Anzac Day Services In Taihape

Wanganui Chronicle, 28 April 1949, Page 8

Anzac Day Services In Taihape

TAIHAPE, Last Nigh: (OC> -- Taihape paid homage to the fallen of two world wars on Anzac Day. The weather was cold and wet- which undoubtedly affected tne attendance a’ the civic service in the Town Hall. The R.S.A. held a Dawn Parade al the Cenotaph and wreaths were laid on th’e War Memorial, the “Last Post” being sounded by R. Hall, a member of the Taihape Municipal Band. After the ceremony returned servicemen visited the cemetery to place poppies on the graves of fallen comrades. In the afternoon a commemoration service was held in I he Town Hall, the Mayor, Mr E. Loader, presiding. Associated with the Mayor on the platform were Mr M. Curtis, president of the Taihape Returned Services Association- Rev. R. M. Rogers (Presbyterian Church) and Rev. J. R. Nei'ld (Anglican Church). The Taihape Municipal Band was in attendance. The service opened with the hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.’’ This was followed by a prayer offered by Rev. J. R. Neild. Psalm 46 was read by the Mayor with tne co-operation of the congregation. Kipling’s “Recessional” was sung. An inspiring address on the meaning and significance of Anzac Day was given by Rev. Rogers, who stressed the importance of this solemn day of remembrance. He added: “Today when we unveil a memorial tablet to ex-pupils of the Taihape District High School who paid the supreme sacrifice in World War 11. I hope we shall translate to life a reflection of the sacrifice made by the ex-pupils of the . school. The hymn “Abide With Me" was sung at the conclusion of the address, followed by a touching tribute to the memory of ex-pupils of the school who lost their lives in the war, by the Mayor. The singing of the National Anthem and the sounding of the “Last Post” concluded the service in the Town Hall, after which the gathering projceeded to the school gates in Kokako Street, where a Memorial Tablet to ex-pupils who did not return from World War II was unveiled by the Mayor. High School formed a guard of honour and wreaths were placed on the School Memorial Gates by Pat Mellor and Ivan George (on behalf of the s’econdaiy pupils) and Nalda Henham and David Little (primary pupils), and Mrs M. Jensen (Red Cross Transport) in reverent tribute to the fallen.