ANZAC DAY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18163, 27 April 1921, Page 3

ANZAC DAY.

CELEBRATIONS IN LONDON. SPEECH BY WINSTON CHURCHILL. LONDON, April 25. The Right Hon. Winston Churchill was the chief guest at the Australian and New Zealand Club’s Anzac Day luncheon at Connaught Rooms. Sir James Mills presided, the Assembly including Sir James Allen, the Agents-General, Lord General Decies, General Sir Alexander Godley, and General Sir lan Hamilton, the guests for a moment standing in silence in memory of the Anzacs. In proposing the toast of Mr Churchill’s health, Sir James Mills said that the Dominions would find him as totally able and sympathetic a friend Jas his predecessors. He was taking up his new duties at an eventful period, when the Dominions were in the process of altering their status, and now claiming to be sister nations under one King and flag. Though prepared to bear a fair share in the defence of the Empire, they were remaining at the same time free to pursue their own destinies.

Mr Churchill, in replying, said this was an important year in the I Empire’s life, owing to the first peace time meeting of the Imperial Cabinet, which would have to try to find a way out of the confusion and chaos due to the war. and get back to prosperity. Studying the protection and the security of the Empire from a military danger we must carry on with the sense of co-opera-tion which grew up during the war to the problems of peace. He did not propose to attempt to anticipate the course of the discussions, but had already furnished visiting Premiers with the fullest information on the subjects, and sought suggestions on them in view of victory, a fact which would not pale with the passage of a few years. Expert discussions would prove the most fruitful. We would unitedly fact problems of the Empire, even the most perilous. He was therefore confident of the solution of peace time problems (cheers). This was only one Anzac celebration of a. series, which would continue as long as the Empire induced, as long as Australia and New Zealand were the homes of free races of British stock (cheers). There was sorrow as well as ■ pride in the celebrations, but the sorrow will gradually be eclipsed by the glory which will continue to be a permanent example for the inspiration of the British race. (Cheers). The Anzacs showed justifiable pride in their own deeds. Nevertheless it was accompanied by pride in the valour of the 29th Division. (Cheers). He justified the Gallipoli venture on the ground of hastening Italy’s and delaying Bulgaria’s entry into the war, and laying the foundation for subsequent success in Palestine and Mesopotamia. The time had not y.et. arrived to pass final judgment in regard to the Dardanelles controversies, but opinion was moving irresistibly to the conclusion that the overthrow of the Turks and rallying of the Balkans was the only decisive step open in 1915. He awaited calmly the final justification of this. In conclusion, he affirmed his intention to labour to his utmost to advance the Dominions’ interests and facilitate intet-Imperial trade, carrying on Jhe work of his predecessors in the most sympathetic manner.

SOUTH AFRICAN CELEBRATIONS CAPETOWN, April 25. Many people visited the cemetery and placed wreaths on the Australian and New Zealand soldiers’ graves who died here, in memory of Anzac Day. Viscount Haig, dedicating a memorial at Port Elizabeth to the South African artillery corps, said he regarded the conference of ex-service men recently held at Capetown as aji event of the very first importance to our race. The British Empire was a real League,of Nations, and by coming more closely together could hope to prevent wars. A SYDNEY INCIDENT. SYDNEY, April 26. The morning papers publish a number of strong protests against the non-flying of the Union Jack on the Town Hall on Anzac Day. AN IMPERISHABLE EVENT. MELBOURNE, April 26. At the Anzac Day celebrations, Mr Hughes unveiled a fine bronze statue representing the spirit of war, erected in front of Parliament House. Paying tribute to the Anzacs, he declared that' the landing was an imperishable event, marking a new era in the history of the British Empire. DOMINION CELEBRATIONS. (Per Press Association.) April 26. Anzac Day service in the Municipal Theatre yesterday was largely attended. General Russell was the principal speaker. The parade of returned soldiers was very large. Suitable services were held in the outlying districts. At Clive a war memorial was unveiled by General Russell. The weather was glorious and many people took the opportunity of paying their respects to the memories of departed Diggers. HAWERA, April 26. Anzac Day was observed quietly. In the afternoon a big combined service was held, and later the foundation stone of the Soldiers’ Club was laid by Mr R. H. Nolan in the presence of a large gathering. HOKITIKA, April 26. Anzac Day was celebrated yesterday by a big church parade and an impressive service at the war memorial site in Cass Square. A meeting of old scholars of the Hokitika State School last night resolved to erect a memorial in the school grounds in memory of old scholars who served in the war. an appeal to be made to all old scholars for assistance.