21 April 1931
ANZAC DAY
PROCESSION AND SERVICE AT MONUMENT
As mentioned in these columns last Tuesday, Anzac Day will be observed at Creswick next Saturday by a short service at the monument in Albert Street.
Returned soldiers, soldier’s fathers, and school children will form up at the Park Lake gardens gate at 10.30 am. And headed by a band will march in a procession to the monument where wreaths will be hung, two or three short addresses will be given and well known hymns sung.
Our State members, Sir Alexander Peacock, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, although invited to attend the great Anzac Day celebrations in Melbourne on Saturday, has following his usual practice, intimated to Sir John Monash that he purposes attending the gatherings in his own constituency and will be at Creswick in the morning, at Waubra in the afternoon and Clunes in the evening, speaking at each service. He will attend at the Ballarat High School on Friday morning to address the students, and at the request of Rev. Warnock, and the Newlyn branch of the Returned Soldiers’ League, has agreed to give the address at the Newlyn Methodist Church on Sunday evening.
Ladies of Creswick are asked to meet at the Bank chambers at 3 o’clock on Wednesday afternoon to make arrangements for entertaining the band and the speakers on Saturday morning.
28 April 1931
ANZAC DAY
IMPRESSIVE SERVICE AT CRESWICK
Saturday’s observance of Anzac Day at Creswick was the most impressive held here for a number of years. Fine addresses by the four speakers, fittingly chosen hymns, good music, and the abundance of floral tributes laid on the memorial column, combined to make one realise that the gathering was not a mere matter of form, but part of the tremendous outpouring from our nations’ heart.
A big procession, comprising returned soldiers’, soldier’s fathers, school children and others, headed by the Ballarat City Band, marched from Park Lake gates through Albert street to the memorial column, where the Girl Guides in uniform were already assembled, and a good crowd had gathered.
After the singing of the National Anthem, the Mayor addressed the gathering and gave a brief summary of the story of Anzac. It is with mixed feelings of pride and sorrow (he said) that we recall today that 25th April, 1915, when the Australian and New Zealand soldiers with their comrades of the 29th British division stormed the cliffs of Gallipoli and received their baptism of fire and blood. That awful period on the Peninsular is now history- days of fighting without respite (often without sleep), scanty (sometimes, unsavoury) rations, fighting till it all seemed unreal, till a half of each battalion was annihilated and no prospect before any man of them save that of wounds or death. How they endured is something for us to reflect upon today when we mourn with the relatives of the fallen and acknowledge the debt we owe to the heroes of Gallipoli, for its cost to Australia and New Zealand was 9000 men (of whom at least 2000 were killed), men whom their countries could ill afford. There were few people in Australia of whom some close friend or near relative did not lie on those hills which were abandoned to the enemy after about eight months of occupation. Not Gallipoli alone, brought the names of Australia into the mouth of all the world- but throughout the whole of the war, when our troops took their place beside the English and French in France they played a part which went far to mould the issue of the war, and again and again covered themselves with glory. To day we proudly celebrate what might aptly be termed the birthday of the Australian nation, but whilst rejoicing in the heritage our soldiers left us, we are not unmindful of its cost and we mourn with those sorrowing ones whose fathers, husband, sons and brothers paid the supreme sacrifice.
The hymn “Rock of Ages,” was then sung.
Sir Alexander Peacock said: Once more we join with tens and hundreds of thousands throughout the commonwealth in paying tribute to those who laid their lives for the cause of civilisation. I am glad to hear the Mayor mention that interest in this ceremony is increasing here- it will be a bad time for Australia if we forget. It is not idle curiosity that has brought you out to day. A few years ago, I told you how it struck me- that Anzac Day ranged ahead of the three other great events of our Empire’s History: Wolfe at Quebec, the battle of Waterloo, and the charge of the Light Brigade. But they lasted at the most for a matter of hours, while Anzac was the story of eight long, severe months, one of the most wonderful stories in the history of this world. After holding on there with untold suffering, they were taken from the peninsular and the first Anzac Day celebrations were held in London fifteen years ago when those maimed troops from Gallipoli limped through the streets to Westminster Abbey, welcomed not by large crowds, for all able bodied men and women were engaged in war work, but by old men and old women, and young children. At the Abby was held the only similar service since the time of the Crusaders and to those Anzacs the Archbishop of Canterbury preached the most thrilling, stirring sermon ever recorded in the English language, from the text, “Greater love hath no man-“. You children (continued Sir Alexander, turning to the scholars in their ranks) were unborn then, but you must learn, and never forget the story of these men who died for you. Lincoln’s words at the close of the great American Civil War were, “This nation will soon forget what we have said and are saying to day about those heroes who served our country, but they will not forget the deeds those men performed.” And may Australia remember in that way. It was said of those who volunteered in 1914 ( and it was a gross, unfair libel) that they wanted excitement, that they would not last; Anzac proved that a lie; enlistments right through to 1918 proved that a lie, and the story of Australia right through the war prove it a lie. Senator Lynch during the war had remarked that a wonderful characteristic of the Australian was that if anyone were in trouble they would answer readily. In conclusion, Sir Alexander stressed the fact that we should be generous with members of the A.I.F. in consideration of their suffering; when you hear some people criticise a soldier or a sailor who has fallen by the wayside, you would think the critics were little angels themselves.
Hymn: Recessional
Major W. Ellwood, M. C. , said: it is to me a great honor to be asked to deliver an address to you. I attend at Creswick with feelings of deep emotion and remembrance because one of the best loved officers of our battalion came from this town, I refer to Jack Harris, who lost his life at Bullecourt. Most of us have sharp memories of that day when our 24th Battalion broke the Hindenberg line for the first time; I have the memory of D. Company (Jack Harris’ Company) going through and going to their death. The charge being laid against our country, by no less an authority than the great Sir Hubert Wilkins, is that of mediocrity- that we never rise above the mediocre, that we produce no great men; that may be so, but the story of our men over the other side seems to tell something different. I think that the first quality that brought success to the A.I.F. was the intense national pride (which we seem to day in danger of losing) over there, we thought there was no battalion like our own, no army like the Australian army, and wherever we went we sang the praises of Australia. That was the spirit that carried Australia through- the key to the Australian army’s peculiar discipline. Colonel Wedgewood, in refuting a charge that the Australian army lacked discipline said that they had the best discipline in the war- a discipline that rose superior to all emergencies, for in the end they became the very spearhead that broke through the enemy forces. I am glad that the celebration of Anzac Day is gaining in impressiveness and solemnity as the years go on- I think that it never should be forgotten; it is one more proof that in the story of this world, the idealistic, the spiritual, predominates over the materialistic; if we ail in our ideals, we fail in everything. Before concluding, I would like to pay my solemn and humble tribute to those 60,000 men who laid down their lives; we who have been permitted to return feel of many of them that we were not fit to wipe their boots, so full were they of the spirit of self sacrifice. We offer consolation to their loved ones, for out of it al comes the great hope that war will be no more. Let us hope that the day is not far distant when the battle flags will be furled for the last time, and the war drum throbs no more. Until then we are justified in taking precautions for defence and I might tell my digger friends that the same spirit is to be found amongst the young men in the camps today.
Hymn: lead Kindly Light.
Rev. Warnock (Speaking on behalf of the clergymen of Creswick who had selected him from amongst themselves) remarked that it had been said that he was speaking on behalf of the churches of the town; he was not, as such speaking for one particular section of the community, but for the whole community in one particular section of the community, but for the whole community in one particular section of its life. “And so,” he said, “I want to speak to you for the religious aspect of Anzac Day. It cannot possible viewed from a denominational aspect. We are coming to understand, as time goes by, that the Christian religion is not a specific way of living; it is not something for a particular building or a particular day of the week, but rather that paraphernalia of the religious teachings bears to them the same relation as does the scaffolding to the building in course of erection. Christ acme to teach us the way to live, and one of the lessons He illustrated is that the truly great man is not he who is served by the greatest number of his fellows, but he who serves the greatest number of his fellow men. Looking at it in that way, we find that the action of our men at Gallipoli has a definite religious aspect. Possibly some of those men who fought and died there would be surprised to hear that said, for religion has been misunderstood. In any case those men did not wear their hearts on their sleeves, but they were filled with the vital spirit of religion- service to others. The call of Anzac Day is more than a call to honor those men, though we do that; it is more than a call to remember, though we do that, and God forbid that we forget; but it is an urgent call to emulation. We are still standing under the shadow of this world upheaval, there is still an uncertainty in the world, there are sinister influences and disquieting tendencies; as ministers of the Christian church we should recapture the spirit of Anzac so that there may emerge a civilisation that is more advanced, that is nobler than we now know.
The sounding of the Last Post by Mr. W. Fargher commenced the observance of the minute of silent remembrance, broken by the utterance of the words, “Lest We Forget” and the Reveille.
The gathering then dispersed.
The band was afterwards served with luncheon by ladies of the town. During the service at the memorial, the Mayor took the opportunity of thanking the members of the R.S.A. for organising and arranging the programme.
STATE SCHOOL SERVICE
A simple, but impressive service was carried out by the scholars and staff of the Creswick State school on Friday afternoon, thus forming a fitting preparation for the larger ceremony of Anzac Day.
The children were grouped under the flag and a short programme of appropriate songs and recitations rendered.
The head teacher (Mr. C. W. Frost) after exhibiting several interesting relics of the Landing, told in simple words, the story of Anzac. He said that the wonderful story of endurance and sacrifice showed that the men of the A.I.F. were worthy sons of the great Empire to which they were proud to belong. He showed that the spirit of Anzac permeated all ranks, thus giving birth to the great and glorious tradition of the A.I.F. At present in Australia it seemed as if we were in grave danger of failing our 60,000 dead. As it was easy to upset the balance of Nature in the plant and animal world, so by the taking of 60,000 men of the best type from our young land, the balance had been destroyed and his opinion was that to this loss the present distressing condition of Australia was largely due. We were now, in these dark days, only beginning to realise what the influence of these men might have been in our national life, were they with us to day. He urged the children to emulate the example set by the Anzacs, to get the Anzac spirit, and thus make themselves worthy of their dead. To show that theirs was now the responsibility he quoted the well known lines:-
“To you from falling hands we throw the torch,
Be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us, who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies blow
In Flanders fields.”
The placing of a handsome wreath supplied by the local branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. on the Honor Board, the observing of the one minutes’ silence, the saluting of the flag, and the singing of the National Anthem terminated the ceremony.
