TEMUKA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19783, 26 April 1934, Page 7

TEMUKA

ANZAC DAY SOLEMN OBSER.VANCE Anzac Day was solemnly observed at Temuka, large numbers attending an impressive commemoration service at the Dominion Theatre in the afternoon. Owing to the cold and wet conditions prevailing, the procession and the service at the Cenotaph in the Domain were abandoned. There was a big attendance when the Mayor of Temuka (Mr A. W. Buzan) took the platform, on which had been erected a miniature cenotaph, with the flag of New Zealand in the background. Associated with the Mayor were the Revs. C. L. Mountfort, C. A. Kennedy and L. A. Brooks, Adjutant Brown, and Messrs J. King (president of the Temuka R.S.A.) and D. B. Muir. The Mayor said that he wished to thank the citizens for their attendance at the service, the purpose of which would not suffer through its_ being held in the theatre. That day was the nineteenth anniversary of Anzac Day when honour was paid to the memory of all who cheerfully gave their lives so that we could retain our freedom and self respect. It was thus the duty of all to prove that the sacrifice was not in vain and to remember those who had returned. Two questions all could ask themselves were: “Have we made up to them?” and “Have we forgotten our promises?” The heroes who had died had done so in the belief that they were taking part in a war to end war, but at any moment the clouds of war might burst again, therefore it should be the earnest endeavour of all to unite in the campaign against war. “On the holy day of Anzac let us honour the names of the glorious dead and pay tribute to those who have returned,” concluded the speaker. During the service the Rev. L. A. Brooks conducted the Lord’s Prayer; Adjutant Brown the Scripture Reading, and the Rev. C. A. Kennedy, the Prayer and Benediction, while the Temuka Municipal Band led the singing of the hymns. The Address. Mr Mountfort said that the Mayor had sounded the note for the service when he had said that its purpose was to remember—to remember the great host which had made the supreme sacrifice and those who had returned broken in body. Another purpose was to remember what war had done to the world, but the younger generation knew nothing of the anxious days of waiting or the rumours of victory and defeat. In far away New Zealand it was not easy to understand the horrors experienced by the inhabitants of European countries, where thousands of women and children were made to suffer. As that famous war-time poet "Woodbine Willy” had said, war was a waste of numbers, a waste of brain, a wast of patience, a waste of pain, a waste of health, a waste of beauty, a waste of tears, a waste of youth’s most precious years, a waste of paths where saints once trod, a waste of glory, a waste of God. In spite of the spirit of service and sacrifice of those who had died, we were still looking for a better world. Did people ever ask themselves why? It was because to-day the world had lost a great deal of that very spirit of service and sacrifice, and was being inspired by selfishness and gain. There was too much thought of one’s self and country without caring what happened to others; too much hoping for one's self. Those very things had caused the war that service and sacrifice had helped to end. Anzac Day was an occasion to commemorate, not war, but service and sacrifice. All should attempt to take over that spirit of the war heroes, and create something worth while. The way could only be found in the religion of Christ Jesus, the religion of service and sacrifice through which understanding could be given. Then we should be ready to offer with Christ and others our little mite of an offering for the betterment of the world. The roll call was read by Mr A. R. Beck and Cr. G. Hancox, and Mr *G. Paterson placed wreaths from the Borough Council and R.S.A. at the foot of the cenotaph, many others being deposited before the service. Following two minutes silence Mr J. King, on behalf of the Temuka R.S.A.. thanked the citizens for their attendance and the support accorded the Poppy Day appeal. The singing of the National Anthem, the playing of a lament by Pipe-Major Harrison, and “Last Post” and “Reveille” by Bandsmen P. C. Pierce and R. Boyle, brought an imposing service to a close. At Clandeboye. In spite of the cold and wet weather there was a large attendance at the service conducted by the Clandeboye and Milford branches of the Returned Soldiers’ Association and the Clandeboye School Committee, held in the morning at the Clandeboye Hall. Mr H. T. Dunn presided, and associated with him on tb platform were the Mayor of Temuks (Mr A. W. Buzan), the Rev. C. L. Mountfort, Mr G. H. Mulligan (president of the Clandeboye R.S.A.) and Mr J. N. Reid. Mr J. King, president of the Temuka branch of the R.S.A., and members of the executive were among the visitors from Temuka. Mr J. N. Reid read the opening prayer and for the Scripture reading took the 46th Psalm, “God is our refuge and strength,” while the singing of the hymns was led by the Temuka Municipal Band, under Bandmaster R. Allen. The Rev. C. L. Mountfort pronounced the prayer and benediction. Following the address Miss E. Bryan, accompanied by Mrs Salmon, sang “Nearer My God to Thee,” and the many wreaths were placed around the Roll of Honour, which was read by Mr A. F. Heer. Two minutes silence was then observed, and the service closed with “Last Post” and “Reveille” by Bandsmen P. Pierce and R. Boyle, and “Deep Harmony,” by the band. In an inspiring address Mr Mountfort said that Anzac Day, more than any other, was a day of memories—wonderful and proud to some, sad and. heartbreaking to others. The generation which was growing up thought differently from its elders and regarded the day as a day of history. All the younger folk, however, would know' how, and why, that fateful day had been named Anzac, a day’s happenings that would go down into history as the greatest and yet the most glorious mistake ever made. The landing at Gallipoli was one of the wonders of the world and something to marvel at in the future. It was not only the heroes of Gallipoli who were remembered that day but all who had given their lives so willingly during four years of terrible warfare. In the past children, in fact all, had been taught that war was something glorious. History books revealed the glamour of the uniforms and showed warfare as something romantic, ’but the last war had shattered those illusions and exposed war as horrible and filthy, leaving a trail of sadness and suffering. Men had gone to it in answer to the call of duty and, for the greatest reason in the world, not to fight for themselves but for others. Thus, for them, the words of our Lord and Master had come true, “Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life for his friend.”

