27 April 1951
PUBLIC OF CRESWICK SHIRE PAYS ITS TRIBUTE TO ANZAC SPIRIT-The public of Creswick shire paid tribute to the memory and spirit of Anzac by attending, in good numbers, the services at Newlyn on Sunday and at Creswick on Anzac Day (Wednesday).
Stirring speakers were heard at both places and the customary order of service was followed in each case.
Cr. G. A. McKay was chairman at Newlyn and the president of Newlyn R.S.L. welcomed everyone to the service. Revs. S. J. Hill, F. Chisholm and G. W. Thompson and Lieut. A. Freeman assisted in the service and the Ballarat Soldiers' Memorial Band led the singing of the hymns.
The address was given by Archdeacon Richards, of Ballarat.
"There are those who have seen active service and for them this afternoon is a very personal service of commemoration," said Archdeacon Richards, going on to add that in the audience also were those who could remember the years of waiting and sending of parcels and praying, and those whose knowledge does not go back to the days of war, because they are too young.
Seeing the Salvation Army Lieutenant on the platform should remind them, too, that the women of the three defence services played a big part in the last war and some of the womenfolk had to face dangers and difficulties in which they showed just as much courage and perseverance as the men.
"And so, today, we remember not only the men but the men and women, we remember those who paid the supreme sacrifice, we remember the thinning ranks of the old comrades . . . . we remember the valor, the courage, the countless acts of self sacrifice . . . . the countless times that men, in war, rose to their highest . . .
"We know they were not all saints-they were people like us, with all our failings . . . . So why do we remember them? Well, for one thing, because Anzac not only set a standard for gallantry, but because they served a high ideal when their nation was in danger and when the bugle blew, they left their farms, their jobs, their businesses to fight for honour, justice, truth and freedom.
"But," he said, "if Anzac is to be just a memory, it will fade, unless we make that memory something that will bring into action the spirit of those men who made the memory."
The names of Nelson and Drake were not inspirations just because they were great sailors. It was only because their memory was relived in the lives of those who dedicated their lives in a similar cause . . . of honour, of justice, of human understanding.
"Let us remember not only our duty to the men who lived as Anzacs, our duty to our country, but let us remember the only power that will enable us to be faithful to them," the Archdeacon said, referring to the power of God and the god-fearing builders of the Empire.
The Soldiers' Band was out again from Ballarat on Wednesday to Creswick to lead the march of R.S.L. and other organizations from Davies bridge to the memorial column.
At the memorial column where the large attendance defied the cold wind for the ceremony of laying wreaths, the Shire President, Cr. A. D. Clarke, called attention to the story of Anzac Day in 1915. Since that day, the men of Anzac and their successors of the second A.I.F. have served in many fields and they have not in any way let down their "cobbers" who made the name of Anzac.
Wreaths were placed on behalf of Council, Creswick R.S.L., Newlyn R.S.L., Creswick R.S.L. Auxiliary, Newlyn R.S.L. Auxiliary, Creswick Red Cross, the Guides, Brownies. V.S.F., Creswick and North Creswick schools, the Scouts and private citizens.
At the town hall, where a short service was held, a wreath was placed on the honour roll.
Mr. F. James, Creswick R.S.L. president, welcomed the people to the service and the Shire President (Cr. A. D. Clarke) was chairman. He was assisted by Rev. G. W. Thompson, Rev. S. J. Hill and the principal speaker, Brigadier Palmer, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army. Miss Dulcie James was pianist. (Rev. S. J. Hill apologised for the absence from the platform of Rev. R. C. Huxtable, who led the scouts in the march, and Lieuts. Freeman and Kerr, who were represented by their Commander.)
Brigadier Palmer spoke on Great Hours, Great Men and Great Hopes.
Of the first, he said the August 4 of 1914, November 11, of 1918, September 3, of 1939, and so on were important hours in British history. "But to Australia, I suppose the greatest was that April morn in 1915 when the world stood still and saluted such gallant men."
He went on to mention a list of great men- Poincare, Joffre, Haig, Monash, Churchill, Roosevelt, Montgomery, Macarthur and our own Blamey, to recall some of his list.
"But," he said, "great as those men have been, it is the humble men and women who have made the strength behind them."
He went on to tell of his own days with the Diggers at Bardia and other sectors, lifting the audience with his recollection of Digger humor, holding his listeners tense with the paths of two incidents.
And of "Great Hopes," he said that man himself has been given by God the right to choose between good and evil. These Anzac Days are a national challenge and "we should stand up and face what we owe to God" that we might be on the road to seeing our great hopes realised.