ANZAC DAY
PROCESSION AND SERVICE AT MONUMENT
As mentioned in these columns last Tuesday, Anzac Day will be observed at Creswick next Saturday by a short service at the monument in Albert Street.
Returned soldiers, soldier’s fathers, and school children will form up at the Park Lake gardens gate at 10.30 am. And headed by a band will march in a procession to the monument where wreaths will be hung, two or three short addresses will be given and well known hymns sung.
Our State members, Sir Alexander Peacock, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, although invited to attend the great Anzac Day celebrations in Melbourne on Saturday, has following his usual practice, intimated to Sir John Monash that he purposes attending the gatherings in his own constituency and will be at Creswick in the morning, at Waubra in the afternoon and Clunes in the evening, speaking at each service. He will attend at the Ballarat High School on Friday morning to address the students, and at the request of Rev. Warnock, and the Newlyn branch of the Returned Soldiers’ League, has agreed to give the address at the Newlyn Methodist Church on Sunday evening.
Ladies of Creswick are asked to meet at the Bank chambers at 3 o’clock on Wednesday afternoon to make arrangements for entertaining the band and the speakers on Saturday morning.
28 April 1931
ANZAC DAY
IMPRESSIVE SERVICE AT CRESWICK
Saturday’s observance of Anzac Day at Creswick was the most impressive held here for a number of years. Fine addresses by the four speakers, fittingly chosen hymns, good music, and the abundance of floral tributes laid on the memorial column, combined to make one realise that the gathering was not a mere matter of form, but part of the tremendous outpouring from our nations’ heart.
A big procession, comprising returned soldiers’, soldier’s fathers, school children and others, headed by the Ballarat City Band, marched from Park Lake gates through Albert street to the memorial column, where the Girl Guides in uniform were already assembled, and a good crowd had gathered.
After the singing of the National Anthem, the Mayor addressed the gathering and gave a brief summary of the story of Anzac. It is with mixed feelings of pride and sorrow (he said) that we recall today that 25th April, 1915, when the Australian and New Zealand soldiers with their comrades of the 29th British division stormed the cliffs of Gallipoli and received their baptism of fire and blood. That awful period on the Peninsular is now history- days of fighting without respite (often without sleep), scanty (sometimes, unsavoury) rations, fighting till it all seemed unreal, till a half of each battalion was annihilated and no prospect before any man of them save that of wounds or death. How they endured is something for us to reflect upon today when we mourn with the relatives of the fallen and acknowledge the debt we owe to the heroes of Gallipoli, for its cost to Australia and New Zealand was 9000 men (of whom at least 2000 were killed), men whom their countries could ill afford. There were few people in Australia of whom some close friend or near relative did not lie on those hills which were abandoned to the enemy after about eight months of occupation. Not Gallipoli alone, brought the names of Australia into the mouth of all the world- but throughout the whole of the war, when our troops took their place beside the English and French in France they played a part which went far to mould the issue of the war, and again and again covered themselves with glory. To day we proudly celebrate what might aptly be termed the birthday of the Australian nation, but whilst rejoicing in the heritage our soldiers left us, we are not unmindful of its cost and we mourn with those sorrowing ones whose fathers, husband, sons and brothers paid the supreme sacrifice.
The hymn “Rock of Ages,” was then sung.
Sir Alexander Peacock said: Once more we join with tens and hundreds of thousands throughout the commonwealth in paying tribute to those who laid their lives for the cause of civilisation. I am glad to hear the Mayor mention that interest in this ceremony is increasing here- it will be a bad time for Australia if we forget. It is not idle curiosity that has brought you out to day. A few years ago, I told you how it struck me- that Anzac Day ranged ahead of the three other great events of our Empire’s History: Wolfe at Quebec, the battle of Waterloo, and the charge of the Light Brigade. But they lasted at the most for a matter of hours, while Anzac was the story of eight long, severe months, one of the most wonderful stories in the history of this world. After holding on there with untold suffering, they were taken from the peninsular and the first Anzac Day celebrations were held in London fifteen years ago when those maimed troops from Gallipoli limped through the streets to Westminster Abbey, welcomed not by large crowds, for all able bodied men and women were engaged in war work, but by old men and old women, and young children. At the Abby was held the only similar service since the time of the Crusaders and to those Anzacs the Archbishop of Canterbury preached the most thrilling, stirring sermon ever recorded in the English language, from the text, “Greater love hath no man-“. You children (continued Sir Alexander, turning to the scholars in their ranks) were unborn then, but you must learn, and never forget the story of these men who died for you. Lincoln’s words at the close of the great American Civil War were, “This nation will soon forget what we have said and are saying to day about those heroes who served our country, but they will not forget the deeds those men performed.” And may Australia remember in that way. It was said of those who volunteered in 1914 ( and it was a gross, unfair libel) that they wanted excitement, that they would not last; Anzac proved that a lie; enlistments right through to 1918 proved that a lie, and the story of Australia right through the war prove it a lie. Senator Lynch during the war had remarked that a wonderful characteristic of the Australian was that if anyone were in trouble they would answer readily. In conclusion, Sir Alexander stressed the fact that we should be generous with members of the A.I.F. in consideration of their suffering; when you hear some people criticise a soldier or a sailor who has fallen by the wayside, you would think the critics were little angels themselves.
Hymn: Recessional
Major W. Ellwood, M. C. , said: it is to me a great honor to be asked to deliver an address to you. I attend at Creswick with feelings of deep emotion and remembrance because one of the best loved officers of our battalion came from this town, I refer to Jack Harris, who lost his life at Bullecourt. Most of us have sharp memories of that day when our 24th Battalion broke the Hindenberg line for the first time; I have the memory of D. Company (Jack Harris’ Company) going through and going to their death. The charge being laid against our country, by no less an authority than the great Sir Hubert Wilkins, is that of mediocrity- that we never rise above the mediocre, that we produce no great men; that may be so, but the story of our men over the other side seems to tell something different. I think that the first quality that brought success to the A.I.F. was the intense national pride (which we seem to day in danger of losing) over there, we thought there was no battalion like our own, no army like the Australian army, and wherever we went we sang the praises of Australia. That was the spirit that carried Australia through- the key to the Australian army’s peculiar discipline. Colonel Wedgewood, in refuting a charge that the Australian army lacked discipline said that they had the best discipline in the war- a discipline that rose superior to all emergencies, for in the end they became the very spearhead that broke through the enemy forces. I am glad that the celebration of Anzac Day is gaining in impressiveness and solemnity as the years go on- I think that it never should be forgotten; it is one more proof that in the story of this world, the idealistic, the spiritual, predominates over the materialistic; if we ail in our ideals, we fail in everything. Before concluding, I would like to pay my solemn and humble tribute to those 60,000 men who laid down their lives; we who have been permitted to return feel of many of them that we were not fit to wipe their boots, so full were they of the spirit of self sacrifice. We offer consolation to their loved ones, for out of it al comes the great hope that war will be no more. Let us hope that the day is not far distant when the battle flags will be furled for the last time, and the war drum throbs no more. Until then we are justified in taking precautions for defence and I might tell my digger friends that the same spirit is to be found amongst the young men in the camps today.
Hymn: lead Kindly Light.
Rev. Warnock (Speaking on behalf of the clergymen of Creswick who had selected him from amongst themselves) remarked that it had been said that he was speaking on behalf of the churches of the town; he was not, as such speaking for one particular section of the community, but for the whole community in one particular section of the community, but for the whole community in one particular section of its life. “And so,” he said, “I want to speak to you for the religious aspect of Anzac Day. It cannot possible viewed from a denominational aspect. We are coming to understand, as time goes by, that the Christian religion is not a specific way of living; it is not something for a particular building or a particular day of the week, but rather that paraphernalia of the religious teachings bears to them the same relation as does the scaffolding to the building in course of erection. Christ acme to teach us the way to live, and one of the lessons He illustrated is that the truly great man is not he who is served by the greatest number of his fellows, but he who serves the greatest number of his fellow men. Looking at it in that way, we find that the action of our men at Gallipoli has a definite religious aspect. Possibly some of those men who fought and died there would be surprised to hear that said, for religion has been misunderstood. In any case those men did not wear their hearts on their sleeves, but they were filled with the vital spirit of religion- service to others. The call of Anzac Day is more than a call to honor those men, though we do that; it is more than a call to remember, though we do that, and God forbid that we forget; but it is an urgent call to emulation. We are still standing under the shadow of this world upheaval, there is still an uncertainty in the world, there are sinister influences and disquieting tendencies; as ministers of the Christian church we should recapture the spirit of Anzac so that there may emerge a civilisation that is more advanced, that is nobler than we now know.
The sounding of the Last Post by Mr. W. Fargher commenced the observance of the minute of silent remembrance, broken by the utterance of the words, “Lest We Forget” and the Reveille.
The gathering then dispersed.
The band was afterwards served with luncheon by ladies of the town. During the service at the memorial, the Mayor took the opportunity of thanking the members of the R.S.A. for organising and arranging the programme.
STATE SCHOOL SERVICE
A simple, but impressive service was carried out by the scholars and staff of the Creswick State school on Friday afternoon, thus forming a fitting preparation for the larger ceremony of Anzac Day.
The children were grouped under the flag and a short programme of appropriate songs and recitations rendered.
The head teacher (Mr. C. W. Frost) after exhibiting several interesting relics of the Landing, told in simple words, the story of Anzac. He said that the wonderful story of endurance and sacrifice showed that the men of the A.I.F. were worthy sons of the great Empire to which they were proud to belong. He showed that the spirit of Anzac permeated all ranks, thus giving birth to the great and glorious tradition of the A.I.F. At present in Australia it seemed as if we were in grave danger of failing our 60,000 dead. As it was easy to upset the balance of Nature in the plant and animal world, so by the taking of 60,000 men of the best type from our young land, the balance had been destroyed and his opinion was that to this loss the present distressing condition of Australia was largely due. We were now, in these dark days, only beginning to realise what the influence of these men might have been in our national life, were they with us to day. He urged the children to emulate the example set by the Anzacs, to get the Anzac spirit, and thus make themselves worthy of their dead. To show that theirs was now the responsibility he quoted the well known lines:-
“To you from falling hands we throw the torch,
Be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us, who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies blow
In Flanders fields.”
The placing of a handsome wreath supplied by the local branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. on the Honor Board, the observing of the one minutes’ silence, the saluting of the flag, and the singing of the National Anthem terminated the ceremony.
