinton, representing the Ministers’ Association, were then introduced and the service was taken over by the latter, who read from the 27th Psalm, which was followed by the singing of Kipling s “Recessional.” Mr Hinton led in prayer and the Lord’s prayer was followed by the singing of “Fight the Good Fight.” Present Privileges Mr Hewat said that he came to the service as a representative of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, an association of men who took part in the Great War of 1914-1918 and the privileges that were enjoyed at the present were made possible through the sacrifice of the men who fell. “In New Zealand,” said the speaker, “April 25 is recognized as the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. It is the one day on which we think of our lost comrades, but that is not the only feature of this event. It represents the first major engagement in which the Australians and New Zealanders were able to prove their worth as fighting men. It must also be a day of remembrance and reflection, but with our pride and joy in this great achievement there is also sorrow. The year 1914 found the world in a state where Germany was the greatest military Power in Europe. The military element of this great nation considered it was entitled to ‘ a place in the sun.’ Britain had sent her best men out into the world and the British nation had become the envy of others because of its superior achievements. With such a spirit prevailing it is no wonder war was declared on a very slight pretext. “What is the lesson we can learn from the war?” continued the speaker. “It is this: If the spirit of selfishness had continued, and no sacrifice had been made by our fathers and brothers, then we in New Zealand might now be a German colony, taking our orders from Berlin “England has not been invaded for 1000 years and we refuse to believe it possible. We must all have a firm confidence. Although some may fall by the wayside, it is only an incident. Today people are thinking more broadly than in 1914. The League of Nations has helped to bring about this change but for the ultimate peace of the world we will have to develop into an association of nations. While national jealousies remain there will always be the instinct to fight. Such a change can only come by a development of human character.” Mr Hinton endorsed what had been previously said. There were two thoughts which stood out and must be remembered, he said. First, the League of Nations must always be ineffective unless composed of men who saw the first things first, and secondly, that character must be placed first and foremost in human life. “Sacrifice is the main thing even as it was in Biblical days,” he said, “when two brothers brought a sacrifice to the Lord, one of his best, the other his least. We are called to give of our best; there must be no bargain prices for the best things in the world. Life says: ‘I want the best you have to give,’ the best was given at Anzac; some gave their lives, others are now blind, disabled and mentally shattered, that we might be able to live in peace—a peace secured at a great cost. The challenge then is to master self and to apply the Christian principles in order to become worthy citizens.” After the concluding hymn, “O God Our Help,” had been sung, the Benediction was pronounced and the service terminated with the National Anthem.