ANZAC DAY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18552, 26 April 1930, Page 21 (Supplement)

ANZAC DAY

Timaru Pays Homage IMPRESSIVE MEMORIAL SERVICES No commemoration is more firmly enshrined in the hearts of New Zealanders than the celebration of Anzac Day. The ceremonies in Timaru yesterday showed not less, but even greater desire to honour the men who gave their lives in the Great War. The healing influence of time has taken away the first poignancy of grief associated with personal loss, but the motive of homage remains. Services were held in most of the primary schools yesterday morning, and also at the Boys’ High School. Although the weather was dull in the afternoon, the public service at the Park was attended by thousands. The services at the churches, both in the morning and evening, were also largely attended.

“ LEST WE FORGET.” I SERVICE AT THE PARK. The public memorial service was held at the Park yesterday afternoon. The parade of returned men, who formed the day’s most direct link with New Zealand’s war effort, was one of the finest associated with the commemoration of Anzac. In it were men who had faced the Turkish fire, and scaled the Anzac heights; others who joined later in the Peninsula campaign, and yet others who saw service in other theatres of war. The presence of South African veterans, who paid tribute to the memory of those who fell in the South African War, as well as the Great War, was a striking feature of the parade. From the Drill Shed in High Street, where the parade was assembled, up King Street and along Memorial Avenue to the Great War Monument, people were to be seen in hundreds, while several thousand congregated round the dais on the sports ground, from where the service was conducted. The parade, which was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel L. M. Inglis, M.C., assisted by Captain D. H. Donaldson, N.Z.S.C., and which was headed by the Municipal Band, comprised Returned Soldiers, South African Veterans and Territorials. Senior cadet units, “B,” “C,” and “E” Companies, headed by the Military Cadet Band, proceeded to the Park ahead of the main body, and formed a cordon leading to the dais, which was draped in red, with a huge Union Jack displayed in front. A halt was made by the main parade at the South African Monument, a laurel wreath being placed at the base of the monument by Mr H. Thompson (secretary of the South African Veterans Association) on behalf of South African veterans. The parade then moved slowly up the Avenue, the Band playing a funeral march. Prior to arrival at the Park, four sergeants from territorial ranks took up positions as sentinels at the base of the monument, and they remained with bowed heads and reversed arms throughout the service. On behalf of returned men, Captain A. N. Oakey placed a beautiful poppy wreath at the base of the monument. All returned men then marched in sjngle file round the monument, each depositing a poppy. The parade was then formed up in front of the dais, a firing party of twelve cadets from “B” Company, 6th Cadet Battalion, under Sergeant W. Ramage, taking up a position on the eastern side of the dais. PARADE STATE. The parade state was as follows: Timaru Municipal Band, under Lieut. W. H. Osborne and Drum-Major Angus, and 26 ranks; Cadet Band, under Bandmaster G. A. Booth, and 24 ranks; Salvation Army Band, under Bandmaster W. G. Hawkey, and 20 ranks. Returned Soldiers, under Captain A. N. Oakey, with Captain H. Sheldon and Mr W. Tweedy, and 300 other ranks. South African Veterans, under Mr H. Thompson, and 50 ranks. “D” Machine-Gun Co., and No. 12 Platoon “C” Co., under Major S. D. Mason, with seven officers, and 140 ranks. “B” and “E” Co’s, 2nd Cadet Battalion under .Captain J. G. Johnston and 145 ranks; “C” Co., under Lieutenant L. A. Clements, and 94 ranks. Unattached officers: Captain A. E. E. Pennefather and Major W. H. Foden. Parade Staff: Sergeant-Major H. H. McDonald, N.Z.P.S.. and SergeantMajor W. Andrew, N.Z.P.S. Firing party of twelve Cadets from “B” Co., 6th Cadet Battalion, under Sergeant W. Ramage. PUBLIC COMMEMORATION. The service was presided over by the Rev. H. T. Peat (president of the Timaru Ministers’ Association), and there were also on the dais Mr G. S. Cray (who was the speaker for the occasion), the Mayor (Mr W. Angland), the Rev. Clyde Carr, M.P., and Captain A. N. Oakey. The chairman led the assemblage in prayer, after which the hymn, “O God Our Help in Ages Past,” was sung, the Salvation Army Band accompanying. The scriptural reading, which was taken by the chairman, was from Psalm 72. , The Address* Mr Cray said that chance of birth had given citizens of the Dominion a partnership in the greatest Empire that existed, or had ever existed, and they were met that day to commemorate the Great War, to thank God for the victory vouchsafed to the Empire, and the Allies, and to pray that they might prove worthy of their heritage, accepting it as a God-given gift to be used in the cause of justice, regardless •krf creed or colour.