19 April 1932
ANZAC DAY
Arrangements are practically complete for the suitable commemoration of Anzac Day at Creswick on Monday next, 25th April. A procession comprising returned soldiers, soldiers fathers and school children will form up at Park Lake gates at 10.30 a.m. and, headed by the Ballarat City Band, will march up Albert street to the monument where wreaths will be hung. Girl Guides will act as markers for the procession to form up on and Mr. C. W. Frost will again act as marshall. There will be a short service, while addresses will probably be made by Sir A J. Peacock and Mr. W. Prowse (of Ballarat).
Sir Alexander Peacock will also be present at ceremonies at Waubra at 3 p.m. and Clunes at 7 p.m. As the Speaker of the House he has been specially invited to attend the Melbourne celebrations that day but following his usual practice he has intimated that he feels it his duty to attend and assist the services in his own district.
School Celebrations on Friday
Anzac Day will be celebrated in the State schools on Friday afternoon next and Sir Alexander and Lady Peacock have accepted invitations from the school committees and teachers of the Rocklyn and Newlyn schools to attend that afternoon, at the former school at 1.45 p.m. and at the latter at 3 p.m.
Wattle Flat, Mollongghip and Dean schools are combining for a service which will be held in the Dean school at 3 o’clock. Addresses will be given by the district inspector, Mr. Heathcote, B.A., Rev. J. McD Forsyth and Mr. F. H. Carter.
22 April 1932
THE SCHOOLS – Schools observance of Anzac Day will be held to-day.
Mollongghip and Dean schools are combining for the Anzac Day service which will be held at the Dean school this afternoon (Friday). Addresses will be given by Rev. J. McD. Forsyth, Mr. Heathcote, B.A., (district inspector) and Mr. F. H. Carter. The head teachers hope for a large attendance.
25 April 1932
ANZAC DAY
BIG GATHERING AT CRESWICK
Impressive Service
The desire to keep alive the spirit of Anzac seems stronger now, fourteen years after the war, than it was in those days when our nearness to the gigantic struggle prevented the world from grasping its true perspective.
This desire was strongly shown at this morning’s impressive service at Creswick when an immense gathering commemorated the day which has been set aside, sacred to the memory of the brave dead- and the brave who still live.
Lead by the Ballarat City Band, Soldiers, the grand old army of Dads, students of the Forestry school and school children marched up Albert street to the memorial column where floral tributes were added in profusion.
Here the National Anthem was played and the Two Minutes’ Silence was observed to be broken by the pronouncing of the words “Lest We Forget.”
The large gathering then adjourned to the Town Hall which it filled to overflowing.
In addition to members of the Creswick branch, there were representatives of the Newlyn branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A., together with Mr. F. Ellis (president of Ballarat Legacy club), Mr. E. R. Morton (president Creswick Branch R.S.S.I.L.A.) Sir Alexander and Lady Peacock, the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs E. A. Dooley) and Mr. W. L. Prowse (of the Ballarat Branch R.S.S.I.L.A.)
So stirring were the addresses, and so impressive the service, that many an eye was wet and strong men were not ashamed to wipe away a tear.
The Mayor expressed pleasure at seeing such a large attendance in proof that Creswick had not forgotten.
Mr. W. L. Prowse reminded the assemblage that to day Australia honoured one great debt that could only be redeemed by gratitude. A whole nation bows its head this day in memory; wherever Australian people are gathered to day, from the tiniest hamlet to the big city, the name of Anzac is being re dedicated. If there is one thing to day upon which Australia can congratulate itself, it is that it has not forgotten. The soldiers asked that when their ranks are even thinner, Australia will still not forget the 60,000 volunteers who went forth and died. Memory recalls their glorious manhood and their wonderful heroism; tens of thousands of ex members of the A.I.F. will march through the metropolis to day; with them marches that invisible army of 60,000. Uninvited to day come to them stabbing memories of a desolating day but we reassure them that their sacrifice was not in vain, and the eyes that are wet to day will see more clearly to morrow the duties they owe to Australia.
Throughout those European countries that Australia helped to defend, the name of Australia is an honoured word. Capt. Bean in his history of the war asks did Australians go because they hated the Turk? No, they knew not the Turk; did they go for glory? No, they know where vast armies were assembled there was no chance of individual glory; did they go because of their love for the Motherland? Ah, yes, they knew that all we are, all we enjoy, is made possible by Britain. Mr. Prowse went on to paint a stirring word picture of that epic landing. At that it would have been impossible without the wonderful British navy- the silent watchdog of the seas. It behoves everyone to take up the torch that those men flung down and to carry it forward for the sake of our country. The outstanding characteristic of the Digger was that he never forsook a mate- we want that spirit in our land to day. Let us honor their name and right down through time, perpetuate it by honouring Anzac Day.
Sir Alexander Peacock impressed that he was truly proud of his town today; it was good to find that with the years arose a clearer recognition of the sacrifices made by the A.I.F. “I have been with you often that it is difficult to tell you anything new about this grand day,” he said, ‘But as I have been with you through it all, I know how you feel and I admire you for it.” Sir Alexander recalled the story of the 1st Anzac day, in the heart of London with its millions, in 1916. Anzacs, maimed and suffering, were welcomed that day by old men and women and young children because the fit were all working in the war or fighting at the front. God grant there will be no need for any similar service again, although it was a noble, stirring day. He had a record of the boys who left from Creswick and a record of the first great memorial service held here in Creswick; he was proud of them. Some of those Anzacs he had spoken of, marching through the streets of London, went on to France, to die; some to live through and come back. When the news came of those horrors of 1914, and everything was looking black, the call came for volunteers; brave as those first men were, brave also were those who answered as volunteers. The Australian “Coo-ee” had come from over there and Australia answered again. Those were the men we honored as well as the Anzacs. They could be proud too of the schools who sent letters and comforts to the soldiers. They had known their own townsmen and their own countrymen play their part in upholding Britain’s name. Once again he expressed his pleasure at seeing the large gathering.
The Last Post was sounded and the Reveille ended the ceremony.
CRESWICK SCHOOL
The celebration of Anzac Day at the Creswick State school was again carried out in an effective and impressive manner on Friday afternoon. After a program of appropriate hymns and recitations, the head teacher (Mr. C. W. Frost) with the aid of maps, pictures, &c., briefly recounted the main features in the story of Anzac. He graphically pictured the hardships suffered, and the great sacrifices made by the men of Australia and New Zealand during their 8 1/2 months in Gallipoli.
Though the day was to many, a sad memory, it should also be productive of feelings of pride coupled with a determination to make ourselves worthy of the great sacrifices. He deplored the necessity for the continual vigilance on the part of returned soldiers lest the day degenerate into a mere holiday, a day of pleasure. He was proud to state that the members of the local branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. had, only the previous evening unanimously endorsed a resolution that they would do their utmost to ensure that the day be celebrated in a fitting manner. That day they gathered together to honor the dead. What of the living- the man who was suffering, and would continue to suffer from war disabilities? He made a strong plea for the Digger, and urged the boys and girls as they grew older to deal more charitably with him, and if possible give him at least a small start in the race for employment, &c.
The ceremony concluded with the placing of a handsome laurel wreath, the gift of the local branch of Returned Soldiers, on the Honor board.
DEAN, MOLLONGGHIP AND WATTLE FLAT
Dean, Wattle Flat and Mollongghip school combined to hold service at Dean School on Friday afternoon where arrangements had been made by the three teachers (Miss A. Gall, of Wattle Flat, Mr. C. McCord, Mollongghip, and Mr. C. Potts, B. A., Dean).
There were about 100 youngsters and some 25 adults present.
The service opened with the hymn, “O God Our Help” the gathering was addressed by Mr. Heathcote, B. A., the district inspector, who is a returned soldier. (He enlisted in 1915 and held a commission in the 15th Machine Gun Company).
Mr. Heathcote dealt with the landing at Gallipoli, the original Anzac Day. He had been privileged to see the first anniversary service in France in 1916. It could be considered as a birthday and though all birthdays were celebrated, this was a particular kind of birthday which, of course, had to be celebrated in a particular way. There was pride and sadness in this day. From their pride in the deeds of those men, they should learn to overcome their own difficulties as the soldiers had overcome the difficulties. From the memories of sadness they should learn to treat that day as different from ordinary holidays. After recounting some humorous incidents, Mr. Heathcote once more urged the young folk to follow the example of the soldiers and face their troubles in school, work or play, with a smile.
The children sang “Song of Australia”.
Rev. J. McD. Forsyth urged the young folk to copy the spirit of self sacrifice shown by the Anzacs and their comrades who had gone through those terrible days for the sake of others.
The “Recessional” hymn was sung by the assemblage.
Mr. F. H. Carter continued in similar strain and closed by telling them two stories of sentries he had known in the Boer War; those sentries had been forcibly shown the error of not carrying out their duties fully: he urged the young folk therefore to carry out their duties to the letter.
All present stood while Master A. Richards (a lad who lost two uncles in the war) read the names of the fallen, and Pat. Potts, Mavis Taylor and Joan Pearse recited “To the Fallen.”
A wreath (from the Mothers’ club) was placed on the honor roll by Joan Pearse and the Minutes silence was observed, broken by the sounding of The Last Post, played by Mr. Potts.
A vote of thanks was moved by Messrs Potts and McCord expressing gratitude to the speakers and to Miss Margaret Ritchie who played the piano accompaniments.
Mr. P. Pearse, president of the school committee, was in the chair.
THE NEWLYN SERVICE
Sir Alexander and Lady Peacock, Crs. T. Parkin and J. T. Yates, representative of the Newlyn and Creswick branches of the R.S.S.I.L.A. and parents attended at the Newlyn school.
The headmaster, Mr. J. W. Stimson, introduced the visitors, who were nicely welcomed on behalf of the scholars by Ronald Bennett.
Sir Alexander Peacock delivered an impressive address. He likened the ceremony to placing an invisible wreath on an invisible grave. It would be a sad day for the country should it forget those who died and those who, living on, sacrificed the best part of their lives. Sentiment enabled us to build up this great nation of ours and sentiment must be kept alive. The Anzacs could not have done everything- the British navy was a prime factor; when war broke out, that navy enabled the trade of the world to go on because it held the keys to the seas at the English Channel, Gibraltar, Suez Canal, Babel Mandeb, the Straits of Malacca and the Cape of Good Hope. (without that trade, England, in six weeks would be starving). “The Australians will go on or go out but they will never go back,” said one man and that was their story right through. Australia now should learn to say it not boastfully but thankfully. He heard folks nowadays get up in hundreds and talk about their rights- better they should talk and think about their duties. He abhorred the person who lived in a place, talked disparagingly of it and did nothing to make life better and easier for those with whom he came in contact. Anzac Day should be for them a day of mingled feelings of sympathy, pride and joy.
