IN MEMORIAM

Hokitika Guardian, 29 March 1917, Page 3

IN MEMORIAM

Guide David Thomson There was a gathering at Rosa yesterday afternoon which reca led the fate of the two guides and an alpine

climber who were overtaken by an avalanche in February, 1914, and killed on the slopes of Aoraugi. One of the number k lied was “Darby” Thomson, a well-known Rosa resident, who took up the profession of guide, and had made a name for himself. The gathering took place in one of the large class rooms of the State School, where the pupils were assembled under Mr Winchester, headmaster, and staff, and a number of the public were present, including relatives of ibe deceased. Mr Bruce, as Chairman of the Memorial Committee,

presided, and called on the Mayor of Ross (Mr Grimmond) to addrest the gathering. Mr Grimmond spoke feelingly of the duty to be performed that afternoon, David Thomson bad grown up in the town and gous out inio the world to play a man’s part. The Mayor referred to the respect and esteem in which the young man was held, and instanced his honorable 1 fe as a pattern for the young present to emulate. Mrs Whit.le, sister of the late Mi Thomson, was called on to unveil the brass tablet, which was done, and then in a touching address the lady spoke of the gratitude felt by the relatives for all that the good people had

done to honor her brother’s name. Mrs Whittle also referred to the call now made on young men and the sacrifices demanded of them, and said how proud they all were to know of the renown they were gaining in upholding the honor of the British Flag, which was the symbol of our freedom. Mr Winchester, of whom P. Thomson had been a pupil, also spoke in praise of the fine character the young man displayed during his school course. He counselled the young people present to live straight and honorable lives, and they would be worthily performing their duty as citizens of their great Empire. Mr T. W. Btuce explained that the major portion of the money raised for the Thomson Memorial was being devoted towards the cost of a memorial hall at Waiho Gorge, where another brass tablet would also be affixed to

mark the memory of their friend who was so well and widely respected, Mr Bruce also took the opportunity of thanking Mr Peebles, hen secretary and treasurer of the fund, for the valuable services he had put into Lhe movement and carrying it to the success It was. Mr D. J. Evan?, as a visitor congratulated the people of Ross and district on what they had done to perpeirate the memory of one so highly esteemed. The late Mr Thomson had displayed those characteristics of intrepidity which distinguished the race, and showed his pluck, grit and endurance in following so arduous and

hazardous an oacnpatioD, Apologies were received for the absence of Messrs NormaD, Clifton and Doff of the Westland County Council. The school children sang “My Native Land,” and “ Keep the Home Pires Burning,” Mrs Grimmond presiding at tbe harmonium. The singing of the National Anthem closed the proceedinge, the school children being dismissed for the day. It should be added that about a score of Boy Scouts, under Master Winchester, formed a guard of honor, and prior to the unveiling acquitted themselves very creditably in signalling exercises.