Port Arthur, Monday

Australians today held a national day of mourning on the first anniversary of the country's worst modern-day massacre.

Survivors and the families of the victims gathered for an emotional memorial service in the ruins of a nineteenth century sandstone church at Port Arthur, Tasmania, where a year ago gunman Martin Bryant murdered 35 people.

''There's a feeling here that this is a very difficult day,'' said Tony Rundle, leader of the island state. ''But when it's over it's really time to move on.''

Only hours before the mem-orial service, Australian radio reported that Bryant, now serving a life jail sentence, had attempted suicide.

Bryant, 29, was found in his prison cell about two weeks ago suffering the effects of an overdose of medication. A makeshift noose was lying among his bedding.

Despite reports that he has made two previous suicide attempts, prison authorities say contrition is far from his mind.

''I wouldn't like to assume that this apparent suicide attempt might indicate some act of contrition,'' said Ian Sale, the psychologist who examined Bryant before his trial. ''I very much doubt that.''

Sale said the anniversary was vitally important to enable people to repair their shattered lives and move on. ''In life there are various rites of passage we go through,'' he told reporters at Port Arthur. ''The first anniversary is always going to be the toughest.''

The Port Arthur massacre began on a sunny Sunday when Bryant entered the Broad Arrow Cafe, took a semi-automatic rifle from his sports bag, and calmly walked from table to table shooting at point blank range, laughing as he went.

Within 15 seconds, 12 people were dead; within two minutes, 20. The carnage continued outside, as Bryant hunted down victims at random.

By the time Bryant fled a burning cottage after an overnight siege with police, 35 people were dead.

Outrage at the massacre led to the banning of semi-automatic weapons in Australia.

The small Tasmanian community has developed close ties with people in Dunblane, who were hit by an equally devastating tragedy the month before the Port Arthur killings.

Teachers and families from Dunblane sent a message to Port Arthur today sharing in its loss and promising to join millions of Australians in lighting a candle for the dead.

John Crozier, whose five-year-old daughter Emma was shot dead, said: ''I have lit a candle for all those who lost their loved ones in Port Arthur.'' - Reuter