Captain Parkin said, “You are part of a race of Australians whose deeds in that war the world has never known to be surpassed.” It was with a certain amount of pride and sadness that he attended, he said. He noticed one boy (Cliff Lay) with all his father’s medals. He apologised for the absence of his brother who knew more of the difficulties of the last war- especially at Gallipoli and Jerusalem. He was pleased to know that the schools of Creswick borough and shire were still helping soldiers, 14 years after the war, with a fund that they had raised then. He hoped Australia would look after the men who came back- those men are not fitted now for the strain; there were more men going through Caulfield hospital now than just after the war. He hoped also that Anzac Day would never be allowed to die out in the schools.
Mr. George Hewetson, of Creswick Branch R.S.S.I.L.A., said that those boys of Anzac faced the slaughter for the honor of Australia- they did not worry about themselves- and won a victory which will resound through history for all time. Perhaps the young folk did not know that a machine gun could fire 600 to 700 bullets a minute; or that if a battery of guns at Newlyn bombarded Creswick there would not be a house or stick standing there in five minutes. He trusted they would never have to go through such things but they could emulate the spirit of the Anzacs in everything they did- by obedience to teachers and parents and helpfulness to all.
Iris Sheppard recited “Good bye”.
Cr. J. T. Yates urged the scholars and their elders not to make a picnic day of their holiday but to treat it as a sacred day.
Mr. J. B. Munson, of Newlyn branch R.S.S.I.L.A., spoke in similar strain.
A minute’s silence was observed, the names of those who paid the supreme sacrifice were read and the gathering adjourned for the scholars to take the oath of allegiance and salute the flag.
AT ROCKLYN
Anzac Day was observed at Rocklyn on Friday in the local school in a most befitting manner. The school was very appropriately decorated by the teachers, Mr. R. Taylor and Miss Betts, assisted by the children, and Miss E. Betts, assisted by Miss Volk and the Misses Betts. Mr. G. Hewetson also supplied one on behalf of the Creswick branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. The wreaths were placed on the honor roll by Miss Gwen Haintz and Miss Clarice McCarthy, senior scholars. Sir Alexander and Lady Peacock and Messrs Hewetson and A. Dean of the Creswick Branch of the Returned Soldiers League, were present, and Cr. J. T. Yates, together with a goodly number of parents and friends.
ANZAC DAY
Arrangements are practically complete for the suitable commemoration of Anzac Day at Creswick on Monday next, 25th April. A procession comprising returned soldiers, soldiers fathers and school children will form up at Park Lake gates at 10.30 a.m. and, headed by the Ballarat City Band, will march up Albert street to the monument where wreaths will be hung. Girl Guides will act as markers for the procession to form up on and Mr. C. W. Frost will again act as marshall. There will be a short service, while addresses will probably be made by Sir A J. Peacock and Mr. W. Prowse (of Ballarat).
Sir Alexander Peacock will also be present at ceremonies at Waubra at 3 p.m. and Clunes at 7 p.m. As the Speaker of the House he has been specially invited to attend the Melbourne celebrations that day but following his usual practice he has intimated that he feels it his duty to attend and assist the services in his own district.
School Celebrations on Friday
Anzac Day will be celebrated in the State schools on Friday afternoon next and Sir Alexander and Lady Peacock have accepted invitations from the school committees and teachers of the Rocklyn and Newlyn schools to attend that afternoon, at the former school at 1.45 p.m. and at the latter at 3 p.m.
Wattle Flat, Mollongghip and Dean schools are combining for a service which will be held in the Dean school at 3 o’clock. Addresses will be given by the district inspector, Mr. Heathcote, B.A., Rev. J. McD Forsyth and Mr. F. H. Carter.
22 April 1932
THE SCHOOLS – Schools observance of Anzac Day will be held to-day.
Mollongghip and Dean schools are combining for the Anzac Day service which will be held at the Dean school this afternoon (Friday). Addresses will be given by Rev. J. McD. Forsyth, Mr. Heathcote, B.A., (district inspector) and Mr. F. H. Carter. The head teachers hope for a large attendance.
25 April 1932
ANZAC DAY
BIG GATHERING AT CRESWICK
Impressive Service
The desire to keep alive the spirit of Anzac seems stronger now, fourteen years after the war, than it was in those days when our nearness to the gigantic struggle prevented the world from grasping its true perspective.
This desire was strongly shown at this morning’s impressive service at Creswick when an immense gathering commemorated the day which has been set aside, sacred to the memory of the brave dead- and the brave who still live.
Lead by the Ballarat City Band, Soldiers, the grand old army of Dads, students of the Forestry school and school children marched up Albert street to the memorial column where floral tributes were added in profusion.
Here the National Anthem was played and the Two Minutes’ Silence was observed to be broken by the pronouncing of the words “Lest We Forget.”
The large gathering then adjourned to the Town Hall which it filled to overflowing.
In addition to members of the Creswick branch, there were representatives of the Newlyn branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A., together with Mr. F. Ellis (president of Ballarat Legacy club), Mr. E. R. Morton (president Creswick Branch R.S.S.I.L.A.) Sir Alexander and Lady Peacock, the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs E. A. Dooley) and Mr. W. L. Prowse (of the Ballarat Branch R.S.S.I.L.A.)
So stirring were the addresses, and so impressive the service, that many an eye was wet and strong men were not ashamed to wipe away a tear.
The Mayor expressed pleasure at seeing such a large attendance in proof that Creswick had not forgotten.
Mr. W. L. Prowse reminded the assemblage that to day Australia honoured one great debt that could only be redeemed by gratitude. A whole nation bows its head this day in memory; wherever Australian people are gathered to day, from the tiniest hamlet to the big city, the name of Anzac is being re dedicated. If there is one thing to day upon which Australia can congratulate itself, it is that it has not forgotten. The soldiers asked that when their ranks are even thinner, Australia will still not forget the 60,000 volunteers who went forth and died. Memory recalls their glorious manhood and their wonderful heroism; tens of thousands of ex members of the A.I.F. will march through the metropolis to day; with them marches that invisible army of 60,000. Uninvited to day come to them stabbing memories of a desolating day but we reassure them that their sacrifice was not in vain, and the eyes that are wet to day will see more clearly to morrow the duties they owe to Australia.
Throughout those European countries that Australia helped to defend, the name of Australia is an honoured word. Capt. Bean in his history of the war asks did Australians go because they hated the Turk? No, they knew not the Turk; did they go for glory? No, they know where vast armies were assembled there was no chance of individual glory; did they go because of their love for the Motherland? Ah, yes, they knew that all we are, all we enjoy, is made possible by Britain. Mr. Prowse went on to paint a stirring word picture of that epic landing. At that it would have been impossible without the wonderful British navy- the silent watchdog of the seas. It behoves everyone to take up the torch that those men flung down and to carry it forward for the sake of our country. The outstanding characteristic of the Digger was that he never forsook a mate- we want that spirit in our land to day. Let us honor their name and right down through time, perpetuate it by honouring Anzac Day.
Sir Alexander Peacock impressed that he was truly proud of his town today; it was good to find that with the years arose a clearer recognition of the sacrifices made by the A.I.F. “I have been with you often that it is difficult to tell you anything new about this grand day,” he said, ‘But as I have been with you through it all, I know how you feel and I admire you for it.” Sir Alexander recalled the story of the 1st Anzac day, in the heart of London with its millions, in 1916. Anzacs, maimed and suffering, were welcomed that day by old men and women and young children because the fit were all working in the war or fighting at the front. God grant there will be no need for any similar service again, although it was a noble, stirring day. He had a record of the boys who left from Creswick and a record of the first great memorial service held here in Creswick; he was proud of them. Some of those Anzacs he had spoken of, marching through the streets of London, went on to France, to die; some to live through and come back. When the news came of those horrors of 1914, and everything was looking black, the call came for volunteers; brave as those first men were, brave also were those who answered as volunteers. The Australian “Coo-ee” had come from over there and Australia answered again. Those were the men we honored as well as the Anzacs. They could be proud too of the schools who sent letters and comforts to the soldiers. They had known their own townsmen and their own countrymen play their part in upholding Britain’s name. Once again he expressed his pleasure at seeing the large gathering.
The Last Post was sounded and the Reveille ended the ceremony.
CRESWICK SCHOOL
The celebration of Anzac Day at the Creswick State school was again carried out in an effective and impressive manner on Friday afternoon. After a program of appropriate hymns and recitations, the head teacher (Mr. C. W. Frost) with the aid of maps, pictures, &c., briefly recounted the main features in the story of Anzac. He graphically pictured the hardships suffered, and the great sacrifices made by the men of Australia and New Zealand during their 8 1/2 months in Gallipoli.
Though the day was to many, a sad memory, it should also be productive of feelings of pride coupled with a determination to make ourselves worthy of the great sacrifices. He deplored the necessity for the continual vigilance on the part of returned soldiers lest the day degenerate into a mere holiday, a day of pleasure. He was proud to state that the members of the local branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. had, only the previous evening unanimously endorsed a resolution that they would do their utmost to ensure that the day be celebrated in a fitting manner. That day they gathered together to honor the dead. What of the living- the man who was suffering, and would continue to suffer from war disabilities? He made a strong plea for the Digger, and urged the boys and girls as they grew older to deal more charitably with him, and if possible give him at least a small start in the race for employment, &c.
The ceremony concluded with the placing of a handsome laurel wreath, the gift of the local branch of Returned Soldiers, on the Honor board.
DEAN, MOLLONGGHIP AND WATTLE FLAT
Dean, Wattle Flat and Mollongghip school combined to hold service at Dean School on Friday afternoon where arrangements had been made by the three teachers (Miss A. Gall, of Wattle Flat, Mr. C. McCord, Mollongghip, and Mr. C. Potts, B. A., Dean).
There were about 100 youngsters and some 25 adults present.
The service opened with the hymn, “O God Our Help” the gathering was addressed by Mr. Heathcote, B. A., the district inspector, who is a returned soldier. (He enlisted in 1915 and held a commission in the 15th Machine Gun Company).
Mr. Heathcote dealt with the landing at Gallipoli, the original Anzac Day. He had been privileged to see the first anniversary service in France in 1916. It could be considered as a birthday and though all birthdays were celebrated, this was a particular kind of birthday which, of course, had to be celebrated in a particular way. There was pride and sadness in this day. From their pride in the deeds of those men, they should learn to overcome their own difficulties as the soldiers had overcome the difficulties. From the memories of sadness they should learn to treat that day as different from ordinary holidays. After recounting some humorous incidents, Mr. Heathcote once more urged the young folk to follow the example of the soldiers and face their troubles in school, work or play, with a smile.
