First Recorded Dedication - Hill End War Memorial
Jim ShanahanDedication 25 April 1921
(excerpt Mudgee Guardian 5th May 1921)
Anzac Day at Hill End was celebrated by the unveiling of a captured German gun, which was placed on a pedestal under a canopy of flags at the junction of Tambaroora and Clarke Streets that had been tastefully decorated by Mrs A. E. Cook and Miss Charlotte Thompson, assisted by the older boys and girls of the school.
The day was an ideal one for the occasion and was responsible for bringing out nearly all the residents of Hill End. The gathering was the largest and most representative seen here for some time. Mr D. Marshall, in the absence of Mr McKenzie, acted as chairman. The first item was a chorus by the school children of “Advance Australia Fair”.
The chairman then called on Councillor W.F. Hodge to present the gun. Councillor Hodge said it gave him great pleasure to have the honour of presenting the gun to the town on behalf of the trustees. He was sorry the work was not complete for that day but the fault was not that of the committee. The marble slab, suitably inscribed, had been ordered two months ago but was not completed. However, he hoped they would soon have everything in order. He also desired to thank the Turon Shire for the gun and the assistance they gave to erect the same. He hoped the work would stand for generations and in days to come those who looked upon the gun would remember the noble deeds done by our boys on Anzac Day at Gallipoli.
Councillor Hodge then unveiled the gun. The chairman spoke eloquently and informatively of what Anzac Day meant to Australia. The Federal authorities had a problem as to how to break the news of the first baptism of fire of the Australian troops, and he reminded them of the anxious days that followed. Eventually victory by the Allies.
Mr A. E. Cook thanked the Turon Shire Council, on behalf of the people of Hill End, for the interest they have taken in securing the gun and also for giving the services of Mr Jas. Walpole to fix the foundation. After singing “God Save the King” the large crowd proceeded to the public school for the unveiling of the honour roll.