PUBLIC OF CRESWICK SHIRE PAYS ITS TRIBUTE TO ANZAC SPIRIT-The public of Creswick shire paid tribute to the memory and spirit of Anzac by attending, in good numbers, the services at Newlyn on Sunday and at Creswick on Anzac Day (Wednesday).
Stirring speakers were heard at both places and the customary order of service was followed in each case.
Cr. G. A. McKay was chairman at Newlyn and the president of Newlyn R.S.L. welcomed everyone to the service. Revs. S. J. Hill, F. Chisholm and G. W. Thompson and Lieut. A. Freeman assisted in the service and the Ballarat Soldiers' Memorial Band led the singing of the hymns.
The address was given by Archdeacon Richards, of Ballarat.
"There are those who have seen active service and for them this afternoon is a very personal service of commemoration," said Archdeacon Richards, going on to add that in the audience also were those who could remember the years of waiting and sending of parcels and praying, and those whose knowledge does not go back to the days of war, because they are too young.
Seeing the Salvation Army Lieutenant on the platform should remind them, too, that the women of the three defence services played a big part in the last war and some of the womenfolk had to face dangers and difficulties in which they showed just as much courage and perseverance as the men.
"And so, today, we remember not only the men but the men and women, we remember those who paid the supreme sacrifice, we remember the thinning ranks of the old comrades . . . . we remember the valor, the courage, the countless acts of self sacrifice . . . . the countless times that men, in war, rose to their highest . . .
"We know they were not all saints-they were people like us, with all our failings . . . . So why do we remember them? Well, for one thing, because Anzac not only set a standard for gallantry, but because they served a high ideal when their nation was in danger and when the bugle blew, they left their farms, their jobs, their businesses to fight for honour, justice, truth and freedom.
"But," he said, "if Anzac is to be just a memory, it will fade, unless we make that memory something that will bring into action the spirit of those men who made the memory."
The names of Nelson and Drake were not inspirations just because they were great sailors. It was only because their memory was relived in the lives of those who dedicated their lives in a similar cause . . . of honour, of justice, of human understanding.
"Let us remember not only our duty to the men who lived as Anzacs, our duty to our country, but let us remember the only power that will enable us to be faithful to them," the Archdeacon said, referring to the power of God and the god-fearing builders of the Empire.
The Soldiers' Band was out again from Ballarat on Wednesday to Creswick to lead the march of R.S.L. and other organizations from Davies bridge to the memorial column.
At the memorial column where the large attendance defied the cold wind for the ceremony of laying wreaths, the Shire President, Cr. A. D. Clarke, called attention to the story of Anzac Day in 1915. Since that day, the men of Anzac and their successors of the second A.I.F. have served in many fields and they have not in any way let down their "cobbers" who made the name of Anzac.
Wreaths were placed on behalf of Council, Creswick R.S.L., Newlyn R.S.L., Creswick R.S.L. Auxiliary, Newlyn R.S.L. Auxiliary, Creswick Red Cross, the Guides, Brownies. V.S.F., Creswick and North Creswick schools, the Scouts and private citizens.
At the town hall, where a short service was held, a wreath was placed on the honour roll.
Mr. F. James, Creswick R.S.L. president, welcomed the people to the service and the Shire President (Cr. A. D. Clarke) was chairman. He was assisted by Rev. G. W. Thompson, Rev. S. J. Hill and the principal speaker, Brigadier Palmer, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army. Miss Dulcie James was pianist. (Rev. S. J. Hill apologised for the absence from the platform of Rev. R. C. Huxtable, who led the scouts in the march, and Lieuts. Freeman and Kerr, who were represented by their Commander.)
Brigadier Palmer spoke on Great Hours, Great Men and Great Hopes.
Of the first, he said the August 4 of 1914, November 11, of 1918, September 3, of 1939, and so on were important hours in British history. "But to Australia, I suppose the greatest was that April morn in 1915 when the world stood still and saluted such gallant men."
He went on to mention a list of great men- Poincare, Joffre, Haig, Monash, Churchill, Roosevelt, Montgomery, Macarthur and our own Blamey, to recall some of his list.
"But," he said, "great as those men have been, it is the humble men and women who have made the strength behind them."
He went on to tell of his own days with the Diggers at Bardia and other sectors, lifting the audience with his recollection of Digger humor, holding his listeners tense with the paths of two incidents.