The children sang “Song of Australia”.
Rev. J. McD. Forsyth urged the young folk to copy the spirit of self sacrifice shown by the Anzacs and their comrades who had gone through those terrible days for the sake of others.
The “Recessional” hymn was sung by the assemblage.
Mr. F. H. Carter continued in similar strain and closed by telling them two stories of sentries he had known in the Boer War; those sentries had been forcibly shown the error of not carrying out their duties fully: he urged the young folk therefore to carry out their duties to the letter.
All present stood while Master A. Richards (a lad who lost two uncles in the war) read the names of the fallen, and Pat. Potts, Mavis Taylor and Joan Pearse recited “To the Fallen.”
A wreath (from the Mothers’ club) was placed on the honor roll by Joan Pearse and the Minutes silence was observed, broken by the sounding of The Last Post, played by Mr. Potts.
A vote of thanks was moved by Messrs Potts and McCord expressing gratitude to the speakers and to Miss Margaret Ritchie who played the piano accompaniments.
Mr. P. Pearse, president of the school committee, was in the chair.
THE NEWLYN SERVICE
Sir Alexander and Lady Peacock, Crs. T. Parkin and J. T. Yates, representative of the Newlyn and Creswick branches of the R.S.S.I.L.A. and parents attended at the Newlyn school.
The headmaster, Mr. J. W. Stimson, introduced the visitors, who were nicely welcomed on behalf of the scholars by Ronald Bennett.
Sir Alexander Peacock delivered an impressive address. He likened the ceremony to placing an invisible wreath on an invisible grave. It would be a sad day for the country should it forget those who died and those who, living on, sacrificed the best part of their lives. Sentiment enabled us to build up this great nation of ours and sentiment must be kept alive. The Anzacs could not have done everything- the British navy was a prime factor; when war broke out, that navy enabled the trade of the world to go on because it held the keys to the seas at the English Channel, Gibraltar, Suez Canal, Babel Mandeb, the Straits of Malacca and the Cape of Good Hope. (without that trade, England, in six weeks would be starving). “The Australians will go on or go out but they will never go back,” said one man and that was their story right through. Australia now should learn to say it not boastfully but thankfully. He heard folks nowadays get up in hundreds and talk about their rights- better they should talk and think about their duties. He abhorred the person who lived in a place, talked disparagingly of it and did nothing to make life better and easier for those with whom he came in contact. Anzac Day should be for them a day of mingled feelings of sympathy, pride and joy.
Captain Parkin said, “You are part of a race of Australians whose deeds in that war the world has never known to be surpassed.” It was with a certain amount of pride and sadness that he attended, he said. He noticed one boy (Cliff Lay) with all his father’s medals. He apologised for the absence of his brother who knew more of the difficulties of the last war- especially at Gallipoli and Jerusalem. He was pleased to know that the schools of Creswick borough and shire were still helping soldiers, 14 years after the war, with a fund that they had raised then. He hoped Australia would look after the men who came back- those men are not fitted now for the strain; there were more men going through Caulfield hospital now than just after the war. He hoped also that Anzac Day would never be allowed to die out in the schools.
Mr. George Hewetson, of Creswick Branch R.S.S.I.L.A., said that those boys of Anzac faced the slaughter for the honor of Australia- they did not worry about themselves- and won a victory which will resound through history for all time. Perhaps the young folk did not know that a machine gun could fire 600 to 700 bullets a minute; or that if a battery of guns at Newlyn bombarded Creswick there would not be a house or stick standing there in five minutes. He trusted they would never have to go through such things but they could emulate the spirit of the Anzacs in everything they did- by obedience to teachers and parents and helpfulness to all.
Iris Sheppard recited “Good bye”.
Cr. J. T. Yates urged the scholars and their elders not to make a picnic day of their holiday but to treat it as a sacred day.
Mr. J. B. Munson, of Newlyn branch R.S.S.I.L.A., spoke in similar strain.
A minute’s silence was observed, the names of those who paid the supreme sacrifice were read and the gathering adjourned for the scholars to take the oath of allegiance and salute the flag.
AT ROCKLYN
Anzac Day was observed at Rocklyn on Friday in the local school in a most befitting manner. The school was very appropriately decorated by the teachers, Mr. R. Taylor and Miss Betts, assisted by the children, and Miss E. Betts, assisted by Miss Volk and the Misses Betts. Mr. G. Hewetson also supplied one on behalf of the Creswick branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. The wreaths were placed on the honor roll by Miss Gwen Haintz and Miss Clarice McCarthy, senior scholars. Sir Alexander and Lady Peacock and Messrs Hewetson and A. Dean of the Creswick Branch of the Returned Soldiers League, were present, and Cr. J. T. Yates, together with a goodly number of parents and friends.
21 April 1933
ANZAC DAY
CRESWICK COMMEMORATION
Anzac Day (next Tuesday, 25th April) will be a close holiday on which only such businesses as eating houses, essential transport services and newspapers will be permitted to work.
Post Offices will be open from 9 until 10 a.m. only at which latter hour, all mail will close.
In Creswick, the public commemoration service will be held at the monument in Albert street. Returned Soldiers, soldier’s fathers, all local scholars and others will form up at the Park Lake Gardens gate at 10.30 a.m. and at 10.45, headed by the Creswick brass band will march in procession to the monument where wreaths will be hung.
A short service will afterwards be held in the Town hall.
The Creswick branch R.S.S.I.L.A. extends a hearty invitation to any returned soldier or father in the district to join in the procession. Schools will hold Anzac services on Monday.
ESSAY COMPETITION
Frank Shevlin, of the North Creswick State school, was awarded first prize in the essay competition conducted by the Creswick branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. on the subject, “Anzac Day and what it means to Australia”. Beryl Edmends and Leila Frost, both of Creswick State school, were second and third respectively.
The two leading essays which were sent to Melbourne to compete in the State wide competition arranged by the League, will be published in our next issue.
25 April 1933
ANZAC DAY AND WHAT IT MEANS TO AUSTRALIA
PRIZE ESSAYS
The two essays published below won first and second prize in the competition arranged by the Creswick branch R.S.S.I.L.A. on the subject, “Anzac Day and What it Means to Australia’. As mentioned in our last issue, these two were sent to Melbourne as entries in the Statewide competition sponsored by the Victorian Executive of the Leagues.
Both Frank Shevlin (North Creswick State school) who won first prize in the local competition and Beryl Edmends (Creswick State school) who was second, are aged 12 years and 11 months. There were some two dozen entries in the Creswick Competition and though a few were wide of the mark, it will be seen that the examiners had a difficult task in selecting the finalists for a number were as close as the two mentioned.
Frank Shevlin’s Essay :: When Australia Made Its Name As A Nation.
That on Anzac Day, Australia made its name as a nation and that we can repay our Anzacs by living good and faithful lives, is the main point made by Frank Shevlin. He says:-
On the 25th of April, the Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli, Australians wherever they might be living, mourn the death of those brave Australians in the Great War 1914-18. On this day no sports are held and all shops are closed, for the people wish to make it a day of remembrance, in honor of those Australians who fought so that we could grow up in the land that knew no war.
At about 3 o’clock in the morning of April 25th, 1915, the Anzacs got on board the boats that were to take them ashore. As the boats neared the shore the Turks opened fire on them. Men were shot dead in the boats but the rest jumped out of the boats, waded ashore, raced across the beach, and drove the enemy up the cliff. More men landed and came to their assistance. Now the fighting became fiercer. Men met each other crawling through the scrub and life went to the quicker finger. The men began to dig trenches in the cliff top. By now the Anzacs had 8000 men on Gallipoli, but the Turks were too strong to be driven back, while the Anzacs were clinging on so grimly that the Turks could not drive them into the sea.
From 25th April, 1915, to 20th December, 1915, the fight lasted. During that time the men had been brave and patient, and many were the deeds of dauntless courage and endurance. News crept slowly back to the land they had left and Australians thrilled with pride, despite their broken hearts and bowed heads, for the Australians were the flower of Australia’s manhood.
The Australian’s did not leave Australia to fight because they like killing other men but they went to fight for her freedom and to make her the most wonderful country in the world. They were ready to give up everything for their country.
We owe our freedom and our conditions of living to those wonderful men who did so much to keep the world from under Prussian tyranny.
We can repay them by living good and faithful lives and by carrying on the work that they started- that of making Australia a wonderful nation in the world.
Throughout the war the Anzacs showed what determined fighters they were. They proved that thy were second to no man in valor and endurance.
Anzac Day means much to Australia, for on that day it made its name as a Nation. Also on that day the Anzacs placed themselves on the roll for one of the greatest historic deeds in the history of the world.
If Anzac Day is kept in the right spirit we can say this of the glorious dead:
“They shall not grow old, as we who are left to grow old,
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn;
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We shall remember them.”
“Strive To Follow Their Footsteps”- Beryl Edmends
Beryl Edmends touches practically the same theme by saying that we should remember with pride the nobility of the deeds of Anzac, and strive to follow nobly. Her essay reads:-
When, in 1914, England sounded her bugles across the sea, the young manhood of Australia leaped to the aid of the Motherland.
With heads erect and laughing lips, these brave young men knew their duty and came from all parts to do it. One early Sunday morning of April, 1915, those young heroes leapt ashore and scaled the steel-clad heights, charging the enemy and capturing positions. A British officer was so amazed to see these men that he exclaimed, “They are the bravest things God ever made.” The work was carried on in Flanders and each event added great honor and lustre to their names for the deeds these Anzacs did were deeds well done. After the war, some returned but those who remain sleep in great battalions by the shore. Those who remain sleep in some little piece of foreign earth which is for ever England’s. These men when they fell threw us the torch from falling hands- the torch that we must hold high, to share the honor and to carry on the work which they did so willingly and so bravely. The sick, maimed and wounded men who returned cannot do the work as the strong men who did not go to the war so we should see that they get a good start in life. Scattered throughout the State to the humblest places, we have monuments erected in memory of their work, to constantly remind us of the duty we owe to the dead and to the returned – who nobly died and gave up all for God and Right, so that we might live in peace and comfort. In great Anzac celebrations the returned soldiers march in silence through our great cities and we imagine their sadness and thoughts as they think of their fallen comrades and they know that they shall grow not old as we that are left to grow old. These simple little verses on one country monument express the meaning of Anzac Day, “Pass not this stone with sorrow but with pride, and strive to do our duty as those who nobly died.” And the thoughts that come to us are that we should remember and always strive to follow their footsteps. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we should remember them.
