AT PATEA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 97, 26 April 1932, Page 8

AT PATEA

SERVICE IN TOWN HALL. At the Patea Town Hall yesterday, when an Anzac commemoration service was held, the Mayor (Mr. F. Ramsbottom )presided ovcv a gathering of some 600 people of Patea and district. With him. on the platform were Rev. W. H. Walton, Rev. Smaill, Rev. J. Common, and Captain Pidgeon. The usual .form of service was used, the well-known and impressive hymns suitable for Anzac Day services being accompanied by the Patea Municipal Brass Band. A large number of returned soldiers were paraded, as well as the Patea troop of tbo Q.A.M.R., and the Patea company of Giri Guides and Brownies. In front of the platform was a table laden with wreaths, which were placed oa the Memorial Gates at the Domain after the service, the officers of the Q.A.M.R., and returned soldiers, and next-of-kin placing the wreaths in the company of the majority of people who attended the service. Bandsman Willis played the “Last Post,” after which the Doxology was sung. At the service at the Town Hall, Rev. Walton gave the address. He said that the people of to-day, when there was such world-wide distress, could look forward with courage, hope ; and confidence if they could only reali ise the source of strength from which i improvement, in the world could come. He quoted a parable from tbe Book of Jeremiah, 18 ch., which gave the picture of God’s power to bring about the restoration of peace, prosperity and conditions of living where all men lived in peace and unity. The problems of the world to-day were so great, he stated, that men’s hearts failed them. He pointed out how individually, nationally and in New Zealand, people could find a way to bring about the restoration. Only by sacrifice and realisation that God’s laws were the most important and should bo obeyed could any good or any progress be made in the world. Then would tho national and world-wide spirit be lifted to a higher and finer stage of living. Rev. . Walton concluded with the words of l the parable he had referred to. As a result of the collection taken * up during the service, an amount of > £6 15s 6d was realised, which is to be ; donated to the Dental Clinic.