And of "Great Hopes," he said that man himself has been given by God the right to choose between good and evil. These Anzac Days are a national challenge and "we should stand up and face what we owe to God" that we might be on the road to seeing our great hopes realised.
2 May 1952
GOOD ANZAC MARCH AT CRESWICK-The Anzac March at Creswick this year was as big as ever and, led by the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band, the assemblage marched well.
Creswick, Smeaton and Newlyn R.S.L. members were as usual joined by Clunes representatives (and they returned the compliment by being represented at the Clunes service in the afternoon).
Forestry school students and children from Creswick school, guides and scouts joined in the march from Davies bridge.
At the memorial column, the Shire President (Cr. J. S. Morrison) referred to the significance of the day. He also mentioned that it was the first ANZAC Day commemoration held under the reign of the Queen.
Cr. Morrison placed on the monument an official wreath from the ratepayers of the shire. Other wreaths were placed on behalf of R.S.L. branches and auxiliaries, schools, Red Cross and other official wreaths. A new one among this list this year was a wreath from Creswick District Hospital Auxiliary.
Adjourning to the town hall, a short service was held.
Lieut. Kerr, Revs. C. Harland, G. W. Thompson and R. C. Huxtable and the R.S.L. President (Mr. F. James) assisted the Shire President to conduct the service of hymns and prayers.
Cr. Morrison introduced Mr. R. Joshua, who gave the Anzac Address.
Miss Enid James was the pianist.
A wreath was placed on the Honour Roll by Mr. C. E. Williams, senior vice-president of Creswick
R.S.L. and the Last Post was sounded by Mr. Noel Bolton, of Clunes.
GOOD ANZAC MARCH AT CRESWICK-The Anzac March at Creswick this year was as big as ever and, led by the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band, the assemblage marched well.
Creswick, Smeaton and Newlyn R.S.L. members were as usual joined by Clunes representatives (and they returned the compliment by being represented at the Clunes service in the afternoon).
Forestry school students and children from Creswick school, guides and scouts joined in the march from Davies bridge.
At the memorial column, the Shire President (Cr. J. S. Morrison) referred to the significance of the day. He also mentioned that it was the first ANZAC Day commemoration held under the reign of the Queen.
Cr. Morrison placed on the monument an official wreath from the ratepayers of the shire. Other wreaths were placed on behalf of R.S.L. branches and auxiliaries, schools, Red Cross and other official wreaths. A new one among this list this year was a wreath from Creswick District Hospital Auxiliary.
Adjourning to the town hall, a short service was held.
Lieut. Kerr, Revs. C. Harland, G. W. Thompson and R. C. Huxtable and the R.S.L. President (Mr. F. James) assisted the Shire President to conduct the service of hymns and prayers.
Cr. Morrison introduced Mr. R. Joshua, who gave the Anzac Address.
Miss Enid James was the pianist.
A wreath was placed on the Honour Roll by Mr. C. E. Williams, senior vice-president of Creswick
R.S.L. and the Last Post was sounded by Mr. Noel Bolton, of Clunes.
1 May 1953
MOST COMPREHENSIVE ANZAC MARCH AND CEREMONY AT CRESWICK-This year’s Anzac March and ceremony at the memorial column at Creswick were the most comprehensive yet seen.
It was truly representative of the whole shire and Clunes as well.
Officers and members of the Creswick, Smeaton, Newlyn and Clunes R.S.L. sub-branches paraded together in the march.
This year the march was led by Creswick’s own band.
School children, guides, scouts, V.S.F. students and others joined in the march.
At the memorial column, the Shire President (Cr. E. A. Pearce) briefly addressed the gathering on the significance of Anzac Day.
He concluded by saying “As we pledge ourselves to honour the memory of those who paid the supreme sacrifice in our service, our thoughts turn also to our young Queen who, in her Coronation year, will in a few weeks time pledge herself anew to the service of us, her people. May we all, with such inspiration, be better citizens by learning to serve and help one another.”
After Cr. Pearce had laid a wreath on behalf of the Council and Shire, other wreaths were placed on the memorial from Creswick R.S.L., Newlyn R.S.L., Smeaton R.S.L., Clunes R.S.L., Creswick R.S.L. Auxiliary, Newlyn R.S.L. Auxiliary, Smeaton, R.S.L. Auxiliary, Creswick Red Cross, Creswick Scouts and Cubs, Creswick Guides and Brownies, Victorian School of Forestry, Creswick State School, North Creswick State School, St. Augustine’s School, Creswick Brass Band and private citizens.
