ANZAC DAY

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13751, 26 April 1918, Page 4

ANZAC DAY

SOLDIERS' RE-UNION. VERY SUCCESSFUL GATHERING

The celebration of Anzac Day—that day which means so much not only to the brave lads who landed on Gallipoli three years ago, but also to everyone in New Zealand— was continued in the Town Hall, Hamilton, last night. The building hid been transformed for the occasion, being most effectively decorated with gay bunting, greenery, flowers, etc., and presenting a very bright appearance.

The Dinner. About 120 guests (soldier and civilian) sat down to dinner. The tables were tastefully decorated, and laden with good things, to which the fullest justice was done. At the official table were seated Major Kastrick, Captain Bellamy, Messrs J. A. Young, M.P., J. W. Ellis (Mayor), J. R. Eow (Deputy-Mayor), Archdeacon Cowie, Lieut. Campbell, and W. Uoodfellow.

An orchestra consisting of Messrs Scott (piano), McLachlan (violin), Siddall (cornet), Booth (basso), and Hopkinson ('cello) discoursed popular music during the dinner hour. The soldier boys were in happy mood. It was their night, and they made the most of it. They evidently appreciated the opportunityof renewing old friendships formed upon active service, and the reminiscences of the days when they were fighting side by side. When the orchestra broke into some particularly popular tune, the boys joined in the" chorus, and altogether a happy, rollicking time was spent. One amusing little incident was the sight of a merry iad in khaki conducting the orchestra with the leg of a chicken.

Annual Meeting. After dinner the annual meeting of the Waikato Returned Soldiers' Association was held, -Major Rastrick, president, occupied the chair. The annual report (already published) and balance-sheet were adopted. The latter showed the Association to be in a satisfactory financial position, there being £328 12s 3d in the bank, and £ls 17s in hand, with £350 on deposit at call.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted:— .President, Major Rastrick (reelected). In returning thanks for the honour accorded him, the Major mentioned that the position was no sine cure, taking up a good deal of time, and being rewarded with more kicks than half-pence. He would accept the position, but assured members that this would be his last year of office. Other officers elected were: Vicepresident, Mr T. G. Reynolds; committee, Messrs A. Beange, J. R. Boyes, J. E. Hollywood, J. McGeehan, G. \V. Matthews, Trevor W, Stringer, A. Walmsley (Faeroa), Geo. McEvoy (\Yaerenga), S. A. Smith, Malcolm Larney (Kereone); delegates to May conference M.Z.R.A.—Messrs T. G. Reynolds and Trevor \Y. Stringer; honorary auditors, -Messrs English and Luxfofd (reelected).

"The Smoker." The "smoker," with which the local celebration of Anzac Day concluded, passed off successfully, a jolly time being spent with song and story, and in social intercourse. It was very apparent that soldiers have learned the secret of extracting the maximum of pleasure from the passing moment. A lengthy toast list was gone through as follows: "The King," proposed by Major Rastrick, president W.R.S.A.; "Navy and Armv," Mr J. A. Young, M.F.—Captain Bellamy, O.C. No. 4 Group; "Anzac Boys," Mr J. R. Fow, Deputy-Mayor of Hamilton—Lieut. E. -McGregor, M.C. (-Main Body); "Our Allies," Mr A. E. Manning—Mr L. H. King; "Boys Gone West" (silent), Yen. Archdeacon Cowie; "Comrades at the Front," Mr W. Trevor Stringer" ; "Keturned Soldiers' Association," Mr J. \Y. Ellis, Mayor of Hamilton; "Visitors and Honorary Members," Major Rastrick—replied to bv several visitors; "The Press," Mr J. McGeehan.

The following programme was presented, each item, being much appreciated, and loudly applauded:— Orchestral selection, "Youth and Riches," orchestra; song, "Homeland," -Mr R. Laffertv; comic songs, Mr H. Fort"; song, "Anzac," Mr T. Johnson; march, "God of Thunder," orchestra; violin solo, "Souvenir de Amerique," Mr A. McLachlan; "Ten Minutes Attention." Mr Fletcher; song, " Piny Ridge," Mr N. Halliwell; song, "Harvest," Mr R. Lafferty; march, orchestra.

A successful re-union, and one which will long linger pleasantly in the memory of those who attended, closed with the singing of the National Anthem.

The President o| the Returned Soldiers' Association (Major Rastrick), secretary (Mr B. Harris) and members of the committee are to be congratulated upon the completeness of the arrangements made, as a result of which Anzac Day was fittingly celebrated in Hamilton.

THE SOUL OF ANZAC. MESSAGE TO NEW ZEALAND. GREAT TRADITIONS STILL UPHELD. IN SURE CUSTODY. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, Friday. The Governor-General has received tthe following cable from General Sir AVilliam Birdwood:—" On this the third anniversary of Anzac Day, I desire to convey the greetings of the members of the Australian and Imper. ial forces to the people of New Zealand and to assure them that the New Zealand and Australian troops are continuing to uphold the great traditions established on April 25, 1915. The many months during which the New Zealand and Australian soldiers have fought literally shoulde. - to shoulder in the common cause can naver be forgotten by either. All who are fighting to-day realise that the safety and honour of their homes and people are as much in their safe custody" as they were three years ago, and in this trust they will not fail."

CELEBRATIONS IN SYDNEY. (United Press Association.) Received April 2n, 10.30 p.m. SIDNEY,. April 25. Anzac Day was celebrated by a parade of returned soldiers. ' The greatest enthusiasm prevailed and recruiting rallies ;uid intercession sei- \ ices were held. Received April 26. 11.30 a.m. SYDNEY, April 20. Five thousand returned soldiers, i-i. (hiding a numl>er of New Zealanders, participated in the Anzae Day procession. Seventy-five motor-cars were filled with those unable t:) walk. There were big celebrations in the other canitals. '

WAR EXPLOITS EULOGISED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received April 26, 1.30 p.m. LONDON, April 27). The newspapers give prominence to Anzae Day. Many articles eulogise the Australian and New Zealand war exploits on Gallipoli and in France.