Around the hallowed shrine they met in sacrament to honour those who laid down their lives in defence of Empire. That day, similar reverence would be paid in many parts of the world, where our great partnership was established. That day they were linked by a chain that was finer than silk, and stronger than any cable—the link of love that bound New Zealand to the Motherland. They forgot all material interests and pledged their undying devotion to the dear land called Home, though they were separated from it by many thousands of miles. That day they

were commemorating the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli fifteen years ago, in which glorious but unsuccessful adventure volunteer soldiers from the Dominion and Australia, were baptised together in the “font of war.” and covered themselves with honour, establishing a fame that would always rank among the proudest achievements in the military history of the Empire. The landing at Gallipoli was now associated with the sacred name of Anzac, a name that was honoured throughout the Empire, and was respected by those who, at that time, were our gallant foes, fighting in defence of their strong positions with the same resolute courage as the British fought in the attack. The epic story of Gallipoli had been told and retold. It was a story of heroic sacrifice and endurance that stirred our pride of race, a glorious but sad story, for on that memorable day the Angel of Death gathered freely the best of New Zealand’s sons who now lay buried on the shores of Gallipoli, where the sobbing waves would chant their requiem throughout all eternity. Evacuation of Peninsula. Continuing, Mr Cray said that the official records of the campaign bore eloquent testimony of the severity of the test. The story would be incomplete without reference to the masterly withdrawal from the Peninsula, when it was recognised that the positions held by the enemy were impregnable. There was no parallel in the annals of war where a retirement of such magnitude had been accomplished so successfully, and without the loss of a single life. It was the brightest spot in the history of a campaign that was burnished with valiant deeds, j Time had served to soften sorrow. Time had also served to dull memories, and though the events of the war were matters that occurred about a dozen years ago, those events were almost forgotten, blurred and indistinct. Perhaps it was as well that they could forget what wa6 sad,for life was too real and earnest to be lived in sorrowing over the past. It was, however, the bounden duty of all to resist any loss of gratitude for those who fought and finally won the freedom that resulted from their victory. If it should happen in the course of years they should forget what they owed to the men who saved the Empire from defeat and destruction, if in time of need they left those men to the cold mercy of charity, the monument under which they were making their sacrament that day, would cease to be a shrine, and it would lose its glorious significance. League of Nations. Mr Cray went on to paint a word picture of the “Tragedy of War,” with the object of awakening all to their responsibility, and of enlisting their support for the curtailment of war by international agreements. The League :-of Nations, he said, was not a fanciful fetish arising out of the pious hopes of philanthropic cranks. It had behind it the support and guidance of the best men and best brains of many nations, and its objects were founded on the rock of human endeavour to make useful international compacts that could be enforced by judicial control and united power. ' If the League of Nations had been in existence sixteen i years ago, it was certain that Germany and Australia would not have been able to provide war on the shallow pretext that was used as a cause of war.

The speaker further said that apart from the debts and wounds the aftermath of war had left the world with burdens that were difficult to carry, and problems that were hard to solve. The spiritual side of life had lost its hold on countless thousands, whose moral balance had been disturbed by the tragedy of war. The gulf between Capital and Labour was bridged on piles that had no concrete foundations, and the national necessity for peace and industrious efforts was met by disputes and strikes. The State waggon, loaded to full capacity with the burden of debts and insufficient employment problems, was pushed into deep ruts instead of being pulled along on a smooth track. If Capital and Labour would recognise that their interests were mutual, and get into the collar and pull together, instead of “lying back in the breeching,” the waggon could be hauled to the advantage of both sides, and unless this concord could be established, it was manifest that the axle of the waggon would surely break. These were platitudes, but if international peace was to be secured through the League of Nations, personal goodwill and toleration must be a stepping stone to the wider purpose. They could all do something towards securing this result, without adopting impossible altruism. “These are the troubles that assail us on our “grey days,” said Mr Cray, “when we rub our eyes and wonder whether we are worthy of the sacrifice that was made for us by those who laid down their lives in our defence, and by a short path have reached ‘Nirvana.’ Then comes the sunshine, and we recognise that ‘God is in His Heaven,’ and we believe that there is more good than ill in the world and that good will prevail. Perhaps it may be that the disturbances which we experience are only the birth pangs incidental to the accouchement of a better world, and in that hope we send our message on the ‘spiritual wireless’ to the Great Bei'ond, to the glorious dead telling them that—

“Out of their sacred dust rises a light Guiding the path of wide and noble League, To serve the common cause with truth and right Ending the brawls o’er boundary, caste and creed.”