An article written for the “London Times” by an English officer had given an account of the first Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, in the trenches during the war. There had been a cry of “No shooting,” and both Germans and English had met in “No Man’s Land” and greetings had been exchanged. How appropriate was that message of peace and goodwill, but the pity of it that it lasted but one day. The world had been told that the last war was a war to end war, and a message of peace and goodwill was wanted, not for one day, but for every day and every year. Unless people to-day were endeavouring to further that message they were letting down those who had suffered and sacrificed so much. The greatest factor of all, however, was that we should be true followers of Christ jesu our Lord. There was too much of the “I don’t need God or the Church” spirit to-day, the very idea that had caused the last war and was still causing all the terrible upheavals in the world. A new message was coming to the world and it was “We must have God.” If only the world would heed that message and turn to God’s teachings, all would be better fitted to go out into life and complete what the dead heroes had begun. There could be no better way of honouring the dead than furthering, in no matter how small a way, the message of goodwill and peace on earth. St. Joseph’s Church. St. Joseph’s Church was well filled yesterday morning when the Rev. Father Outtrim, S.M., celebrated Requiem Mass and preached a sermon appropriate to the occasion. The preacher . reminded his hearers that their presence in such large numbers was a testimony to the bravery and courage of the colonial troops who had proved their mettle at Anzac Cove. That spirit had characterised them throughout the whole of the strenuous campaign. War was no longer a glorified picnic or an exciting adventure. It was grim and terrible. On sea and beneath it, oil land and above it modern science had provided the frightful engine of death. They had assembled to thank God that when the testing time came their brothers and sons had not been found wanting, but had been faithful to the traditions of their noble ancestors. Many of them still bore the honourable scars of war and were worthy of the very best that their country could give them. The speaker wished, however, to emphasise the special form and meaning of the Catholic Memorial service. While they were grateful to those who had taken part in the war and had returned after proving their bravery, they were present at the Reqiiiem Mass especially to keep in mind the heroism of their dear dead. The sermon was not the important part of the Catholic Memorial service. They gathered not round a war memorial nor did they place any wreath at a cenotaph. But they did come in their numbers round the Altar of Sacrifice. Their religion, being that of their Divine Master, was one which on such a day as this brought to them great consolation. Their faith taught them that though many of their loved ones had been taken from them during the war, that these were not beyond the power of their intercession. By virtue of the doctrine of the Communion of Saints they knew that they could make a return for all the bravery of the dead by their players during the Mass for the speedy repose of their souls. They were gathered round the Altar as round a new Calvary to beseech the Most High that the precious fruits of the Mass might fall as a sweet benediction upon the souls of those who had died in the war and might hasten their eternal union with Him.

