ANZAC DAY.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16781, 26 April 1926, Page 7

ANZAC DAY.

GREAT ENTHUSIASM. OBSERVANCE IN SYDNEY. SERVICES m THE CHURCHES. (United Press Association.) SYDNEY, April 25. Although Aiizac Day will be Observed as ft public'holiday'to-morrow all flags on public buildings ! to-day were flown at half-mast. Appropriate addresses were delivered 'in all the churches. There was a'march of all arms of the service amcl the police 'through 'the city streets to. tho Town Hall, where a service was bold. The GovernorGeneral, Lord Stonehaven, and other notable persons were rtreseut. The march, vvhich was most impressive, was witnessed by great crowds. Over 40,000 people were present at the Town Hall, where the addresses delivered by the heads of the different denominations evoked many moving scenes.

MESSAGE TO THE KING. The Governor-General has, sent the following reply to the message from His Majesty 'the 'King on the occasion of Anzac ; Day: Your Majesty's gracious message has been communicated to the people of New Zealand, -who appreciate most deeply the association of Your Majesty and the Queen in their observance of this day'Of sacred memories. They desire me to renew their assurances that the spirit of devotion to Your Majesty and the Empire which was shown so clearly on that first Anzac Day remains undiminished throughout this Dominion. SERVICES IN THE CHURCHES. Special Anzac Services were held in most of Hie Hamilton Churches yesterday. At First Church, Frank-ton, Bcv. MacDonald Aspland, was the preacher and took his text from John 15, verse 13, "Greater love hath no man than ihis that a man lay down his life for his friends." Mr. Aspland preached an appropriate sermon and dealt with the story of the landing referring to the undying heroism of the Anzacs. In the afternoon he conducted' a special Anzac memorial service at Whatawhata.

At St. Andrew's Church, Claudelands, last e«.'ning, there was a record congregation. Long before tee time fixed for the commencement of service every available seat was Occupied, and chairs and forms Were placed clown the fuU length of both aisles. The pulpit s'te'p's afforded seating accommodation for some, as did the steps at the door at the rear of the pulpit, while the vestibule was occupied by a large numbpr, and some we're turned away. The preacher was Rev. 11. G. Gilbert, who give an appropriate address on "Lest We Forget." The singing, which was a feature of the service, was led by a strong choir under Mr J. S. Prentice. The Hamilton Pipe Band was present.

With filling reverence and simplicity a memorial service was held at St. Peters yesterday morning. Archdeacon E. M. Cowic spoke an impressive sermon to a large congregation. St. George's, Frankton, was well filled for the special Anzac service last evening. The vicar, Bcv. F. Party, spoke from the point of view of tho difference that Christianity made on our outlook upon death. Reference was made to the glorious deeds of the Anzacs in the Catholic Churches yesterday. At' Our Church of the Rosary, Bcv. Father O'Flynn was the preacher. AT MORRINSVILLE. Tii ■■:•(•. was a large attendance at Howie Park, Morrinsville, many coming in from the surrounding districts to take part in the ceremony. The musical part of the service was supplied by the Walton Band, and was greatly appreciated by the large audience.

Proceedings opened by singing the National Anthem, after which the Mayor spoke of tho significance of tho day. He felt sure that the same loyal feeling that was so evident 11 years ago prevailed to-day, and that the next generation would be equally loyal. " O God, Our Help in Ages Past," led by the band, was then sung, followed* by a prayer by Mr C. Macky, the hymns " Lead Kindly Light " and the Recessional, and a scripture reading by Mr D. R. F. Campbell. Lieutenant-Colonel S. S. Allen, C.M.G., D. 5.0., then gave a very interesting and inspiring address. The hymn, " Peace, Perfect Peace," was sung by the large assembly, and the Benediction was pronounced by the Rev. E. E. Sage.

Official wreaths were added to a large number of others placed at the base of the war memorial, and proceedings concluded by the band playing " The Dead March" and the sounding oX the Last Post. AT AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, Monday. The observance of Anzao Day was very impressive. In Hie afternoon a procession of all branches of the defence forces was held, led by bands. Ouecn Street was lined by thousands of people, and that the solemnity of the occasion was fully realised was evident by Hie seriousness of the watching faces as the men swung along, many being moved lo tears. The Town Hall was crowded, thousands being unable lo gain admission. The service was very impressive. The Governor-General/ Sir Charles Fcrgusson, took part in the service by reading the lesson, Rev. xx., 11-22. The Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon presided. Addresses were delivered by Archbishop Avcrill and Rev. R. S. Watson, M.C. ~ . . Many floral emblems were laid on the Cenotaph in Queen Street.