The hymn, “Old Hundredth,” was then sung, after which three volleys were fired by the firing party. The “Last Post” was sounded by Sergeant C. W. Blue, of “A” Company 2nd Cadet Battalion.“and the service was brought to a close with the singing of the National Anthem. CHURCH SERVICES. LARGE CONGREGATIONS. Memorial services, which were largely attended, were held yesterday at the Church of the Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s. A combined service was held at Chalmers Church last night. ST. MARY’S CHURCH. SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE. Last night a service of remembrance was held in St. Mary’s, at which there was a large attendance. The service was conducted by the Rev. F. C. Lawrence, who was assisted by the Rev. F. Thorpe. The National Anthem was sung by the congregation at the commencement of the service, being followed by prayer. The lesson was taken from Wisdom 3, verses 1 to 9.

The hymn “When I Survey the Wqndrous Cross” was 'hen sung, after which the congregation was led in prayer. For his text, the Rev. F. C. Lawrence took Psalm 77, verse 14 “Thou art the God that doest Wonders.” He said that with the return of Anzac Day. with its services and its poppies of remembrance, the thoughts of all went back to the first Anzac Day, fifteen years ago, when New Zealanders received their baptism of fire and shot. Those who served on the dreary peninsula had many memories of those days of old pals and old scenes which they would never forget. But the Easter message was still ringing in their ears, and he wanted those present to remember the bravery of ’,he soldiers, their loyalty, their great unselfishness, and to strike a note of thanksgiving: thanksgiving to God for the blessings of peace that their comrades bought with their sacrifice, and for the guidance of God in the days when things looked black. The speaker took the congregation back to the darkest June of the war, June 1918, when Austria and Germany swept down the Alps to swallow Italy. The ''iver Piave, a slow' sluggish stream with flat banks, lay between the enemy and victory. The enemy flung bridges across, and poured in thousands over the river. Suddenly a terrific rainstorm burst, and the Piave became a roaring, wide sea. The enemy were cut off, and thousands were captured or were drowned. The Italian General, Diaz with tears in his eyes, said, “God did it.” The speaker went on to make particular reference to other incidents in the war, wheje God had shown His hand. He went on to say that in their thanksgiving for peace, they should not forget that missionary work was closely linked up with the future peace of the world. The Cross had a message for the days of peace, for the Cross always spoke of love and scarifice for the welfare of others. They thanked God for the spread of Christ’s spirit among the nations, for the League of Nations ana its far reaching influence. It was only when the spirit of the Cross was followed by the leaders of the world's nations that war would at last be obsolete. Away up in the Andes mountains was a statue of Christ. It was made from old melted cannon, and was erected as a pledge of peace between Argentine and Chili. Of this Dr Henry Van Dyke had written:— “Christ of the Andes, Christ of everywhere, Great lover of the hills, the open air, And patient lover of patient men, Who blindly strive and sin, and sin again, Thou living Word, ’arger than tny Creed, Thou love divine, uttered in human need, Oh, teach the world, warring and warring still, The Way of Peace, the footpath of Goodwill!”

