HONORING THE FALLEN.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 August 1918, Page 4

HONORING THE FALLEN.

THF MEMORY OF LIEUT R, SPENCE. (Stratford Evening Post of July 19.) Prior to the usual business at the Magistrate’s Court, Stratford, this morning, tribute was paid to the memory of the late Lieutenant Robert Spence. There was a full attendance of members of the legal profession.

On behalf of the Stratford branch of the Taranaki Law Society, Mr T. C. Fookes asked His Worship (Mr It. Haselden, S.M.) to unveil a portrait of the late Lieutenant Spence. His Worship said they had given him an honorable, if somewhat solemn task to perform. He was about to unveil the portrait of one who was well-known among the members of the Bar, one who was a gallant soldier and an honourable legal practitioner. He was a man with marked legal ability and one who showed that be understood wliat the word Duty meant in its fullest sense, and who joined the forces which the country was sending to the scene of conflict in order to combat a horrible and unscrupulous power which, for the last four years, had been striving to destroy all that which brave and honourable men considered sacred and worth living for. He would not say that Lieut Spence any more than any one of themselves was perfect. He did not know him personally so well as those present, but from his knowledge of him he could find no fault. If there was any it arose from a generous impulse. The deceased gentleman had been eager and enthusiastic in the interests of his clients. He had brilliant prospects and could look forward to a very successful career. He knew, however, that when he joined the Army he had to throw into the scale all those opportunities, hut took his chance. He lay in his soldier’s grave, God accept him. Continuing, His Worship said lie acknowledged with gratitude the debt he and all of us owed to Lieut Spence and his fellows. Many had fallen, Colonel Malone, whose portrait hung 011 the walls of the com tliouse, being one of the earliest. There were hardly any who had not suffered bereavements hut the cruel loss was necessary. Great things were won at a great price, the greatest of all things being that for which we were striving for now. Millions of men were struggling in actual physical contact and death and destruction were all around. They could only wait with firm ancl humble confidence that the Almighty would protect and that we would omer-e from the struggle with victory as our rewardConcluding. His Worship said he hoped that when we prayed as we should do— for the wounded and dying and the widows and orphans, we would remember the soul of Robert Spence and offer up a humble prayer.

The unveiling then took place and those present stood at the salute. His Worship said lie trusted they would always respect liie portrait, The ceremony should not he meiely an ephemeral thing.

On behalf of the members of the Bar, Mr T. C. Fookes thanked His Worship for the appreciative remarks made to the memory of the late Lieut Spence. The speaker said he had known him personally and entirely shared the veiy high opinions formed of his ability, character, and devotion to Duty. He had what might be called a meteoric success. By perseverance and determination lie had overcome the difficulties that lay in his path. Lieut Spence was an exceptionally gifted man—one whom he had anticipated would eventually fill a high position. He was a most companionable man and everyone liked to be in contact with him. He had everything to attract him to stay in civil life but became a soldier and his wonderful ability earned him a commission. He went to the front, and died for his counti-y and for the cause for which the country was engaged in the great war. His Worship said lie knew of no form in which they could convey their sympathy to the relatives of the deceased soldier, but if there was, he would be very glad to help.

Mr Fookes said he would sec that (he Secretary of the local branch of the Law Society conveyed the news of the proceedings to the family of the deceased soldier.