LATE LIEUT. A. G. HULTQUIST, M.P.

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 181, 17 November 1941, Page 5

LATE LIEUT. A. G. HULTQUIST, M.P.

Probably the most impressive scene ever 'witnessed in the Whakatane Domain was the combined' Memorial Service to the late Lieut. A. G. Huiltquist which took place yesterday. Approximately six hundred people were preisent including units from the Home Guard, the Returned Soldiers' Association, the Territorials, Scout and Girl Guide troops and the Pipe and Boys' Band. Speakers' included' the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Industries and Commerce, and' the Deputy Mayor, Mr S. S. Shapley. -The vreatlier though dull and at times threatening remained fine throughout, alloAving the proceedings to be carried out Avithouft a liitch. The domain grounds lent themselves admirably to the sendee which Avas conducted from the Band , Rotunda and addressed to the public draAvn up in a hoi low square on the «ports grounds. The actual parade to the ground was split into tAvo sections —the adult (R.S.A., .Home Guard and Territorials) being headed by the Pipe Band, and the junior (Scouts, Guides, Cadets and Cubs) by the Boys Band. At 2 p.m. sharp all units AA T ere in their correct positions, the recently formed guide troop looking particularly smart in their new uniforms. The special firing party took up a position in the centre. The parade Avas under the convnand "of Captain J. W. Wilson. Order of Service FolloAving the National Anthem the hymn 'Jesu of my Soul,' one of Charles Mcsley's best loved Composition AA-as sung to band accompaniment. The scripture reading was taken by the Rev. S. G. Caulton who selected a;well known passage from Revelations "What are these' that are arrayed in white robes;, and Avhence came they."' The prayer was given by the Rev. 'G. V. Thomas who offered thanks for the life and example of the late M.P. and expressed sympathy for ;the bereaved. A tribute from the Maori electors of the district took the form of the harmonious singing .of the hymn "Abide With Me" by the Poroporo School Choir. The beautifully balanced singing was a credit to the "Maori children Avho sang from the rear of the rotunda behind the offi- • cial party. Devotion to Duty * Apologising for the absence of the "Mayor, Mr S. S. Shapley the Deputy Mayor said that the loss of the late Lieut Hultquist had terminated a brilliant career. He AA 7 as a young man who in. peace and in war had shoAvn a great devotion to duty. Duty had been the keynote to his whole life's Avork. In recent campaigns. he had fought side by side with men from this district. At his memorial service therefore thoughts were turned to all those who'had made the supreme # sacrifice for in deference to them and in sympathy to their kinsfolk it could only be ■said—no man, could do more. A detachment of territorials fired the traditional volley after which was sounded the Last Post. As the silver notes died aAvay the lavo minutes' silence became the more intense as the gathering stood Avith . iDOwed heads. The crisp notes of the Reveille broke the silence and as they in turn died aAvay the voice of the Rev. J. G. Laughton could be heard pronouncing the Benediction.

DISTRICT UNITS' PARADE

V. * "HE DIED IN FREEDOM'S CAUSE"