NAPIER'S THANKS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 29, 4 February 1932, Page 10

NAPIER'S THANKS

POIGNANT MEMORIES

EARTHQUAKE ANNIVERSARY

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

* NAPIER, 3rd February. Three thousand people attended the open-air earthquake anniversary thanksgiving service to-night. The principal speaker was Mr. J. S. Barton, S.M., Government, Commissioner, who, in the course of his remarks, said:

"It is inevitable that our thoughts should revert to the happenings of a year ago. There is much we wish to forget, and we trust the softening touch o£ time to lessen the poignancy of our memories. . , "We-are, .howover, assembled tonight because' there is much'we desire to remember, and it is with the set purpose of strengthening the records of memory and of deepening our'sense ,of- appreciation of the, kindness "•■ and sympathy received that we have gathered for this public thanksgiving service. It seems fitting, first, to voice our thanks, as a separate community, speaking to the rest, of the Dominion. A year ago we were indeed separate. We were geographically isolated, we were mentally and spiritually dwelling apart. To-night we wish to recall bow speedily all kinds of communications were] restored, and hoY quickly ,they wereiat once tested to their utmost capacity to carry tokens of your sympathy, comfort, and help. "It is as impossible, as it is unnecessary, for us to enumerate your acts of kindness arid assistance. They sprang from your individual impulses, but they became national in volume. - Your homes, your public services,' your private means, your time, and your talents wore at our disposal. This touched us deeply.. The memory, of it. heartens and 'inspires us to-night, an^ we say collectively from' our hearts, 'Thank you.'

"We remember, also, the event of a year ago touched the hearts of a wider circle than is comprised by the people of New Zealand. Wo xeeall that sympathy and help cams from His Majesty the King, from the Eoyal Family, from the King's representative in New Zealand, from his advisers throughout the Empire,, and from' his people of all classes and callings. ' It also came from Governments and people throughout the world. This rouses in our hearts not only the deepest gratitude hut feelings of national pride, and pride* in' our common humanity. ,

"We hope it is no "unworthy contribution to the country's spiritual resources that Napier to-night finds comfort in the philosophy that things are never'so bad but that they might have been worse and in the belief, based on experience, that the difficulties and discouragements are never bo great but that tho help and sympathy of our fellow-citizens are an encouragement and inspiration to face and overcome them."