MEMORIAL SERVICE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3575, 9 October 1916, Page 6

MEMORIAL SERVICE.

PRIVATE JOHN READHEAD

The hand of fate has, during tho past "month, claimed heavy toll of Ashburton's citizens who obeyed duty's call. In tho passing hence of Private John Readhead the town has lost a faithful (servant, and it was fitting that the church of which deceased was the founder in Ashburton should havegranted to his many friends a means of paying a mark of respect to their late townsman and sympathy to his widow and daughter. The memorial., service held in the Church of Christ last evening drew a crowded congregation, among which were his Worship the Mayor (Mr R. Galbraith), Messrs A. McClure, J. B. Christian, G. W. Andrews, and representatives of many clubs and associations.

The pulpit and roll of honour wore draped, the latter with the New Zealand Ensign. The choir was led by the choirmaster, Mr It. J. Mathieson, whilst Mrs G-eobie was soloist.

Mr Ralph Gebbio, ELA.;, took for his text 11. Corinthians iv., 18: ";While wo look not a;t the things which are seen, but at .the, things 'which are not seen: for the'thines seen are tern-, poral; but the" things nofc seen are eternal." He said all wore present with one common motive—to respect and honour a fallen brother. Ho dealt with the late Private Readhead in his various capacities as husband, brother, citizen, patriot, and Christian. As a husband he Was a true ihomemaker, an ideal father, "and one "whose nature was full of sunshine. He lived tho life of a true brother who trusted in the power of' the Unseen. As ;' friend he was constant, wiHing to; help; his friendships were eternal.' lie sought not the flaws, but the good, recognising there was good in everyone. He had helped those who _erred as well as tho righteous. As a citizen he was not one-sided, but broad-minded, recognising ''that healthy sport and recreation was as essential as prayermeeting and Bible-study to foctify man for. the stern realities of life. «As a patriot his labours in ambulance and Red Croas societies would stamp him as the truest- type. He, loved to be kind to everyone, and so chose this sphere of labour in the Empire's cause. If wo desired to perpetuatehis good work we should throw our utmost energy into the " Our Day " movement. As a Christian his work in the church in which his connections lay spoke in eloquent testimony to his sterling qualifies.. He had passed hence, and there were but memories; but memories were a treasured possession, and one should thank God for them. In concluding, Mr Gcbbie exhorted his hearers to remember the Red Cross Society, the sphere wherein the departed brother had centred, his. energy,/ nnd the. local branch of which he had been instrumental in inaugurating;. He eaid that the Into Private .Readhead liad early learnt whnt life meant, and death also, and had left behind him a splendid record and a noble example.

Th" service concluded with the Dead March in "Saul" (played by "Mr W, Onim^ and the pronouncing of the Benediction. (