“The names engraved upon that steadfast stone
Are sanctified and hallowed by our tears.”
28 April 1933
ANZAC DAY CELEBRATION AT CRESWICK
SIMPLE BUT EXCEEDINGLY IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY AT MEMORIAL COLUMN.
MANY WREATHS LAID ON MONUMENT.
The Anzac Day observance at Creswick this year was marked by strong attendance and an impressive ceremony on Tuesday morning.
When the procession of returned soldiers, soldiers fathers and school children, with the Creswick brass band at its head, had arrived at the memorial column at the corner of Raglan and Albert street, the various bodies formed up in front of the monument while the general public grouped around the other three sides.
It was a very simple ceremony there.
In tribute to the heroic dead, wreaths were placed on the monument on behalf of the Returned Soldiers, the Borough of Creswick, Girl Guides, Springmount State school, St. Augustine’s School, Creswick State school staff and scholars, Creswick State school Junior Red Cross, North Creswick State school committee and parents and also for its staff and scholars.
Private wreaths were then placed and as the last few were being put in position, the stirring notes of the Last Post sounded from a distance; silently the gathering came to attention and paused in contemplative silence until the pronouncement of the words “Lest We Forget” followed by The Reveille.
That was all but the effect of that minute’s silence was stronger than that of a thousand speeches or a more elaborate ceremony.
The gathering dispersed and crossed to the town hall.
SIMPLE BUT IMPRESSIVE
As evidence of the impressive quality of the Anzac ceremony at the monument, it is only necessary to quote Lieutenant Heathcote, who without being asked for any expression of opinion, said at the service in the town hall,
“I must tell you how impressed I was with the ceremony at the monument this morning, I felt, as I looked at those girls and boys carrying flowers to the monument, that something stirred me- I felt that any words of mine could not have half the effect of their little acts.”
ADDRESS AT TOWN HALL
Essay Prizes Presented.
The commemoration was continued in the town hall where the band led the singing of the hymns. The Mayor (Cr. W. H. Marchment) was chairman.
“Once more,’ said the Mayor, in opening proceedings, “it is Anzac Day and our thoughts go back in solemn remembrance to the great deeds of our men in the war.”
We remember particularly Gallipoli (he continued) and remember also the families who mourned the loss of loved ones. He thought that we should be inspired by this remembrance to face our present difficulties as they did.
The Mayor added that he was glad that so many should be present on this occasion.
He apologised for the absence of Sir Alexander Peacock who was suffering a slight illness. Sir Alexander had always taken a great part in these proceedings and he would be with them in spirit.
Lieut. Heathcote was the principal speaker. He called to the audience’s attention that throughout the Empire on that day, men and women were carrying on similar ceremonies - it was wonderful to think that their act was being repeated all round the world. Each year, however, there were fewer returned men, each year there were more of those who knew little or nothing, of the hardships of that big war; a younger generation of Anzacs was growing up and perhaps the personal feelings of those of the older generation were not so strong as they had been a few years ago- potent reasons for carrying on Anzac Day, “Lest We Forget.”
Shakespeare had said, “The evil men do lives after them, the good is oft interred with their bones;” he trusted that would not be so with the Anzacs. There has been a flood of war books which would be better burned; apart from missing the good that was in the soldiers, these books dwelt on the bad qualities and often gave a wrong impression at that. There was plenty of good to be found in the acts of the soldiers and it were better for all to dwell on that.
Australian history contained many shining deeds; we were justly proud of our pioneers and explorers, or perhaps of leaders in great political events or in such things as the discovery of gold; but with our explorers it was more or less of a personal effort; with our other great events, they were more or less domestic affairs. On the other hand, on 25th April, 1915, Australia as a nation took a hand in international affairs and the nations of the world sat up and took notice.
There was little need for him to dwell on the event of which this was the anniversary (continued Mr. Heathcote) or on how the Australian men went out at early dawn and scaled the heights at Gallipoli; that was known to them all. It was said by some that the celebration of Anzac Day only glorified war; yet none of those who took part in the war wanted to do that- they did not want war when an honorable peace was possible. We should remember with pride rather than sorrow for Anzac Day is a day set apart to commemorate the devotion to duty, the heroism of our own stock; and with our remembrance we should unite in a prayer for world peace.
Could we not with advantage bring into our every day lives the Anzac’s unselfish devotion to a great cause, their unity of effort and cheerful co-operation and that great fund of humor that was ever present? That fund of humor was one of the great features of the Australian army for without it things can look- and be- very bad.
To Carry on the A.I.F. Traditions.
Mr. F. W. Dickinson, president of the Creswick sub-branch of the Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia, presented the essay competition prizes.
“A new generation that knows not war with tis horrors and atrocities, is rising,” said Mr. Dickinson, “The Soldiers marching today were fewer in number- in a few years time there will be many more blank files. So to keep the spirit of Anzac alive by instilling it into the minds of the children our League arranged an essay competition on Anzac day and what it means to Australia. The Creswick Sub- branch, to encourage this competition offered local prizes for the junior division.
“On you younger ones,” continued Mr. Dickinson, “you who are school children yet and you who are older than school children, on you the mantle of the A.I.F. traditions will fall and we hope you will uphold it. There were twenty four entries in the local competition and, on behalf of the Creswick sub-branch, I would like to congratulate the whole of those entrants; so long as the sentiments they have written in their essays are honoured, I have no doubt that the A.I.F. traditions will be suitably upheld.
“I was pleased with what happened to day. The children, although dismissd at the monument, with no call upon them to do so, came to this service; I hope that spirit will continue.”
Mr. Dickinson then handed the prizes to Frank Shevlin (first), Beryl Edmends (second) and Leila Frost (third).
At the close of the proceedings, a vote of thanks was carried to Mr. Heathcote on the motion of the Mayor.
SCHOOLS COMBINED AT DEAN
On Monday afternoon the scholars of the Dean, Mollongghip and Wattle Flat State schools held a untied Anzac commemoration observance in the Dean school, a large number of parents and other adults being also present. Mr. P. Pearse, chairman of the Dean school committee presided, and an address was given to the children by Rev. W. O. Warnock.
Mr. Warnock, after referring to the Anzac exploit, pointed out that the entry of the Allies into the war had been unavoidable. Their action in engaging in hostilities was somewhat analogous to that of the surgeon who in the course of treating a severe malady is often compelled to inflict severe wounds, the patient then needing the tender care of the physician in order to assist his return to normal health. The world was still experiencing the effects of the wounds of war and its citizens, young and old, must act the physician with the same self sacrifice and devotion to duty as the soldiers had exhibited when called on to play the surgeon.
A recitation “To The Fallen” was given by Joan Pearse and Pat Potts, and the names of former scholars who had served in the war was read by Master Arthur Richards, the audience standing while those who made the supreme sacrifice were mentioned, after which a wreath was placed on the honor roll by Miss Pat Potts. The minutes’ silence was observed followed by the sounding of the Last Post and the Reveille by an unseen trumpeter. Miss Margaret Ritchie presided at the piano for the singing of the National Anthem and several appropriate hymns.
The head teachers, Messrs C. Potts, (Dean) and C. McCord (Wattle Flat) expressed thanks to Rev. Warnock for his fine address, Miss Ritchie (pianist) and all who had helped to make the united service, significant and impressive.
AT SPRINGMOUNT SCHOOL
A short program of songs and recitations was given by the children at Springmount school on their observance of Anzac Day on Monday, and a wreath was laid on the memorial tablet on behalf of the Creswick R.S.S.I.L.A. by Mr. D. J. Duggan.
Mr. Duggan gave an address which was much appreciated by the visitors, pupils and teachers. He stressed the sacrifice made by the Australians at Anzac, Palestine, France and on the sea; that those men went out to meet the foe, not waiting for Australia to be devastated by war; then he impressed upon the children the horror of war, advising them to be ready to serve if their country called them.
Much interest was displayed in the gas mask and old tin hat which Mr. Duggan, having used them at the war, brought along for the children to see.
CRESWICK STATE SCHOOL
The usual Anzac ceremony was fittingly observed at the Creswick State school on Monday, a full program of songs, recitations, etc., being carried out.
The chief recitations rendered comprised “To the Fallen” “Anzac Day” “At Anzac” (Grades VII and VIII) followed by “The Bugles of England” (Grades V and VI).
The head teacher (Mr. C. W. Frost) with the help of a fine picture of the historic landing, dealt with the sacrifices made by and the splendid spirit which animated the men of Anzac. Where was that spirit to day? Were we not in danger of forgetting and losing that spirit? The returned soldier in returning to Australia though he had done with fighting but, even now, after 18 years, he dare not for an instant relax his vigilance, and even yet, much remained to be done. For many years the local branch of the returned soldiers had been fighting to have all work except essential services stopped on Anzac day. Was it generally known that even now the local returned soldiers working in the forestry plantations must work on Anzac Day or forfeit a day’s pay? A great writer has said that “The nation that forgets its soldiers would itself be forgotten.” The apathy of the Federal Government in recognising its national duty was again apparent in its attitude towards the erection of a suitable monument in memory of Australia’s greatest soldier- Sir John Monash. For his great services in the war the highest honors and decorations were showered on him by all the Allied Powers. The great war leaders of Britain were also rewarded. After Waterloo Lord Wellington was made a Duke and received a gift of £100,000. What has our Federal Government done to honor our greatest soldiers? The local returned soldiers unanimously agree that is the national duty of the Federal Government to erect without delay a fitting tribute to our great war leader. Was it fitting that the returned soldiers of this State should be asked to subscribe towards the erection of a monument to save the nations honor. He warned the pupils that they were honor bound not to treat the soldier with an orange, which when squeezed, the skin was thrown aside. He asked them not to let the words, “Lest We Forget” lose their significance, and to so live that they would be worthy of the Men of Anzac.
The saluting of the Flag, and the taking of the oath concluded the proceedings.
ANZAC DAY
CRESWICK COMMEMORATION
Anzac Day (next Tuesday, 25th April) will be a close holiday on which only such businesses as eating houses, essential transport services and newspapers will be permitted to work.
Post Offices will be open from 9 until 10 a.m. only at which latter hour, all mail will close.
In Creswick, the public commemoration service will be held at the monument in Albert street. Returned Soldiers, soldier’s fathers, all local scholars and others will form up at the Park Lake Gardens gate at 10.30 a.m. and at 10.45, headed by the Creswick brass band will march in procession to the monument where wreaths will be hung.
A short service will afterwards be held in the Town hall.
