Horowhenua StarBy Kiri Pepene, Library Information Research & Local History Team Lead
On Tuesday, April 25, 1916, towns and communities all over New Zealand, including Levin, commemorated the landing of our Anzacs at Gallipoli exactly one year before.
The local newspaper outlined the events of the day:
“We would give a final reminder regarding Anzac Day which will be kept between the hours of 11am and 2pm on Tuesday 25th. The procession consisting of bands, cadets, territorials, friendly societies, etc will leave the railway station at 11am, and then will be joined by the school children in charge of members of the teaching staff at the public school. Speeches, hymns and prayers will constitute the programme. In the case of the morning proving unfavourable to the open-air meeting, the function will be held in the King’s Theatre.”
One of the speeches made on that day was delivered by Wellington MP R A (Robert) Wright. The newspaper reported:
“Mr R A Wright expressed his conviction that the deeds of our men at the Gallipoli landing would make New Zealand remembered; the story of the deeds of her sons on that day would be handed down for all time.”
A hundred and ten years after the landing, we are indeed still remembering and paying homage, not only to those who fought and fell at Gallipoli, but to all who have served since.
To me, Anzac Day is not just about acknowledging those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the many wars New Zealand has taken part in. It’s also about honouring those who came home, having left a part of themselves behind on the battlefield, men and women whose lives were forever changed.
It’s about remembering the mothers and fathers, wives, husbands, and children who remained behind, who kept the country going while living with uncertainty, longing, and hope that they might one day see their loved ones again.
If you’re looking for more information, come into the library and have a browse through our wonderful collection of war-related books, located in the People and Places section. Or, if you prefer to explore from home, head to Papers Past and delve into the local newspapers.
Just this week, the 1940s editions of the Horowhenua Chronicle have been added, meaning the paper is now available online from 1910 to 1949. The Manawatū Herald is also available, covering the years 1878 to 1939. There are sure to be some real treasures waiting to be discovered!
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