Anzac Day—New Guinea

The fine entrance to the Australian War Cemetery at Lae, New Guinea. The whole area, built and maintained by the War Graves Commission, is a magnificent park and in time the Botanical Gardens, now taking shape under the direction of local personnel of the Department of Agri culture, will make this Lae’s green belt.

This photo was taken on April 25 when Lae’s residents were gathering on the green lawns beneath the cross seen through the archways, where in company with thousands of Australia’s war dead, they participated in a simple but impressive service. After the service, ex-servicemen retired to their club and during the rest of the day celebrated in a manner

peculiar to the Australian servicemen of any war.

On Anzac Day similar observances loo® place all over Papua and New Guinea—j but Lae has the edge on all othei Territory towns in possessing the finest Returned Servicemen’s Club—perhaps thq finest club of any sort in the Territory] Built on the edge of the terrace, member! can, if they wish, sit out on an enclosed lawn to drink their beer. Lae “flat’l falls away at their feet, and beyond, the| ocean. To the original part of the clan buildings has lately been added a vers fine ballroom in which polished New Guinea timbers have been used effectivels as an interior finish.