The Creswick branch R.S.S.I.L.A. extends a hearty invitation to any returned soldier or father in the district to join in the procession. Schools will hold Anzac services on Monday.
ESSAY COMPETITION
Frank Shevlin, of the North Creswick State school, was awarded first prize in the essay competition conducted by the Creswick branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. on the subject, “Anzac Day and what it means to Australia”. Beryl Edmends and Leila Frost, both of Creswick State school, were second and third respectively.
The two leading essays which were sent to Melbourne to compete in the State wide competition arranged by the League, will be published in our next issue.
25 April 1933
ANZAC DAY AND WHAT IT MEANS TO AUSTRALIA
PRIZE ESSAYS
The two essays published below won first and second prize in the competition arranged by the Creswick branch R.S.S.I.L.A. on the subject, “Anzac Day and What it Means to Australia’. As mentioned in our last issue, these two were sent to Melbourne as entries in the Statewide competition sponsored by the Victorian Executive of the Leagues.
Both Frank Shevlin (North Creswick State school) who won first prize in the local competition and Beryl Edmends (Creswick State school) who was second, are aged 12 years and 11 months. There were some two dozen entries in the Creswick Competition and though a few were wide of the mark, it will be seen that the examiners had a difficult task in selecting the finalists for a number were as close as the two mentioned.
Frank Shevlin’s Essay :: When Australia Made Its Name As A Nation.
That on Anzac Day, Australia made its name as a nation and that we can repay our Anzacs by living good and faithful lives, is the main point made by Frank Shevlin. He says:-
On the 25th of April, the Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli, Australians wherever they might be living, mourn the death of those brave Australians in the Great War 1914-18. On this day no sports are held and all shops are closed, for the people wish to make it a day of remembrance, in honor of those Australians who fought so that we could grow up in the land that knew no war.
At about 3 o’clock in the morning of April 25th, 1915, the Anzacs got on board the boats that were to take them ashore. As the boats neared the shore the Turks opened fire on them. Men were shot dead in the boats but the rest jumped out of the boats, waded ashore, raced across the beach, and drove the enemy up the cliff. More men landed and came to their assistance. Now the fighting became fiercer. Men met each other crawling through the scrub and life went to the quicker finger. The men began to dig trenches in the cliff top. By now the Anzacs had 8000 men on Gallipoli, but the Turks were too strong to be driven back, while the Anzacs were clinging on so grimly that the Turks could not drive them into the sea.
From 25th April, 1915, to 20th December, 1915, the fight lasted. During that time the men had been brave and patient, and many were the deeds of dauntless courage and endurance. News crept slowly back to the land they had left and Australians thrilled with pride, despite their broken hearts and bowed heads, for the Australians were the flower of Australia’s manhood.
The Australian’s did not leave Australia to fight because they like killing other men but they went to fight for her freedom and to make her the most wonderful country in the world. They were ready to give up everything for their country.
We owe our freedom and our conditions of living to those wonderful men who did so much to keep the world from under Prussian tyranny.
We can repay them by living good and faithful lives and by carrying on the work that they started- that of making Australia a wonderful nation in the world.
Throughout the war the Anzacs showed what determined fighters they were. They proved that thy were second to no man in valor and endurance.
Anzac Day means much to Australia, for on that day it made its name as a Nation. Also on that day the Anzacs placed themselves on the roll for one of the greatest historic deeds in the history of the world.
If Anzac Day is kept in the right spirit we can say this of the glorious dead:
“They shall not grow old, as we who are left to grow old,
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn;
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We shall remember them.”
“Strive To Follow Their Footsteps”- Beryl Edmends
Beryl Edmends touches practically the same theme by saying that we should remember with pride the nobility of the deeds of Anzac, and strive to follow nobly. Her essay reads:-
When, in 1914, England sounded her bugles across the sea, the young manhood of Australia leaped to the aid of the Motherland.
With heads erect and laughing lips, these brave young men knew their duty and came from all parts to do it. One early Sunday morning of April, 1915, those young heroes leapt ashore and scaled the steel-clad heights, charging the enemy and capturing positions. A British officer was so amazed to see these men that he exclaimed, “They are the bravest things God ever made.” The work was carried on in Flanders and each event added great honor and lustre to their names for the deeds these Anzacs did were deeds well done. After the war, some returned but those who remain sleep in great battalions by the shore. Those who remain sleep in some little piece of foreign earth which is for ever England’s. These men when they fell threw us the torch from falling hands- the torch that we must hold high, to share the honor and to carry on the work which they did so willingly and so bravely. The sick, maimed and wounded men who returned cannot do the work as the strong men who did not go to the war so we should see that they get a good start in life. Scattered throughout the State to the humblest places, we have monuments erected in memory of their work, to constantly remind us of the duty we owe to the dead and to the returned – who nobly died and gave up all for God and Right, so that we might live in peace and comfort. In great Anzac celebrations the returned soldiers march in silence through our great cities and we imagine their sadness and thoughts as they think of their fallen comrades and they know that they shall grow not old as we that are left to grow old. These simple little verses on one country monument express the meaning of Anzac Day, “Pass not this stone with sorrow but with pride, and strive to do our duty as those who nobly died.” And the thoughts that come to us are that we should remember and always strive to follow their footsteps. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we should remember them.
“The names engraved upon that steadfast stone
Are sanctified and hallowed by our tears.”
28 April 1933
ANZAC DAY CELEBRATION AT CRESWICK
SIMPLE BUT EXCEEDINGLY IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY AT MEMORIAL COLUMN.
MANY WREATHS LAID ON MONUMENT.
The Anzac Day observance at Creswick this year was marked by strong attendance and an impressive ceremony on Tuesday morning.
When the procession of returned soldiers, soldiers fathers and school children, with the Creswick brass band at its head, had arrived at the memorial column at the corner of Raglan and Albert street, the various bodies formed up in front of the monument while the general public grouped around the other three sides.
It was a very simple ceremony there.
In tribute to the heroic dead, wreaths were placed on the monument on behalf of the Returned Soldiers, the Borough of Creswick, Girl Guides, Springmount State school, St. Augustine’s School, Creswick State school staff and scholars, Creswick State school Junior Red Cross, North Creswick State school committee and parents and also for its staff and scholars.
Private wreaths were then placed and as the last few were being put in position, the stirring notes of the Last Post sounded from a distance; silently the gathering came to attention and paused in contemplative silence until the pronouncement of the words “Lest We Forget” followed by The Reveille.
That was all but the effect of that minute’s silence was stronger than that of a thousand speeches or a more elaborate ceremony.
The gathering dispersed and crossed to the town hall.
SIMPLE BUT IMPRESSIVE
As evidence of the impressive quality of the Anzac ceremony at the monument, it is only necessary to quote Lieutenant Heathcote, who without being asked for any expression of opinion, said at the service in the town hall,
“I must tell you how impressed I was with the ceremony at the monument this morning, I felt, as I looked at those girls and boys carrying flowers to the monument, that something stirred me- I felt that any words of mine could not have half the effect of their little acts.”
ADDRESS AT TOWN HALL
Essay Prizes Presented.
The commemoration was continued in the town hall where the band led the singing of the hymns. The Mayor (Cr. W. H. Marchment) was chairman.
“Once more,’ said the Mayor, in opening proceedings, “it is Anzac Day and our thoughts go back in solemn remembrance to the great deeds of our men in the war.”
We remember particularly Gallipoli (he continued) and remember also the families who mourned the loss of loved ones. He thought that we should be inspired by this remembrance to face our present difficulties as they did.
The Mayor added that he was glad that so many should be present on this occasion.
He apologised for the absence of Sir Alexander Peacock who was suffering a slight illness. Sir Alexander had always taken a great part in these proceedings and he would be with them in spirit.
Lieut. Heathcote was the principal speaker. He called to the audience’s attention that throughout the Empire on that day, men and women were carrying on similar ceremonies - it was wonderful to think that their act was being repeated all round the world. Each year, however, there were fewer returned men, each year there were more of those who knew little or nothing, of the hardships of that big war; a younger generation of Anzacs was growing up and perhaps the personal feelings of those of the older generation were not so strong as they had been a few years ago- potent reasons for carrying on Anzac Day, “Lest We Forget.”
Shakespeare had said, “The evil men do lives after them, the good is oft interred with their bones;” he trusted that would not be so with the Anzacs. There has been a flood of war books which would be better burned; apart from missing the good that was in the soldiers, these books dwelt on the bad qualities and often gave a wrong impression at that. There was plenty of good to be found in the acts of the soldiers and it were better for all to dwell on that.
Australian history contained many shining deeds; we were justly proud of our pioneers and explorers, or perhaps of leaders in great political events or in such things as the discovery of gold; but with our explorers it was more or less of a personal effort; with our other great events, they were more or less domestic affairs. On the other hand, on 25th April, 1915, Australia as a nation took a hand in international affairs and the nations of the world sat up and took notice.
There was little need for him to dwell on the event of which this was the anniversary (continued Mr. Heathcote) or on how the Australian men went out at early dawn and scaled the heights at Gallipoli; that was known to them all. It was said by some that the celebration of Anzac Day only glorified war; yet none of those who took part in the war wanted to do that- they did not want war when an honorable peace was possible. We should remember with pride rather than sorrow for Anzac Day is a day set apart to commemorate the devotion to duty, the heroism of our own stock; and with our remembrance we should unite in a prayer for world peace.
Could we not with advantage bring into our every day lives the Anzac’s unselfish devotion to a great cause, their unity of effort and cheerful co-operation and that great fund of humor that was ever present? That fund of humor was one of the great features of the Australian army for without it things can look- and be- very bad.
To Carry on the A.I.F. Traditions.
Mr. F. W. Dickinson, president of the Creswick sub-branch of the Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia, presented the essay competition prizes.
“A new generation that knows not war with tis horrors and atrocities, is rising,” said Mr. Dickinson, “The Soldiers marching today were fewer in number- in a few years time there will be many more blank files. So to keep the spirit of Anzac alive by instilling it into the minds of the children our League arranged an essay competition on Anzac day and what it means to Australia. The Creswick Sub- branch, to encourage this competition offered local prizes for the junior division.
“On you younger ones,” continued Mr. Dickinson, “you who are school children yet and you who are older than school children, on you the mantle of the A.I.F. traditions will fall and we hope you will uphold it. There were twenty four entries in the local competition and, on behalf of the Creswick sub-branch, I would like to congratulate the whole of those entrants; so long as the sentiments they have written in their essays are honoured, I have no doubt that the A.I.F. traditions will be suitably upheld.