Mr. C. Williams, president of Creswick R.S.L., recited a verse from The Ode to the Fallen and called on the assemblage to stand in silent tribute- the silence being broken by the Last Post (Mr. H. Felstead was the trumpeter).
The assemblage then moved to the town hall which was crowded for the remainder of the service.
ANZAC SPIRIT WAS FORGED IN THE HOMES-The spirit and character of the men of Anzac was forged in the homes of Australia, in the street or on the plains and upon the Australia of today depends whether the Anzac Spirit lasts.
Such was the burden of the Anzac address given by Major S. M. McDonald at Creswick town hall last Saturday.
Actually the way Mr. McDonald put it was:
“As ye sow, so shall ye reap.”
“That thought was uttered, as you know, some 2000 years ago. Yet it is as true today as through all the ages between,” he said.
The character of a man is truly tested when he faces the unknown.
Some face it and panic, run away from responsibility; some face it and stand firm, with a good background to strengthen them, he continued.
What has that to do with Anzac Day? Particularly Anzac Day 1953?
When, 38 years ago, in the early hours of dawn Australians and New Zealanders faced the unknown, they were just ordinary, everyday men who were not ready made heroes, wore no halos-yet for some unanticipated reason they faced it with courage and laid the foundation stone of the Australian tradition of manhood.
“Can you imagine their feelings, steaming toward an unknown shore . . . . . I suggest they thought of home-of mum and dad and kiddies. And what went through their minds would be ‘Am I going to let them down?’
“They wouldn’t let them down for their characters had been moulded over the years by mother, father, and ever John Citizen, whom they met in the day’s activities,” Mr. McDonald continued.
World War I ended and those men came back . . . . Time went on and they had families . . .Time went on and the selfish greed of some individuals brought war again.
And again ordinary every day Australians heard the call . . . considered it better to die in battle than see all that one held dear ravaged by greed.
The Australian men (and women) of our fighting forces again faced the unknown with courage because of their characters that had been built so strongly in their homes.
He told the story of an enemy post that was holding up a division. A volunteer was needed to destroy the post; a lad of 19 answered. “Why you?’ asked his Company Commander. “I know,” said the lad, “that I’m a bit of a scallywag. That I’ve caused you and my parents worry. I’m now going out there to show I’m as good a man as my father.”
Six hours later he was buried . . and a whole Australian Division went forward . . .
The root of unselfish service had been laid in his home.
“It seems to me significant that Anzac Day is near to Good Friday,” added Mr. McDonald. “Both bring to the forefront: service, comradeship, family life.”
SELF TO ONE SIDE TO SERVE OTHERS-“Come with me to a war cemetery: It is a simple but most impressive sight-row after row of little white crosses-all the same, no matter what his wealth or station.
“Each cross represents the letter “I” crossed out-self crossed out-it means ‘I’ve put myself to one side to serve others.
“Now imagine you can see in the distance a hill, topped by a cross-a larger cross than those others-the Cross we think of on Good Friday. It, too, represents the letter “I” crossed out . . . . the Man who showed us what true character is and how to go about building true character.
“As we go away today,” continued Mr. McDonald, “let us think of our responsibility to our young people, our responsibility to do something about moulding their characters to service.”
The Shire President, who was chairman for the service in the hall, was assisted by Capt. W. Smart and Revs. S. Harland, G. Richards and F. H. Symonds.
Mr. H. R. Taylor, president of Newlyn R.S.L., placed a wreath on the honour roll and Creswick band led the singing of the hymns.
MOST COMPREHENSIVE ANZAC MARCH AND CEREMONY AT CRESWICK-This year’s Anzac March and ceremony at the memorial column at Creswick were the most comprehensive yet seen.
It was truly representative of the whole shire and Clunes as well.
Officers and members of the Creswick, Smeaton, Newlyn and Clunes R.S.L. sub-branches paraded together in the march.
This year the march was led by Creswick’s own band.
School children, guides, scouts, V.S.F. students and others joined in the march.
At the memorial column, the Shire President (Cr. E. A. Pearce) briefly addressed the gathering on the significance of Anzac Day.
He concluded by saying “As we pledge ourselves to honour the memory of those who paid the supreme sacrifice in our service, our thoughts turn also to our young Queen who, in her Coronation year, will in a few weeks time pledge herself anew to the service of us, her people. May we all, with such inspiration, be better citizens by learning to serve and help one another.”