The Roll of Honour was read, containing a list of names of those who had made the supreme sacrifice from the parish of Temuka, and at the end of the Mass Miss Claire Coughlan played “The Dead March” while the congregation stood out of respect to the gallant dead. FIRE BRIGADE MEETS. It was reported at a meeting of the Temuka Volunteer Fire Brigade, over which Captain J. Allfrey presided, that at a recent meeting held in the brigade room, the children of those present had, whiA the meeting was in progress, knocked plaster off the walls, defaced them with lead pencils, and interfered with equipment. The firebell had also been rung, giving a false alarm. Following a discussion, the secretary, Mi’ C. de Joux, was instructed to take action in the matter. Correspondence was read from the United Fire Brigades’ Association in connection with fire prevention week, circulars being enclosed for distribution around the town. The town clerk (Mr L. Butters) wrote forwarding similar correspondence from the Minister of Internal Affairs, and requesting the brigade to make periodical inspections of the business area for the purpose of gaining useful knowledge of the buildings, and offering advice to the owners regarding lessening the risk of fire.

Captain Allfrey stated that the Borough Council had adopted the annual “clean-up” in November, 1931, and since that date only four fires had occurred. In 1930 10 fires had been attended, and eight in 1931, these being before the “clean-up” week. A decision was made to hold a fire prevention week, commencing as from April 30, and to illuminate the outside of the central fire station, which would be open for public inspection during the week. On the motion of Fireman W. Ives, it was decided to hold a one man coupling event during the evening as an added attraction for the public. Arrangements were made to give special lectures to school children on fire prevention, and a sub-committee comprising Captain Allfrey, Fireman Ives and the secretary, was appointed to compile the lectures and arrange a schedule. MINIATURE RIFLES. A large number of members attended the opening shoot of the Temuka Men’s Miniature Rifle Club, when the following scores were registered:—V. Nicholas 79, J.-Bennett 78, R. Summerfield 77, S. Nicholas 75, S. Clements (Pleasant Valley) 79, B. Edwards 75, W. Westoby 73, B. McGillen 73, W. Horgan 72, E. Hutcheson 71, J. Connolly 70, D. Connolly 64, J. Grant 65, E. Philp 63, J. Stewart 62, A. Anderson 62, B. Davis 67, J. O’Keefe 58, F. Weston 59, A. McFarlane 53, S. Kimber 70, C. Sanders 62, J. Hobbs 71, E. Cooper 72, S. Webb 75, R. Boyle 68. GOLF. The draw for the women’s medal round on Saturday is:—Mrs Dick v. Miss Hanifin, Miss C. Grant v. Miss E. McLeod, Mrs Lucy v. Miss M. McShane, Mrs McSnnes v. Mrs Laurenson, Miss King v. Miss Johnston, Miss H. Bremncr v. Mrs Topham, Miss Twentyman v. Miss K. McShane, Mrs Shand v. Miss E. Mcßride, Miss Grigg

v. Miss Comer, Miss E. Bremner v. Miss Thomson, Miss Hancox v. Miss | Ferguson. C grade button competition:—Miss ! B. Austin v. Miss Manson, Miss B. Lee v. Mrs Hughes, Mrs Hitchcock v. Miss J. Cooper, Miss Hiron v. Miss Armstrong, Miss Topham v. Mrs Sheen, Mrs Smart v. Miss P. Austin, Mrs Earl v. marker. DRUIDS’ SOCIAL. There was a large attendance at the first of the Druids’ fortnightly winter card socials at the Druids’ Hall. Mr K. Selwyn was master of ceremonies. Prizes were won by Mesdames G. Moulton and J. Fisher and Messrs D. Sugrue and J. Hislop. PERSONAL. Mrs F. Nash, Waimate. has returned home from a visit to her daughter, Mrs R. G. Turnbull, Godley Street. Mr and Mrs E. L. Oliver, Milford, will leave on Sunday for Christchurch, from where Mr Oliver will proceed to the North Island to attend the cheesemakers’ refresher course at Massey Agricultural College. Messrs L. S. Clark and G. R. Lyall are visiting Oamaru. Mr and Mrs L. Parke, Christchurch, who have been spending a few days with Mr and Mrs G. Parke, Milford, have returned north. "WALLS OF GOLD.” “Walls of Gold,” the new Fox photoplay based on the novel of the same name by Kathleen Norris, opens at Temuka to-night. Sally Eilers, Norman Foster and Ralph Morgan have the featured roles. The story of the picture deals with the problem of a young and beautiful • girl who must choose between love and the comforts of wealth. From the searching pen of Mrs Norris comes a character that Sally Eilers plays to perfection. It gives her every opportunity to display her truly fine talents for dramatic depiction. Norman Foster, cast in the masculine lead opposite her again proves himself as worthy as he was in the role of her lover in “State Fair.” Ralph Morgan, in the part of a middle-aged romantic, with doubtful ethics and peculiar artistic tastes, is superb.