Anzac Service

This view of Gisborne's magnificent war memorial symbolises the spirit of Anzac Day. It was taken after the ceremony had ended, when the sun came out of the clouds, while interested citizens were inspecting the wreaths placed on the memorial in memory of the fallen of the World Wars.

The simple service, with its brief but moving address, the solemn laying of wreaths, the singing of time-honoured hymns suitable to the occasion, and the magnificent parade, all served to rededicate the memory of servicemen and citizens and to bring home to younger folk something of the spirit of heroism and sacrifice with which their elders met the supreme test of war.

Our photographs, on this and the next three pages, include

the Rev. E.C. Leadley, who this year conducted the service at the memorial.

Anzac Address

Anzac Wreaths

The address at the memorial was delivered by Lieutenant—Colonel C.M. Bennett, D.S.O., a former commander of the famous Maori Battalion.

The scene as Lt. Col. Bennett carried up the wreath on behalf of the Maori people. Others (from left) were: Mr A.H. De Costa (Dominion President R.N.Z.A.F. Association); the Mayor, Mr H.H. Barker (partially obscured), "Our Allies"; Mr I.J. Quigley, Town Local Bodies; Mr A.A. Fraser, Country Local Bodies; Mrs Barker, Women's Organisations; Mr A. Kirkham, South African War Veterans.

Impressive

The Gisborne Highland Pipe Band approaching the memorial, while below, girls from the Gisborne High School give a fine display of precision marching.

Mr A.H. Barwick, president, Gisborne Returned Services Association, carrying forward the Association wreath.

The Mayor, Mr Barker, takes up the wreath for "Our Allies."

At the Memorial

On the March

A section of the crowd at the memorial. At right, ex-servicemen and members of the Territorial Forces stand at ease during the service.

Ex-servicemen in the parade crossing the Gladstone Road bridge after the ceremony. Included in the parade were seven South African War Veterans.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 1 : June 3, 1954

Anzac Service