“I was pleased with what happened to day. The children, although dismissd at the monument, with no call upon them to do so, came to this service; I hope that spirit will continue.”
Mr. Dickinson then handed the prizes to Frank Shevlin (first), Beryl Edmends (second) and Leila Frost (third).
At the close of the proceedings, a vote of thanks was carried to Mr. Heathcote on the motion of the Mayor.
SCHOOLS COMBINED AT DEAN
On Monday afternoon the scholars of the Dean, Mollongghip and Wattle Flat State schools held a untied Anzac commemoration observance in the Dean school, a large number of parents and other adults being also present. Mr. P. Pearse, chairman of the Dean school committee presided, and an address was given to the children by Rev. W. O. Warnock.
Mr. Warnock, after referring to the Anzac exploit, pointed out that the entry of the Allies into the war had been unavoidable. Their action in engaging in hostilities was somewhat analogous to that of the surgeon who in the course of treating a severe malady is often compelled to inflict severe wounds, the patient then needing the tender care of the physician in order to assist his return to normal health. The world was still experiencing the effects of the wounds of war and its citizens, young and old, must act the physician with the same self sacrifice and devotion to duty as the soldiers had exhibited when called on to play the surgeon.
A recitation “To The Fallen” was given by Joan Pearse and Pat Potts, and the names of former scholars who had served in the war was read by Master Arthur Richards, the audience standing while those who made the supreme sacrifice were mentioned, after which a wreath was placed on the honor roll by Miss Pat Potts. The minutes’ silence was observed followed by the sounding of the Last Post and the Reveille by an unseen trumpeter. Miss Margaret Ritchie presided at the piano for the singing of the National Anthem and several appropriate hymns.
The head teachers, Messrs C. Potts, (Dean) and C. McCord (Wattle Flat) expressed thanks to Rev. Warnock for his fine address, Miss Ritchie (pianist) and all who had helped to make the united service, significant and impressive.
AT SPRINGMOUNT SCHOOL
A short program of songs and recitations was given by the children at Springmount school on their observance of Anzac Day on Monday, and a wreath was laid on the memorial tablet on behalf of the Creswick R.S.S.I.L.A. by Mr. D. J. Duggan.
Mr. Duggan gave an address which was much appreciated by the visitors, pupils and teachers. He stressed the sacrifice made by the Australians at Anzac, Palestine, France and on the sea; that those men went out to meet the foe, not waiting for Australia to be devastated by war; then he impressed upon the children the horror of war, advising them to be ready to serve if their country called them.
Much interest was displayed in the gas mask and old tin hat which Mr. Duggan, having used them at the war, brought along for the children to see.
CRESWICK STATE SCHOOL
The usual Anzac ceremony was fittingly observed at the Creswick State school on Monday, a full program of songs, recitations, etc., being carried out.
The chief recitations rendered comprised “To the Fallen” “Anzac Day” “At Anzac” (Grades VII and VIII) followed by “The Bugles of England” (Grades V and VI).
The head teacher (Mr. C. W. Frost) with the help of a fine picture of the historic landing, dealt with the sacrifices made by and the splendid spirit which animated the men of Anzac. Where was that spirit to day? Were we not in danger of forgetting and losing that spirit? The returned soldier in returning to Australia though he had done with fighting but, even now, after 18 years, he dare not for an instant relax his vigilance, and even yet, much remained to be done. For many years the local branch of the returned soldiers had been fighting to have all work except essential services stopped on Anzac day. Was it generally known that even now the local returned soldiers working in the forestry plantations must work on Anzac Day or forfeit a day’s pay? A great writer has said that “The nation that forgets its soldiers would itself be forgotten.” The apathy of the Federal Government in recognising its national duty was again apparent in its attitude towards the erection of a suitable monument in memory of Australia’s greatest soldier- Sir John Monash. For his great services in the war the highest honors and decorations were showered on him by all the Allied Powers. The great war leaders of Britain were also rewarded. After Waterloo Lord Wellington was made a Duke and received a gift of £100,000. What has our Federal Government done to honor our greatest soldiers? The local returned soldiers unanimously agree that is the national duty of the Federal Government to erect without delay a fitting tribute to our great war leader. Was it fitting that the returned soldiers of this State should be asked to subscribe towards the erection of a monument to save the nations honor. He warned the pupils that they were honor bound not to treat the soldier with an orange, which when squeezed, the skin was thrown aside. He asked them not to let the words, “Lest We Forget” lose their significance, and to so live that they would be worthy of the Men of Anzac.
The saluting of the Flag, and the taking of the oath concluded the proceedings.
27 April 1934
ANZAC SERVICES AT THE SCHOOLS
SOLDIERS’ ADDRESSES
Three Schools Combined For Ceremony at Dean
On Tuesday, Anzac Day was commemorated in the schools either by special lessons or by brief ceremonies or both.
At many of the schools in this district, addresses were given by returned soldiers who were able, from their own personal knowledge to make these addresses impressive and descriptive.
A very impressive ceremony was again carried out in the Creswick State School room when the scholars assembled to once more “remember”.
After a fine program of appropriate songs, readings, etc., the head teacher, Mr. C. W. Frost, spoke on the Lesson of Anzac.
The reading of the names of the Fallen as listed on the School Honor Roll, and the placing of a wreath donated by the local branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. concluded a simple and impressive ceremony which should live long in the minds of the children.
At Bald Hills school, Mr. Frost delivered a further address and Mr. W. S. Northcott, president of the Creswick branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A., also spoke. The children took part in an effective program of songs.
Three schools combined to hold a service at Dean- Wattle Flat, scholars under Miss A. Gall, Mollongghip with Mr. C. McCord and Dean in charge of Mr. C. Potts.
Mr. P. Pearse, president of the Dean school committee, was chairman and the program commenced with the National Anthem, the “Song of Australia” an address by the chairman and the hymn “O God Our Help in Ages past.”
Mr. G. Hewetson, of Creswick R.S.S.I.L.A. was the principal speaker, giving an address on “The Spirit of Anzac” stressing the service and sacrifice of the men.
Kipling’s “Recessional” was then sung and the names of the district soldiers, followed by the names of those who fell, were then read by one of the scholars, D. Ritchie. A wreath was placed on the honor roll by Gwen Richards and after Hilda Smith and Claire Pearse had contributed “To the Fallen” a minutes silence was observed, followed by the Last Post and the Reveille.
A vote of thanks was moved by Messrs Potts and McCord to Mr. Hewetson for his fine address, to Miss Ritchie (accompanist) and to the chairman (Mr. P. Pearse).
Mr. Hewetson also spoke at Springmount school where a service was held.
ANZAC SERVICES AT THE SCHOOLS
SOLDIERS’ ADDRESSES
Three Schools Combined For Ceremony at Dean
On Tuesday, Anzac Day was commemorated in the schools either by special lessons or by brief ceremonies or both.
At many of the schools in this district, addresses were given by returned soldiers who were able, from their own personal knowledge to make these addresses impressive and descriptive.
A very impressive ceremony was again carried out in the Creswick State School room when the scholars assembled to once more “remember”.
After a fine program of appropriate songs, readings, etc., the head teacher, Mr. C. W. Frost, spoke on the Lesson of Anzac.
The reading of the names of the Fallen as listed on the School Honor Roll, and the placing of a wreath donated by the local branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. concluded a simple and impressive ceremony which should live long in the minds of the children.
At Bald Hills school, Mr. Frost delivered a further address and Mr. W. S. Northcott, president of the Creswick branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A., also spoke. The children took part in an effective program of songs.
Three schools combined to hold a service at Dean- Wattle Flat, scholars under Miss A. Gall, Mollongghip with Mr. C. McCord and Dean in charge of Mr. C. Potts.
Mr. P. Pearse, president of the Dean school committee, was chairman and the program commenced with the National Anthem, the “Song of Australia” an address by the chairman and the hymn “O God Our Help in Ages past.”
Mr. G. Hewetson, of Creswick R.S.S.I.L.A. was the principal speaker, giving an address on “The Spirit of Anzac” stressing the service and sacrifice of the men.
Kipling’s “Recessional” was then sung and the names of the district soldiers, followed by the names of those who fell, were then read by one of the scholars, D. Ritchie. A wreath was placed on the honor roll by Gwen Richards and after Hilda Smith and Claire Pearse had contributed “To the Fallen” a minutes silence was observed, followed by the Last Post and the Reveille.
A vote of thanks was moved by Messrs Potts and McCord to Mr. Hewetson for his fine address, to Miss Ritchie (accompanist) and to the chairman (Mr. P. Pearse).
Mr. Hewetson also spoke at Springmount school where a service was held.
19 April 1935
ANZAC COMMEMORATION AT CRESWICK AND NEWLYN
ON SUNDAY FOLLOWING
Creswick in Morning, Newlyn in Afternoon.
Anzac commemorations at Creswick and Newlyn this year will both be held on the Sunday following Anzac Day- Sunday 28th April- the Creswick service in the morning and the Newlyn gathering in the afternoon.
At Creswick members of the public are asked to meet at the monument at 10.30 a.m. and two minutes silence will be observed at 10.45 a.m. (The 11 o’clock observance pertains only on Armistace Day).
Prior to the observance of the two minutes silence, various organisations and individual members of the public are asked to place their wreaths on the column. Children from the various schools are asked to participate in this brief service and to place floral tributes on the column.
The two minutes silence will be broken by the utterance of the words “Lest We Forget”, followed by the Last Post and then the Reveille.
Church parade will follow and the Creswick Band will lead the parade to Victoria Street Methodist Church, where the minister, Rev. J. C. Brown, will deliver an Anzac Address.
ANZAC COMMEMORATION AT CRESWICK AND NEWLYN
ON SUNDAY FOLLOWING
Creswick in Morning, Newlyn in Afternoon.
Anzac commemorations at Creswick and Newlyn this year will both be held on the Sunday following Anzac Day- Sunday 28th April- the Creswick service in the morning and the Newlyn gathering in the afternoon.
At Creswick members of the public are asked to meet at the monument at 10.30 a.m. and two minutes silence will be observed at 10.45 a.m. (The 11 o’clock observance pertains only on Armistace Day).
Prior to the observance of the two minutes silence, various organisations and individual members of the public are asked to place their wreaths on the column. Children from the various schools are asked to participate in this brief service and to place floral tributes on the column.
The two minutes silence will be broken by the utterance of the words “Lest We Forget”, followed by the Last Post and then the Reveille.
Church parade will follow and the Creswick Band will lead the parade to Victoria Street Methodist Church, where the minister, Rev. J. C. Brown, will deliver an Anzac Address.