In 1917 an article titled ‘ANZAC DAY AT GERRINGONG’ was published on page two of the Kiama Independent.
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The story, which was supplied by a contributing writer, offers a snapshot of Anzac Day commemorations on the South Coast in the very early days of its inception.
Saturday, May 12, 1917
It was a thoughtful and admirable suggestion that the schools should celebrate in some way, Anzac Day.
It is scarcely likely that any of the older years will ever forget the present terrible war, and the noble part Australians have taken in it, but the little children may, and everything should be done to ever keep this in their minds.
In Gerringong very specially was the idea carried out, and the public Memorial Service united with that of the children in the school grounds, and although this has already been briefly noticed, together with other places, yet for the sake of relatives and friends of the fallen heroes, a little more detail may be appreciated, especially to some who are still fighting at the front, and may see this paper, so that they may know, should a like fate befall them (though we earnestly pray such may not be), they will ever be remembered in like manner.
Much credit is due to the teachers- Mr. Murray and Miss Pikeman for the orderly and reverent manner in which the children's part was carried out, and the providing of seats for the people of whom there was a large number.
The Rev. W. T. Hooker conducted the Memorial Service and after the singing of the hymn "Our God our help in Ages Past"' and prayer by Mr. Reid, he read the Roll Call and as each of the brave ones who had fallen were named viz., A. E. Moore, T. Moore, F. O'Brien, J. Donovan, J. Harding, Cecil Howard and E. Womack, six little girls in turn hung a beautiful white wreath with the colours of the different battalions on place arranged, draped with the Australian flag.
A lasting impression should be felt in the heart and minds of the children by the soul stirring address of Mr. Reid which followed, also of Mr. Hooker.
The following were also sung, accompanied ,by the band, "When our heads are bowed with Woe," "Jesus Lover of My Soul," "Nearer My God to Thee." It was a beautiful and touching service, and although at times the tears would flow the inspiring note was the dominant one, with deep thankfulness for such [sic], and mothers must have felt proud of all that was said of them and all other brave ones who have gone to fight for liberty and justice.
The service closed with the singing of the “Hymn for the Men at the Front” and prayer by Mr. Hooker and the National Anthem.
In the School of Arts in the evening a public meeting was held at which Mr. Alex Campbell was asked to preside, who again stirred all hearts by his patriotic address, followed in the same strain by Mr. D. F. Bailey and then by Mr. Tuckwell.
Mr. T. W. Hooker, who has been reading up Canon Doyle's book, gave an half-hour's thrilling sketch of the initiatory stages of the war, what we owe to the first defenders, the Belgians, French, and British Tommies, who but for their marvellous defence, our peace and liberty would now be gone, not that we would take one iota from the praise due to our own brave boys, no words could be strong enough to tell of their wonderful dash and bravery under most untold difficulties and obstacles.
The previous speakers spoke so much in the same strain, an inspiration to others to go and do likewise. Miss Muriel Hooker gave a recitation, "Play up and play the Game," and sang a solo for the audience to join in the chorus.
The Band under Mr. Winley's able leadership, during the evening gave a number of beautiful selections. The meeting closed with the National Anthem after which refreshments were served in aid of the Y.M.C.A., which together with the collection realised over £7.- Contributed.