After Cr. Pearce had laid a wreath on behalf of the Council and Shire, other wreaths were placed on the memorial from Creswick R.S.L., Newlyn R.S.L., Smeaton R.S.L., Clunes R.S.L., Creswick R.S.L. Auxiliary, Newlyn R.S.L. Auxiliary, Smeaton, R.S.L. Auxiliary, Creswick Red Cross, Creswick Scouts and Cubs, Creswick Guides and Brownies, Victorian School of Forestry, Creswick State School, North Creswick State School, St. Augustine’s School, Creswick Brass Band and private citizens.
Mr. C. Williams, president of Creswick R.S.L., recited a verse from The Ode to the Fallen and called on the assemblage to stand in silent tribute- the silence being broken by the Last Post (Mr. H. Felstead was the trumpeter).
The assemblage then moved to the town hall which was crowded for the remainder of the service.
ANZAC SPIRIT WAS FORGED IN THE HOMES-The spirit and character of the men of Anzac was forged in the homes of Australia, in the street or on the plains and upon the Australia of today depends whether the Anzac Spirit lasts.
Such was the burden of the Anzac address given by Major S. M. McDonald at Creswick town hall last Saturday.
Actually the way Mr. McDonald put it was:
“As ye sow, so shall ye reap.”
“That thought was uttered, as you know, some 2000 years ago. Yet it is as true today as through all the ages between,” he said.
The character of a man is truly tested when he faces the unknown.
Some face it and panic, run away from responsibility; some face it and stand firm, with a good background to strengthen them, he continued.
What has that to do with Anzac Day? Particularly Anzac Day 1953?
When, 38 years ago, in the early hours of dawn Australians and New Zealanders faced the unknown, they were just ordinary, everyday men who were not ready made heroes, wore no halos-yet for some unanticipated reason they faced it with courage and laid the foundation stone of the Australian tradition of manhood.
“Can you imagine their feelings, steaming toward an unknown shore . . . . . I suggest they thought of home-of mum and dad and kiddies. And what went through their minds would be ‘Am I going to let them down?’
“They wouldn’t let them down for their characters had been moulded over the years by mother, father, and ever John Citizen, whom they met in the day’s activities,” Mr. McDonald continued.
World War I ended and those men came back . . . . Time went on and they had families . . .Time went on and the selfish greed of some individuals brought war again.
And again ordinary every day Australians heard the call . . . considered it better to die in battle than see all that one held dear ravaged by greed.
The Australian men (and women) of our fighting forces again faced the unknown with courage because of their characters that had been built so strongly in their homes.
He told the story of an enemy post that was holding up a division. A volunteer was needed to destroy the post; a lad of 19 answered. “Why you?’ asked his Company Commander. “I know,” said the lad, “that I’m a bit of a scallywag. That I’ve caused you and my parents worry. I’m now going out there to show I’m as good a man as my father.”
Six hours later he was buried . . and a whole Australian Division went forward . . .
The root of unselfish service had been laid in his home.
“It seems to me significant that Anzac Day is near to Good Friday,” added Mr. McDonald. “Both bring to the forefront: service, comradeship, family life.”
SELF TO ONE SIDE TO SERVE OTHERS-“Come with me to a war cemetery: It is a simple but most impressive sight-row after row of little white crosses-all the same, no matter what his wealth or station.
“Each cross represents the letter “I” crossed out-self crossed out-it means ‘I’ve put myself to one side to serve others.
“Now imagine you can see in the distance a hill, topped by a cross-a larger cross than those others-the Cross we think of on Good Friday. It, too, represents the letter “I” crossed out . . . . the Man who showed us what true character is and how to go about building true character.
“As we go away today,” continued Mr. McDonald, “let us think of our responsibility to our young people, our responsibility to do something about moulding their characters to service.”
The Shire President, who was chairman for the service in the hall, was assisted by Capt. W. Smart and Revs. S. Harland, G. Richards and F. H. Symonds.
Mr. H. R. Taylor, president of Newlyn R.S.L., placed a wreath on the honour roll and Creswick band led the singing of the hymns.
23 April 1954
ANZAC MARCH IS HOUR EARLIER-Owing to Anzac Day being on Sunday this year, the commemoration committee at Creswick deemed it advisable to move the march and service forward an hour this Sunday (April 25).
This will avoid clashing with the normal times of church services though churches have agreed that their services will commence at 11.15 a.m. (a quarter-hour later than usual).
Accordingly the assembly time at Davies’ bridge for the march is 9.30 a.m. and the service at the hall at 10 a.m.
All ex-service personnel are invited to take part in the march, together with “Dads,” V.S.F. students, scouts, cubs and school children. Guides and brownies will not march but will assemble to form a guard at the war memorial column.
