LANCE-CORPL. H. G. ANDREWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 October 1917, Page 1

LANCE-CORPL. H. G. ANDREWS.

(An Appreciation)

Three years aiul more ago ihere flourished in Hokitika a very vigorous institution for young men—the All Saints’ Institute—an institn-tion which, during the short four years ol its existence, probably did more good for its members than any other society in this town.

The A.S.T. is no longer in existence. Every eligible man left to join the colours in this tight'for freedom— and a noble roll it has. Lieut Ingram, Lient Bnrnard, Bugler Woolhouse. whose bones rest:, on the rocky and forbidden peninsula of .Gallipoli ; Lient Rogei’son, who found a soldier’s grave in France; Lieut Davies, Scrgt Stapleton, Corporal Boyd', Sapper Bell, Privates Gray, do Berry, and Budkin, who are still ‘'.carrying on.” while the last, few days lias brought r.he sad news tlmt yet another of that hand of brothers' Lance-Corpl. 11. G. Andrews has paid the supreme sacrifice.

There we a no more popular young mail in the town than Hari’y Andrews. Every movement making for the social, mental or moral advancement of young men found in him an active, an enthusiastic and a gemrous supporter. From its inception to the date of his departure for the front he was Vice President oft All Saints’ Institute and proved his worth as a reciter, debater and speaker upon more' than ore occasion, notably in 1914 when, largely oWing to his brilliant ‘‘negative” ‘the Hokitika team was successful in winning the impromptu debate at the Greymontli competitions under the judging of Air Montague of Auckland. 1 He was blessed with some of that delicious humour that always made the public appearances of his gallant brother, Lance-Sergt Janies Andrews'* —killed at Messines —so welcome.

Harry was a prominent member of the C.E.M.S. and.was the first secretary of the local branch, while he also was a member of the All Saints’ Vestry. There was no more consistent or zealous worker for his Church and all that that means than was the gallant gentleman whose loss we mourn to-day. No truer friend, no better comrade could man have, no cleaner tighter or more enthusiastic soul ever donned khaki. His letters from the front have breathed that cheery humorous spirit of optimism that somehow one lias got to associate with the name of Andrews.

But Hany has fought his last fight, lie forms one of that noble band whom age cannot touch Imt who live on in the eternal youth of great things attempted, great tilings done.

. Our hearts bleed for his sorrowing parents and relatives at home. First Jim was taken, now Harry, while Lieutenant Alf Andrews received wounds at Messines. Few are asked to make such sacrifices . . and such manly and noble sous I Of Harry we can truly say:- - “ His life was gentle, and the elements So mix’d in him that, Nature might stand up And say io all the world, ‘ This was a, man ! ’ ”