JONATHAN DOW
Tots of rum were issued and the war-time tradition of sharing stories and jokes prevailed as another Anzac service came to a close at Mahia's Kaiuku Marae.
Earlier, 10 veterans paraded on the grounds of the marae for the Wairoa District's dawn parade.
About 150 people attended along with many children;
it's always been a family affair at Mahia.
Overcast conditions blocked the view of the sunrise, while gusty winds blew in from the Pacific and, as Tom Hema played The Last Post on a trumpet, the New Zealand flag wrapped itself around its pole.
The dawn parade has been a tradition at Mahia since major Gordon Ormond started it in 1958.
After the wreaths were laid, the rum, beer and cordial were served and the speeches and toasts began.
Peter Neilsen, president of the Mahia RSA, thanked the representatives of the army and Australian High Commission: "You bring a bit of spit and polish, a bit of class to our hui."
Peter Brady, secretary and treasurer of the Mahia RSA, noted the passing of padre, the Reverend Mita Ngatai, Peter Ormond, a former president of Mahia RSA, and Andrew Ormond. Mr Neilsen warned people that they would be called on to speak.
"Don't be scared - that's why we're giving you rum. Give you a bit of kaha," he said.
After the speeches, a breakfast of fish, sausages and mashed potato was served.
The Kaiuku Marae gathering was the first of three planned for the Wairoa area. Anzac services were also scheduled at Kahungunu marae in Nuhaka and Taihoa marae in Wairoa. * The Last Post rang over a sodden Auckland Domain today as medics worked feverishly to save the life of a fallen old soldier at the city's dawn service.
The man was a platoon commander with the company of old soldiers as they marched onto the parade ground in front of the Auckland Museum and War Memorial at 5.30am.
He was about to give an order to halt when he tripped and fell onto the concrete. Ambulance staff confirmed he died soon after.