SACRED HEART CHURCH. The service at the Sacred Heart Church, which took the form of a Requiem Mass, was conducted by the Rev. Father O’Connor who took as 1 is text, “It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray f or the dead.” There was a large congregation. Anzac Day, said Father O’Connor was not for them a day for many words. Not that Anzac Day was not a day for panefyries and noble speeches, tor the day was one to commemorate those noble souls who gave their all for their country and their friends. That day, of all days, should inspire orators to soul-stirring bursts of true patriotic eloquence. Love of country was a virtue, and it was natural and right that they should love all those who gave their lives in defence of their country. Anzac Day was a day of prayer, for the Church but the State did well, and was right in giving an official recognition of the services of her subjects. The Catholic Church, in common with the State, honoured and was grateful to those who died, and commended the departed souls to God in earnest prayer, by uniting in the sublime act of sacrifice, the Holy Mass. Father O’Connor asked the congregation to commend to God the souls of their loved ones, and of those who had been loved by no one on earth; also of those who had no ones left on earth to pray for them, and for those who had not had any of the consoling truths of religion to enlighten them. Thus did they pray that day, united in the prayers of the Church. “O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the unfaithful, give to the souls of thy servants departed, pardon and remission of all sins, that by the help of our prayers and supplications they may obtain that rest and pardon they havt. desired through Christ Our Lord. Eternal rest grant them, O Lord. May they rest in peace.” The service was concluded by the playing of Saul’s “Dead March” by the organist (Miss Dorothy Mason.) CHALMERS CHURCH. Last evening, under the auspices oi the Timaru Ministers’ Association, a public service was held in Chalmers Presbyterian Church, when the Rev. F. J. Shaw, 8.A., was the speaker. Almost every seat in the church was occupied. The service was opened by a short prayer of invocation by the Rev. H. T. Peat (president of the Associataion, who presided), followed by the Lord's Prayer. The hymn ‘All People that on’ Earth Do Well,” was then sung, sfter which Mr Peat read prayers from Revelation, 21st and 22nd chapters. The next hymn was “O God, our help in Ages Past.” An offertory for the .benevolent fund of the Ministers’ Association was then taken up, meeting with a liberal response. After a further prayer had been read, the hymn “Nearer My God to Thee,” was sung. In his address, the Rev. F. Shaw said that all who met in similar services on Anzac Day were conscious of a mood of great solemnity, a mood too rare to be wasted. He asked what ought to be their thoughts on such a day. For those who had 1 igh hopes during the war, that better things would come, the feeling that was uppermost was disappointment. Where was the new world? The promises of politicians were long in being fulfilled. Yet the most profound feeling on that day must be one of thankfulness. The world had witnessed a huge struggle between autocracy and demoncracy.

The Empire was forced to enter the struggle in behalf of freedom, and men had hated themselves for doing what their conscience had ordered them to do. Mr Shaw said that there were now signs that made for hope of a better world, and he paid a tribute to the League of Nations. He said that Germany was now back in the family of nations. The good example of Locarno had been followed by the Kellogg Pact, and at the present time there was the London Conference on disarmament. | Mr Shaw went on to speak of the unity that was necessary to win a world peace, the same as it had won a world war. Such adventurous living had won the war, and only such living could make New Zealand clean in the unseen eyes of her loved Anzacs. All classes fought side by side on Gallipoli, and that same unity now applied to the causes of national progress and international welfare, would alone justify the prodigal sacrifice of New Zealand’s best in the war. The hymn, “Jesus Shall Reign,’* was then sung, after which the service ;.as closed by the pronouncing of the Benediction by Mr Peat. IN THE SCHOOLS. APPROPRIATE SERVICES. Services appropriate to the occasion were held in most of the primary schools yesterday morning. Despite the fact that the children were on vacation, they appeared at their respective schools in large numbers. Hundreds of parents also attended these services. BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL. IMPRESSIVE SERVICE. The memorial service at the Boys’ High School, which was held in the gymnasium, was perhaps more largely attended this year than ever before. During the jubilee celebrations earlier in the week, tribute was paid to memory of ex-pupils of the school who made the supreme sacrifice during the war, and at yesterday’s service the presence of an exceptionally large number of old boys served to remind present boys of the School of the part which those who had gone before had played, and of the responsibility which was theirs of keeping ever glorious the traditions of the School. In addition to old boys, some of whom were at the School during the first years of its existence, there were present hundreds of parents and friends, present pupils of the Boys’ and Girls' Schools, and of the Craighead Diocesan School. The service was presided over by Mr G. D. Virtue (president of the Old Boys’ Association), and with him on the platform were the Rector (Mr W. Thomas, M.A.,LL.8.), Mr G. S. Cray (who was the speaker for the occasion), Mr C. E. Kerr, and Mr C. E. Hassell (Old Boys of the School).

