ANZAC DAY AT TUATAPERE.

Western Star, 30 April 1920, Page 3

ANZAC DAY AT TUATAPERE.

Although through force of circumstances the service commemorating , Anzao Day had to be held at 11 a.m. it was a great success. A large gathering of district residents assembled in Tuatapere, and as the returned men fell in on parade the ; church bells began to toll. The parade was in charge of Sergt.-Major Goughian, and was preceded by the Pipe Baud under the command) of PipeMajor G. Dickson. At 11 o’clock all the seating accommodation in Mason’s Hall waa occupied, the returned men occupying seats in front of the stage. The platform l was tastefully decorated with the national colours, a conspicuous feature being a large banner hi'scribed with the word “ Anzac ” in letters of gold. A beautiful wreath also occupied a prominent place. The religious part of the service which began with the singing of the National Anthem, was taken by Rev. R. B. Hill. The rev. gentleman in the course of an impressive discourse said that on that day was celebrated the commemoration of a glorious page in the history of this young Dominion. We must never forget the sacrifices that the flower of the land had made for us, and if those far off graves on the steep slopes of Gallipoli and the blood-etained fields of Flandlers did not make us better men and women ready to follow and carry out the precepts for which our dead! had died, then we were unworthy of our great heritage. Mr McFeeley said that those who gained those blood-stained beaches on those memorable days in April, 1915, were the flower of the world’s manhood, and died as they had lived, owning no master on earth. They achieved a feat unparalleled in war. Anzac Day was the most sacred day iu the annals of this young Dominion. Let our motto be what might well have , been the battle cry of those brave fellows who sleep by the shores of the Aegean Sea, “ For honour, justice, and uprightness always.’’ Mr Prank Harrison referred particularly to local boys who had made the supreme sacrifice, and. also acknowledged the nation’s thanks to the returned men who had kept the enemy from our doors for so many weary years.

At suitable intervals solos were rendered by Misses M. McGregor and McMillan, and Mr A. Prentice. The musical part of the programme had been excellently arranged by Mr C. 0. Nicholas. A comprehensive vote of thanks was moved by Mir W. Cunningham on behalf-of the R.S.A. to all who had assisted to make the function such a memorable success. The lament, “ The Flowers of the Forest,” was impressively played by the Pipe Band.

In tli© evening Rev. Hill preached' in the Presbyterian Church to a very large congregation, making special references to Anzac Day. The Church was tastefully decorated with flags, and a special musical service was taken, Miss McGregor ably presiding at the organ.