A MEMORIAL UNVEILED

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2903, 16 October 1916, Page 6

A MEMORIAL UNVEILED

TO LATE PRIVATE PERCY HARLEN. . A brass tablet which ha 6 been placed in the Hosoneath Presbyterian Church in memory of Pte. Percy Harlen, was unveiled by the Hon. J. G. W. Aitken, M.L.C., yesterday afternoon. Speaking of the deceased, Mr. Aitken paid a high tribute to his sterling qualities. He was only 24 years of age, and had taken an active part «, the affairs of the Church and Sunday School. Pte. Harlen went to Samoa with the advance party in 1914. He cameback and joined the Fifth Reinforcements. When he onlisted he was employed by the Evans Bay Timber Company, and at one timo was a member of the Garrison Band, which is now the New Zealand Natives' Association Band. Mr. Aitken went on to refer to the number of men and women who do not, or will not, realise what is happening in this war.' ' He said that all they thought of was pleasure. Some of the men should be at the front, and if the people ho had mentioned would only realise what is happening, then they would bo brought to their knees. Ho felt convinced that victory would not come till the peoplo wero spiritually prepared to receive it. The theatres, picture houses, and public-houses were parrying on business just as they dftL prior to the war, and the racing clubs were also catering for the pleasure of the people, aud in this time of strife this should not be. Continuing,' tho speaker said that he wished God would speed the day when the people would realise and .the war would be ended. Ho felt sure that sympathy and affection would go out. to the father and mother of the man who had made tho great sacrifice. If there was any young man present who had not done his duty fie should follow in Pte. Harlen's idfftsteps, and be ready to take his place. The tablet was then unveiled, and the Natives' Association Band played tho "Garland of Flowers'." The Rev. H. ■ Beggs pronounced the benediction, and the singing of the National Anthem .concluded tho ceremony..