At the commencement of the service, the chairman said that on Monday last the golden jubilee of the School had been celebrated. From that gathering there were missing 53 old boys, who had been killed in the Great War, and that day they were met to pay homagi to their memory. Lest present pupils should forget, he would remind them that in the school grounds there was a Memorial Hall. They should never pass its portals without honouring the memory of old boys, and they should never enter its precincts without reverance to youth’s great sacrifice. The service commenced with the singing of the Recessional hymn, which was followed by a scriptural reading by Mr Kerr, and a prayer by Mr Hassell. The hymn, “O Valiant Hearts,” was then sung by the assemblage. In his address, Mr Cray said that when he was asked to speak at the service, he thought his task would be a very light one, but it had turned out to be exceedingly difficult. It would not have been difficult to speak on the glories of war, but were he to do that, he would be doing something in which he no longer had any belief. What he desired to do was to encourage in the minds of all a feeling that war was hideous. The Great War should be a lesson to all, and they should do all in their power to encourage any movement which had as its objective the prevention or curtailment of war. They should use every endeavour to prevent a recurrence of the horrors of 1914-18, which could be laid at the door of war-lords, demi-gods and politicians. Referring to the losses incurred in the war by all nations, Mr Cray said that they spoke more eloquently than anything he could say in regard to war, and to the havoc which it caused. The figures showed what a calamity war was, and how senseless it was for people to go talking about the glory of it, when it involved a huge sacrifice of life. Those present could call to mind the glamour and the enthusiasm of 1914, but they had since found a soul which had been lost. Mr Cray quoted the losses sustained by the nations and by New Zealand, and said that if the facts were true, it surely was the duty of all to regulate conditions in the future, so as to prevent such atrocities. To emphasise his point, the speaker drew a word picture of war with all its attendant misery and sorrow, and went on to say that just as young people trained for football, so would they get matches, and as sure as nations trained for war, so would they get war. The boys and girls of today would be the rulers of cne country in the future, and it was their duty to encourage any movement which would tend to eliminate or control war. The speaker here made reference to the recent naval conference in London, and said that to his mind one of the most startling features of the conference was that there was still sufficient greed in the world for some nations to still want to profit by the sacrifices which had been made in the war. Continuing, he said that the safety of this country had been dearly won, and boys and girls should see to it in future years that the men who had survived did not suffer from the cold charity which was sometimes meted out to derelicts of humanity. If they neglected their responsibilities, they might get rich in wealth, but they would be poor in soul. The Government had done as much as it could, but there was still defects, and it was the duty of the rising generation to remedy these defects. They should see that the law was extended so that the men could come forward honourably and claim assistance, not as charity, but as a reward for service given. They owed their future to the men who had served, and it would be degrading to their souls if they did not help the returned men in their hour of need. The School choir then sang impressively “Requiem” and “Lead Kindly Light.” The Rector rsaa passages from Masefield’s “Gallipoli,”* pointing out that it had been their custom to do so every year, not for the purpose of glorifying war, but that the boys should realise how rich was their heritage, and also to give them pride*of race. It was good for them to know that their forbears had faced danger bravely, and that the traits necessary in war were necessary also in peace. Following the hymn, “O God Our Help in Ages Past,” a pupil of the School recited “War Graves,” after! which the “Last Post” and “The Re- i

veille” were sounded, the service concluding with the National Anthem. Led by the president of the Old Boys’ Association and the head prefect of the School, the assemblage then marched to the Memorial Hall, where wreaths were placed on the roll of honour. As each member filed past, he stood for a moment with bowed head in memory of the fallen. SOUTH SCHOOL. At the South School there was a large gathering of pupils, parents and residents in that locality. The service, which was conducted by the Rev. H. T. Peat, was opened by the singing of the National Anthem. Mr W. Gibb, chairman of the School Committee, stated that he regarded it as a privilege to be able to join in commemorating the brave deeds of those who fell. He said that, to them, Anzac Day represented a day of thankfulness, and a holy day in memory of those who died while defending the rights of New Zealand, and of the weaker nations. Mr J. Methven (headmaster) also addressed a few words to the children. He said that it was essential to the future of the world that the present generation should grow up, shut out from the ideal that the greatest glory could be achieved in war, and that the greatest men were those who distinguished themselves in war. The hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” was sung, after which a scripture reading was given by the Rev. Mr Peat.

The Salvation Army Bard, which led the singing of the hymns, played the lament, “Garland of Flowers.” Then several of the upper school girls placed wreaths on a table in front of those present, and this was followed by two minutes’ silence, and a prayer by Mr Peat.

