‘Melbourne’ on way to Dunedin
A wireless message was received last night announcing that HMAS Melbourne, the flagship of the Australian squadron, which left Wellington at 8am yesterday, is expected to arrive off the Otago Heads at 3.30 this afternoon, and should berth about 5pm. The Otago Harbour Board has made the necessary arrangements for the berthing of the warship, and she will be accommodated at the Rattray street wharf.
Some little friction with RSA
It would be a great pity if any serious misunderstanding should arise between the Soldiers’ Memorial Committee and the Returned Soldiers’ Association in regard to the next Anzac Day observances. The Mayor recently decided that the foundation stone of the soldiers’ memorial should be laid on this coming Anzac Day. It is certain that neither the Mayor nor the Memorial Committee had the slightest idea of going counter to the views of the Returned Soldiers’ Association. It may be unfortunate that the Association was not consulted prior to the fixing of the date; but we feel sure that the omission was not due to any lack of courtesy or consideration. It may have been taken for granted, perhaps too hastily, that the Association would approve of the arrangement. As matters have turned out, however, some little friction has been manifested. The Returned Soldiers’ Association’ entertains an idea that the ceremony in connection with the laying of the foundation stone will supersede or at any rate impair the significance of the solemn service in which, ever since the first anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli, its members have taken part. We are bound to say that the cause of the misunderstanding appears rather trivial, and that there is no solid ground for the objection to an element of what has been termed "pageantry" in association with the Anzac Day arrangements. Pageantry and solemnity are not mutually antagonistic terms. — editorial
600 students enrol at Tech
The record of pupils attending the night classes at the King Edward Technical College at the commencement of the second term shows that about the usual number has enrolled. There are 200 junior free place holders, 200 senior free place holders, and over 200 paying pupils. When the military camp at Matarae is concluded it is expected that a further 200 pupils will enrol.
St Kilda brigade disbanded
The members of the late St Kilda Municipal Fire Brigade were presented with medals in recognition of the services rendered to the borough during the existence of the brigade. Opportunity was also taken to present service honours, which were due at the time of disbandment. The Mayor, in presenting the medals and honours, also referred to the efficient work of the brigade while in existence, and stated that he was sorry the council had to take the step of disbanding it. It was only after much deliberation that the decision to obtain the services of the Dunedin Fire Board had been arrived at. At the time of disbandment, the following men constituted the brigade: Captain C.A. Lucas, Lieutenant C. Stewart, Foreman J. McCrorie, Firemen D.A. Telfer, B.A. Brown, T. Toner, R.A. Harris, W. Brown, C.H. Hitchcox, E.P. McIlroy, E. Ryall, T. McCrorie, W.H. Baxter, P.W. Smith and E. Davidson. — ODT, 6.3.1924
Compiled by Peter Dowden