Creswick district brass band is to lead the march.
Cr. R. A. H. Bradshaw, Shire President, is to speak briefly at the monument and the public is invited to place wreaths after the official wreaths have been placed on the monument.
Making probably his last public appearance here before moving on to take promotion, Mr. C. Jenkins, L.Th., head teacher of Rocklyn school, is to be the speaker. It was Mr. Jenkins who delivered the excellent address in the town hall when the memorial service was held on the death of His Majesty King George VI.
Newlyn Same Day-In the afternoon, the Newlyn Anzac commemoration service will be at 3 o’clock.
Mr. A. C. Pittard will be the speaker this year.
SCHOOLS TODAY-As Anzac Day falls on Sunday this year, schools throughout the State will be commemorating Anzac today (Friday).
Creswick school will hold the ceremony at the school at 2 p.m. today, the speaker being Mr. R. Cockerill, of Ballarat.
The head teacher invites parents and members of the public to be present and join the children in the ceremony.
30 April 1954
Anzac Day at Schools- Schools commemorated Anzac with special lessons last Friday. At Creswick State school a small number of parents joined the children and heard a fine address by Warrant Officer R. Cockerill, of Ballarat, president of the R.S.L. District Board. Under the direction of Miss B. Kennedy, appropriate hymns were rendered by the children and Geoff New laid a wreath, the children’s tribute, at the flagstaff.
ANZAC MARCH IS HOUR EARLIER-Owing to Anzac Day being on Sunday this year, the commemoration committee at Creswick deemed it advisable to move the march and service forward an hour this Sunday (April 25).
This will avoid clashing with the normal times of church services though churches have agreed that their services will commence at 11.15 a.m. (a quarter-hour later than usual).
Accordingly the assembly time at Davies’ bridge for the march is 9.30 a.m. and the service at the hall at 10 a.m.
All ex-service personnel are invited to take part in the march, together with “Dads,” V.S.F. students, scouts, cubs and school children. Guides and brownies will not march but will assemble to form a guard at the war memorial column.
Creswick district brass band is to lead the march.
Cr. R. A. H. Bradshaw, Shire President, is to speak briefly at the monument and the public is invited to place wreaths after the official wreaths have been placed on the monument.
Making probably his last public appearance here before moving on to take promotion, Mr. C. Jenkins, L.Th., head teacher of Rocklyn school, is to be the speaker. It was Mr. Jenkins who delivered the excellent address in the town hall when the memorial service was held on the death of His Majesty King George VI.
Newlyn Same Day-In the afternoon, the Newlyn Anzac commemoration service will be at 3 o’clock.
Mr. A. C. Pittard will be the speaker this year.
SCHOOLS TODAY-As Anzac Day falls on Sunday this year, schools throughout the State will be commemorating Anzac today (Friday).
Creswick school will hold the ceremony at the school at 2 p.m. today, the speaker being Mr. R. Cockerill, of Ballarat.
The head teacher invites parents and members of the public to be present and join the children in the ceremony.
30 April 1954
Anzac Day at Schools- Schools commemorated Anzac with special lessons last Friday. At Creswick State school a small number of parents joined the children and heard a fine address by Warrant Officer R. Cockerill, of Ballarat, president of the R.S.L. District Board. Under the direction of Miss B. Kennedy, appropriate hymns were rendered by the children and Geoff New laid a wreath, the children’s tribute, at the flagstaff.
29 April 1955
ZEAL, COURAGE, COMRADESHIP, HUMOR AND TEAMWORK-A plea for “A New Zeal and Courage” was made by Anzac speaker, Mr. G. W. Barrell, at Creswick on Monday.
The previous day at Newlyn, Rev. S. A. Goddard in his Anzac address made a plea for greater use of the Anzac spirit of comradeship, sense of humor and team work in the daily life of the community.
Newlyn’s Sunday service again saw a full hall.
The Anzac Day march at Creswick has nowadays become not just a Creswick but a district tribute from a wide area.
Members of Clunes, Creswick, Newlyn and Smeaton RSL sub-branches lead the march (and in the afternoon are represented again at the Clunes tribute).
Led by the Creswick district brass band and supported by VSF students, scouts and cubs and children of the three schools in Creswick, the march was impressive as it approached the memorial column where a big gathering of the general public had assembled.
There, in a brief address, Shire President, Cr. W. T. Barry reminded everyone that they were assembled particularly to remember.