In his address, Mr Peat reminded those present that the day was the fifteenth anniversary of the storming of the heights of Gallipoli, when the Anzacs had flung defiance at death on that memorable Sunday morning. The Anzacs, he said, had landed there on an enterprise that was foredoomed to failure. Yet so wonderful was their courage, so tenacious their purpose, that they had pursued their way in the face of tremendous odds. Throughout the Empire, Anzac Day was now observed as a day on which reverent tributes were paid to the gallant dead. “We that are living,” the speaker said, “must pledge ourselves anew to live for those ideals for which they died.” Scarcely any of the children present had been born on the day the Anzacs had made history. The speaker briefly outlined the derivation of the word “Anzac,” and said that it was fitting that all boys and girls should know and remember its application. Continuing, Mr Peat said there was no glory in war. War had nothing to commend it, and was altogether hateful. In the Great War, millions of men had been killed, and millions maimed for life, and this would give people an idea of the enormity of the sacrifice. “The same thing applied to our late enemies. But they are no longer our enemies, and the world is aiming at peace.” Reference was then made to the purpose of Poppy Day, and to the work of the League of Nations. The speaker said that, in the words of the late Professor James, of Hawick University, “that which the world requires to-day is a moral equivalent of war.” By this it was meant that instead of men fighting one another, they should fight the evil in their hearts. And this was precisely what Jesus Christ had taught the world 1900 years ago. Kipling’s “Recessional” was then sung, after which Mr J. Koller, an old boy of the School, sounded the “Last Post.” and the Rev. Mr Peat pronounced the Benediction. At the conclusion of the ceremony the wreaths were draped on the school memorial, on which appeared the names of twenty-three pupils of the school, who had made the supreme sacrifice. WAIMATAITAI. The service at Waimataitai was attended by the chairman of the School Committee (Mr G. Benstead), members of the Committee, parents, pupils, and staff. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. F. C. Lawrence and the Rev. Clyde Carr, M.P. for Timaru. Appropriate hymns were sung, including Kipling’s “Recessional,” while “The Last Post” was sounded by Bugler W. Taylor. In addressing the children, Mr Lawrence saicj that all over New Zealand that day men and women were gathering in churches, at war memorials, and other places to hold special services. What was that service for? Mr Lawrence considered that it was for three things—remembrance, thanksgiving, and prayer. It was now fifteen years since four thousand Australian and New Zealand soldiers jumped out of their boats in the darkness and landed on Gallipoli. Within a few hours hundreds were lying dead and dying, but despite many hardships they hung on and did their duty. Mr Lawrence went on to speak of the call of duty to King and Country, and of the effect the sacrifices had on the preservation of the British Empire. The people owed a deep debt of gratitude to the men of New Zealand for what they had done, and as they remembered their deeds, they realised it was a time for great thanksgiving. If they wanted to show thankfulness, the best way was by kindness to those men who risked everything in the interests of the people. That day they should remember the colours of the Flag—red, white and blue. Red spoke of red blood and lives given so that others might live; white was the sign of a pure clean life; and blue denoted loyalty and servica They should thank God for the bravery of New Zealand’s soldiers, and pray that the peace of Jesus Christ might spread over the world and that war should be no more.

Mr Carr spoke of the fine spirit displayed by New Zealand’s troops, and said that their name would live forever. He referred to the huge loss of life and expense involved in the last great conflict, and said that the loss to the world should be a preventive of future war. An impressive service was concluded by the singing of “The Vesper Hymn” by the school children. Many wreaths were deposited at the Memorial Tablet to the memory of exscholara. WEST SCHOOL. The pupils of the West School, with between sixty and seventy of their parents, gathered at the school for the annual Anzac service yesterday morning. The speaker was the Rev. A. J. H. Dow, 8.A., B.D. After the singing of “Oh, God, Our Help in Ages Past,” the Rev. C. W. Duncumb offered a prayer for those who had made the supreme sacrifice for King and Country. Wreaths were then placed, and the “Last Post” was sounded by Bugler C. Blue. In the address, the Rev. Mr Dow said that there was no need to explain the meaning of Anzac Day. On April 25. fifteen years ago, men of New Zealand and Australia took part in a great feat of arms, and as a tribute to their heroism and the memory of those who laid down their lives for their country, this <ay had been chosen as one ox proud

