CORPORAL JAMES ANDREWS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 June 1917, Page 4

CORPORAL JAMES ANDREWS

(An Appreciation.)

Last week’s casualty lists contained the name of Corporal James Andrews, who, on June 11th, died of wounds received at the Battle of Messines. Corporal Andrews was one of the best known and most j popular young men on the West Coast. His interests were wide and t varied. He was an amateur boxer of no mean order and was, until his i departure for.the front, the Secretary j of tlie West 'Coast Amateur Boxing j Association —a body that owes much to his ability and energy. The I ! qualities that distinguish the ideal sportsman “Jim ” exhibited in their fullest degree. In fact almost all is summed up in the fine British phrase, “ He was a sport.” But Jim did not stop there. He was a young man who could hold his own on any public platform. For somewhere about 16 years. Jim Andrews was a member of Trinity Young Men’s Institute of Greymouth and by sheer hard work, ability and personality lie became one of the strongest and certainly the most popular member of that excellent; institution. As a debater Jim showed ability of no mean order and

no one who has heard him or broken lances with him can forget that effective bluff humour of his; while his humorous impromptu speeches never failed to delight his audiences. As a competitor at the public competitions in Greymouth and Hokitika ho was most popular and tlie number of wins to his credit, especially in the humorous sections proved the quality of his work. Trinity YYmng Aten’s Institute stands to-day bereft of a man who did much to advance the cause of young men ; for Jim’s was no selfish desire to advance himself. Honrs did lie give to assist others on the path of self-improve-ment and many a lad to-day lias good reason to bless Jim Andrews. Ha was a churchman of the robust type and a staunch member of the C.E.AI.S. His religion was no extraneous thing, but a natural part of himself and it gave a depth and a steadfastness to liis character that few understood.

Corporal Andrews was an idea] soldier, hardworking, considerate, prompt, active, a.s “ hard as nails',’’ intelligent, cheerful, humorous, fearless. He had proved his worth at (lie battle of the Somme some months ago when lie was appointed to slie dangerous and lesponsible rifiice if “ runner.” In describing his experiences at the'famous battle. Jim said, “ Now I think no more of hopping over a parnpot and splinting for the Bodies than I think of going to church.” His ambition was to get to Berlin “ and have a word with the Kaiser.” ■ Bnt Jim’s work is done r-and done well. . . He played the man’s part. He did his duty and lias earned his rest. He leaves us all a noble example and inspiration. *

Almost the last time Jim Andrews recited in public in Hokitika, he made an impression with his dignified rendering of Robert Browning’s “Pi ospice.”

' How prophetic were the words: “ I was ever a fighter, so--one fight.

more, . The be.-t arid the last! ■ I would hate that death bandaged my . eyes, and forbore, ' , And bade me cteep past. | No! let me taste the whole of it, fare [

like my peers The heroes of old. Bear the brunt, in a moment pay

glad life’s arrears Of pain, darkness, and cold. For sudden the worst turns (he best

. to the brave, The black minute’s at end. And the elements rage, the Mend voices that rave, Shall dwindle, shall blend, Shall change, shall become first a peace out of pain, then a light, , And with God be the rest!”