“Had it not been for the works, the suffering and the sacrifice of those listed on this monument and those ranks standing before me at this moment and their comrades, this country would not enjoy the freedom it has today,: said Cr. Barry. “Remember that unless the Spirit of Anzac lives on in this country, we will end up like some other countries abroad. This monument stands here that you and I might remember . . .”
Wreaths placed on the monument were from the Shire of Creswick, the RSL’s at Smeaton, Newlyn and Creswick, their three auxiliaries, RSL Younger Set, Creswick Red Cross, Scouts, Cubs, Guides, Brownies, Creswick Brass Band, the Creswick, North Creswick, St. Augustine’s and Forestry schools and private persons.
It was at the town hall, where the service continued with the hall filled to capacity, that Mr. G. W. Barrell made his remarks.
Briefly, he sketched a picture of the amazing feat of the landing at Anzac, the holding of the beachhead and the heroism which focussed world attention on Australia.
“Service, self sacrifice and team spirit stood out,” he said, “and that spirit carried on through the remainder of that war.
“The cost of the lustre they earned was dear-60,000 of the flower of our manhood . . .
“It was thought to be a war to end war . . . but in 1939 another generation of Australians answered as their fathers had before. Again the cost was higher-30,000 or more Australian lives . . .
“Again the peace lasted only a few years . . . and Australian troops were in Korea . . . .”
Which led to the thought that the world might be getting nowhere, so Anzac Day calls for some positive approach, said Mr. Barrell. It calls for patriotism, preparedness and pride in the spirit of Anzac.
On the matter of preparedness, he said “The idea of our universal training in Australia should be done well-because we won’t have time to train for the next war.
And of pride in the spirit of Anzac: I don’t suggest this should be a day of sadness for those who have gone-they died for the FUTURE of Australia.
“May I borrow the words of another and from the letters ANZAC form an acrostic urging us to seek A New Zeal and Courage.”
Rev. F. H. Symonds, Pastor Richards, Capt. E. Johnson and Envoy M. Smith assisted in the service.
There, as at Newlyn the previous day, Creswick band led the singing and its conductor, Mr. Harry Felstead, sounded the Last Post and Reveille to conclude the silent tributes to the fallen.
At Newlyn, RSL president, Mr. J. Clohessy introduced Cr. V. G. Mitchell to act as chairman in lieu of the Shire president, Cr. W. T. Barry, who was attending another service that day.
Pastor G. Richards and Rev. F. H. Symonds assisted to conduct the service (Rev. G. H. Elliot was unable to attend).
Rev. S. A. Goddard, M.A., B.D., told the Newlyn gathering, “Once again we meet, Lest We Forget. So, Lest We Forget, I want to talk of some things worth remembering.
In days of war, there is a great sense of comradeship when, exposed to a common danger, people work for a common effort.
Why are there so many re-unions at this time each year? Because so many want to capture again the old comradeship-forged in stress and strain, in jobs done together, when Christian names were freely used.
In peace, people forget that common effort. They live for themselves and not for the common good.
“Let us,” said Mr. Goddard, “visualise again the exchange of comforts, the sharing of hardships alike with shared relief, and try to forget a little more of that into the community . . . If, in war, men can think of their neighbours, why can’t we do it in peace?”
“One way to make a strong and vital nation is to give a neighbor a helping hand, to spread the milk of human kindness,” he said.
Of the need for a sense of humor, Mr. Goddard said “What often saved men’s sanity was their unquenchable sense of humor . . . Yet in peace we become irate about things which could be ‘laughed off’ with gain to everyone . . . The greatest thing about laughter is it changes an unpleasant situation into an occasion for mirth.”
In the Anzac tradition (to quote “Alice” of “Through the looking Glass,” on the Cheshire cat), the last thing to disappear was the grin – it ought to be more in evidence with all of us!
There was a great sense of teamwork during the war.
It was a day that brought youth to the fore – young men often leading older men. It was a day that brought women to the fore as part of “the team”.
And so he urged more of the Anzac comradeship, sense of humor and team spirit in our daily life.
ZEAL, COURAGE, COMRADESHIP, HUMOR AND TEAMWORK-A plea for “A New Zeal and Courage” was made by Anzac speaker, Mr. G. W. Barrell, at Creswick on Monday.
The previous day at Newlyn, Rev. S. A. Goddard in his Anzac address made a plea for greater use of the Anzac spirit of comradeship, sense of humor and team work in the daily life of the community.
Newlyn’s Sunday service again saw a full hall.
The Anzac Day march at Creswick has nowadays become not just a Creswick but a district tribute from a wide area.