and loving commemoration. “But how best can we remember these heroes?” continued Mr Dow. “Are we only to read their names, to sing a hymn, offer a prayer, hear an address one day in the year, to lay wreaths on memorials, hear the bugle sound the ‘Last Post.' and then go home? No, this day will soon lose its meaning if that is all we are to do.” The losses of New Zealand had been great, but they were but a morsel of the total price paid by the world in the Great War. Addressing the children, the speaker said in conclusion that to carry on the spirit of Anzac they must endeavour to be noble men and women, putting all meanness and hatred out of their hearts, and so be worthy of the great sacrifice paid for them. After the singing of the “Recessional,” the service closed with the pronouncement of the Benediction and the singing of the National Anthem. MAIN SCHOOL. Although no memorial service was held at the school, a big Union Jack was draped behind the school memorial in the north-west corner of the grounds, and a number of wreaths were deposited on the monument. PICTURE ENTERTAINMENT. Returned soldiers and their friends were the guests of the Fuller-Hayward management in the evening at a special picture entertainment in the Majestic Theatre, the audience being large and appreciative. The films were of a very comprehensive nature, showing war scenes in France, Gallipoli and Egypt, the bulk of which were loaned to the Timaru Returned Soldiers’ Association by the Uew Zealand Government. A very interesting feature was the march past, before His Majesty the King, of New Zealand troops at Salisbury Plain in 1917, the then Prime Minister, the late Hon. W. F. Massey, the present Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, and the thy High Commissioner, the late Sir Thomas Mackenzie, being present. Later period pictures included a “Universal Newsreel,” showing Armistice Day scenes in America, and the recent trooping of the colours before the King in London, which was produced in sound. Opportunity was taken by the president of the Returned Soldiers’ Association (Captain A. N. Oakey) to thank the public for their generous support on Poppy Day, and also the ladies who sold the poppies. He thanked the Fuller-Hayward Company, and the local manager (Mr H. Kennedy) and staff, for providing the entertainment that night, and also for what had been done on similar lines last year. MESSAGE FROM KING. GREETINGS FROM SIR WILLIAM BIRDWOOD. By Telegraph—Press AssociationWELLINGTON. April 25. Anzac Day services were conducted in fine but overcast weather. At the service this morning before the temporary cenotaph fronting Parliament Buildings, the Governor-Gene-ral read an Aifeac Day message from His Majesty the King, as follows: — “On this day, devoted to the glorious memory of those who fell at Gallipoli, the Queen and I are proud to join in sympathy with my people in Australia and New Zealand.— George R. I.” The service was attended by a large crowd. Floral tributes were laid at the foot of the cenotaph, including a wreath from General Sir lan Hamilton, bearding the following inscription:—“ln affectionate remembrance of my fallen comrades. lan Hamilton.” In the afternoon a special service* presided over by the Mayor (Mr G. A. Troup) was held in the Town Hall for the next of kin. ,Her Excellency. Lady Bledisloe, was present at the service.

Also in the afternoon, the Basin Reserve was crowded, and the service waa attended by His Excellency the Gover-nor-General. There was a large muster of returned soldiers, Territorials, Cadets. Scouts and Girl Guides. The Governor-General has sent the following reply to the message received from His Majesty the King:— “Your Majesty’s gracious message has been communicated to the people of New Zealand, who appreciate most deeply the knowledge that the thoughts of Your Majesty and the Queen are with them in their services on this day of hallowed memories.”

The following Anzac Day messages have been received by the New Zealand military forces from Field-Marshal Sir William Birdwood, Commander-in-Chief in India:—

“I shall be grateful if you will once more convey to my old comrades my greetings on Anzac Day. They will know without my saying more, how much I shall be thinking of them, while we will all have in our thoughts those who have gone before in upholding the honour of our Empire. Please also convey my sincere greetings to the people of New Zealand, with my best wishes to them for happiness and prosperity during matoy

years to come.” In reply, Major-General Young cabled to Sir William Birdwood: “Your Anzac Day message is gratefully appreciated. It has been conveyed to all old comrades and the people of New Zealand, who heartily reciprocate by sending you their sincere and good wishes of remembrance of Anzac.” To General Sir Alexander Godley, Governor of Gibraltar, the following message was despatched by MajorGeneral Young: “The Zealand forces send greetings and remembrances of Anzac.”

The following message has been received by the Minister of Defence (Hon. J. G. Cobbe) from General Godley:— “Please convey my greetings to all Anzac comrades.” From the Defence Office, Wellington, to the Defence Office, Melbourne: “The New Zealand forces send kindliest greetings and remembrances to Australian comrades on the anniversary of Anzac.”