Ag 26 april, 2017

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Lest we forget Anzac Day was all about remembrance, and in Ashburton a large parade led to the Baring Square cenotaph for a service and laying of wreaths. PHOTO ROBYN HOOD 250417-RH-174

BY SUSAN SANDYS

SUSAN.S@THEGUARDIAN.CO.NZ

Mid Cantabrians turned out en masse to Anzac Day services throughout the district yesterday. Record numbers of about 3000 attended the 6.30am dawn service at the Ashburton cenotaph in Baring Square West, the evocative atmosphere highlighted by illumination from a large military searchlight. The sounding of an air raid siren began the moving service, conducted by Major Ken Smith of the Salvation Army with Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew as guest speaker. Ashburton Returned and Services Association president Maurice Baker, who lost his uncle Tom Hawkins in World War Two and was wearing his medals, said he was “more than rapt” with the huge numbers which had turned out to the dawn and other ceremonies. They were representative of Mid Canta-

brians wanting to acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who had fought at war. “We don’t want to forget that, because they are the ones who made the country what it is today,” Baker said. The calm autumn morning dawned to overcast skies, however the cloud mostly cleared and the scene was set for people to gather once again at the cenotaph, this time for the 11am civic service and wreath laying ceremony. The Ashburton Pipe Band led a parade into the grounds, of servicemen and women, representatives and delegation of Ashburton organisations and community groups including uniformed cadets, firefighters, police, Red Cross, St John, scouts and guides. A loud three gun salute from a 25-pounder military gun began proceedings. In his talk to the more than 1000 people present, Baker said Anzac Day was a day to

especially remember those who had been killed and paid the “supreme sacrifice”. This year was the centenary of Passchendaele, which was among the “muddiest and bloodiest battles” ever fought, with a high casualty rate of New Zealanders. Proceedings were led by Ashburton RSA executive member Merv Brenton. The Reverend David Brown read a passage from the scriptures and a prayer, while guest speakers mayor Donna Favel, Ashburton College head girl Samantha McArthur, wearing her great grandfather’s World War Two medals, and head boy Nic Thomassen, focused on the importance of the day. New Zealand Defence Force soldiers from Burnham added to the sense of occasion at services throughout the district, being involved in the more poignant elements such as playing of the Last Post, and raising and lowering of the New Zealand flag.

Country services throughout Mid Canterbury were well attended, including about 200 estimated at Mayfield, and about 700 at Methven. Methven RSA convenor Viv Barrett said it was a record turnout. “It’s getting bigger every year, there has been some great crowds over the last two to three years,” he said. Guest speaker was Major Jerry Mateparae, based at Burnham, and son of the former governor-general of the same name. Early morning commemorations were held at the Hakatere Marae, and were attended by about 80 people, and there was also a good turnout at the Ashburton RSA cemetery service at 9am.