The reasons given for the proposal are that the majority of the returned soldiers belong to the labouring classes, who can least afford the loss of a day’s wages, and, further, that as the landing at Gallipoli was effected on a Sunday, that day is the most suitable for the annual observation.
It is also urged that the selection of the nearest Sunday would give more adequate recognition to the services of those soldiers who were not present at the Anzac landing.
Mayor hands over the keys
The public installation of the Mayor-elect, Mr H.L. Tapley, took place at a special meeting of the city council held in the council chambers at noon yesterday.
The function drew a large gathering of representative citizens of both sexes, among those present being the Hon W. Downie Stewart and Mr J.W. Munro MP.
The retiring Mayor, Mr J.S. Douglas, at the outset apologised for not having prepared a set valedictory address but said they would realise that especially on account of the floods he had not had the opportunity or the time to do so.
It must be very gratifying indeed to the Mayor-elect, Mr Tapley, to see such a fine representative gathering of citizens.
The speaker’s first thought was to make reference to the serious floods in the city and surrounding districts. Before vacating office he felt he should express his heartfelt sympathy with all those who had suffered distress.
He wished also to express his appreciation of that noble band of social service workers and many other citizens who came forward and offered their services. It was a very fine spirit that was shown. All distinctions were cast aside, and each and all vied in helping the less fortunate in a way that showed there was nothing much wrong with the people.
Flood relief effort
A reporter who paid a visit to the central depot yesterday was given evidence that the work of administering relief is proceeding apace and with scarcely any hitches.
The officers in charge of the various areas return to the depot a form showing the position, financially and otherwise, of the applicant, and, if the need for the immediate supply of such articles as fuel, food or clothing is shown to exist the case is attended to at once. Within a few days the great proportion of the refugees should be back in their homes, and consequently, the helpers are not now quite so anxious for gifts of foodstuffs as they were, although, of course, nothing is refused and all that comes forward can still be put to a good use.
All took the task that was allotted and carried it out with a will.
Gifts are still coming to hand, while not in such quantities as formerly, and yesterday there was received another consignment of several sacks of vegetables from Wellington tradesmen. Needless to say, these gifts from the north are much appreciated.
Once the need of supplying clothing and eatables has been met, the Mayor’s Committee will be confronted with the problem of the expenditure of the balance of the cash in hand. — ODT, 3.5.1923
Compiled by Peter Dowden