Members of Clunes, Creswick, Newlyn and Smeaton RSL sub-branches lead the march (and in the afternoon are represented again at the Clunes tribute).
Led by the Creswick district brass band and supported by VSF students, scouts and cubs and children of the three schools in Creswick, the march was impressive as it approached the memorial column where a big gathering of the general public had assembled.
There, in a brief address, Shire President, Cr. W. T. Barry reminded everyone that they were assembled particularly to remember.
“Had it not been for the works, the suffering and the sacrifice of those listed on this monument and those ranks standing before me at this moment and their comrades, this country would not enjoy the freedom it has today,: said Cr. Barry. “Remember that unless the Spirit of Anzac lives on in this country, we will end up like some other countries abroad. This monument stands here that you and I might remember . . .”
Wreaths placed on the monument were from the Shire of Creswick, the RSL’s at Smeaton, Newlyn and Creswick, their three auxiliaries, RSL Younger Set, Creswick Red Cross, Scouts, Cubs, Guides, Brownies, Creswick Brass Band, the Creswick, North Creswick, St. Augustine’s and Forestry schools and private persons.
It was at the town hall, where the service continued with the hall filled to capacity, that Mr. G. W. Barrell made his remarks.
Briefly, he sketched a picture of the amazing feat of the landing at Anzac, the holding of the beachhead and the heroism which focussed world attention on Australia.
“Service, self sacrifice and team spirit stood out,” he said, “and that spirit carried on through the remainder of that war.
“The cost of the lustre they earned was dear-60,000 of the flower of our manhood . . .
“It was thought to be a war to end war . . . but in 1939 another generation of Australians answered as their fathers had before. Again the cost was higher-30,000 or more Australian lives . . .
“Again the peace lasted only a few years . . . and Australian troops were in Korea . . . .”
Which led to the thought that the world might be getting nowhere, so Anzac Day calls for some positive approach, said Mr. Barrell. It calls for patriotism, preparedness and pride in the spirit of Anzac.
On the matter of preparedness, he said “The idea of our universal training in Australia should be done well-because we won’t have time to train for the next war.
And of pride in the spirit of Anzac: I don’t suggest this should be a day of sadness for those who have gone-they died for the FUTURE of Australia.
“May I borrow the words of another and from the letters ANZAC form an acrostic urging us to seek A New Zeal and Courage.”
Rev. F. H. Symonds, Pastor Richards, Capt. E. Johnson and Envoy M. Smith assisted in the service.
There, as at Newlyn the previous day, Creswick band led the singing and its conductor, Mr. Harry Felstead, sounded the Last Post and Reveille to conclude the silent tributes to the fallen.
At Newlyn, RSL president, Mr. J. Clohessy introduced Cr. V. G. Mitchell to act as chairman in lieu of the Shire president, Cr. W. T. Barry, who was attending another service that day.
Pastor G. Richards and Rev. F. H. Symonds assisted to conduct the service (Rev. G. H. Elliot was unable to attend).
Rev. S. A. Goddard, M.A., B.D., told the Newlyn gathering, “Once again we meet, Lest We Forget. So, Lest We Forget, I want to talk of some things worth remembering.
In days of war, there is a great sense of comradeship when, exposed to a common danger, people work for a common effort.
Why are there so many re-unions at this time each year? Because so many want to capture again the old comradeship-forged in stress and strain, in jobs done together, when Christian names were freely used.
In peace, people forget that common effort. They live for themselves and not for the common good.
“Let us,” said Mr. Goddard, “visualise again the exchange of comforts, the sharing of hardships alike with shared relief, and try to forget a little more of that into the community . . . If, in war, men can think of their neighbours, why can’t we do it in peace?”
“One way to make a strong and vital nation is to give a neighbor a helping hand, to spread the milk of human kindness,” he said.
Of the need for a sense of humor, Mr. Goddard said “What often saved men’s sanity was their unquenchable sense of humor . . . Yet in peace we become irate about things which could be ‘laughed off’ with gain to everyone . . . The greatest thing about laughter is it changes an unpleasant situation into an occasion for mirth.”
In the Anzac tradition (to quote “Alice” of “Through the looking Glass,” on the Cheshire cat), the last thing to disappear was the grin – it ought to be more in evidence with all of us!
There was a great sense of teamwork during the war.
It was a day that brought youth to the fore – young men often leading older men. It was a day that brought women to the fore as part of “the team”.
And so he urged more of the Anzac comradeship, sense of humor and team spirit in our daily life.