A HIRE OF HEROES

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1921, Page 1

A HIRE OF HEROES

DEATH OF NOTABLE SYDNEY CLERGYMAN.

SYDNEY, March 15

The great events of 1914-18 brought no name into greater prominence than that of the Rev John Howell-Price, an Anglican clergyman. He himself wa» a square-faced, square-built man of kindly and retiring disposition, but he gave to the Allied forces five sons whose united performances probably represent a family record for the Empire. Here they are:—-Lieutenant-Colonel Owen HowellPrico. won the D.S.O. and the Military Cross. Killed in France,, Major Phillip Howell-Price. Won the D.S.O. and the Military Cross. Killed in France. Second-Lieutenant Richmond HowellPrice. Won the Military Cross. Killed in France.

Lieutenant John Howell-Price, Royal Australian Navy. Was second in command of the submarine which blew up the mole at Zeebrugge. Won the D.S.O. and the D:S.C. Returned. .Maim Frederick Howell-Price. Mon the D.S.O. iu 'Palestine. Returned.

The deeds of .1 lie “lighting llowellPrices" occupied many columns in the newspapers during the war, and the successive deaths of three of the brothers were regarded as a public calamity. No war function was held complete unless the modest little clergyman and his wife were present. The Rev John Howell-Price’s death during tlii' past week lias revived memories of those stirring days. The writer has a vivid recollection of a scene in Martin place. The GovernorGeneral, in front of a great crowd, was pinning decorations upon the breasts of distinguished soldiers, and the relatives of dead soldiers were receiving the medals on their behalf. The name of tlie Rev Tfowell-Priee was called, and the little figure in black came out on to tlu' platform to receive some of the 1 coveted decorations won by bis gallant sons. Now the Rev Howell-Price bad a sixth son, who had also been in the military forces, but who had become very seriously involved in connexion with the embezzlement of military funds. That a man of so notable a family should thus fall caused a public shock, and sympathy with the father was verv great. On this occasion, just alter the trial, the appearance of the white-haired father was made the oeoosion of a most remarkable public demonstration. The people cheered and cheered as he received the medals fiom the Governor-General, and, il they could have got at him, would undoubtedly have chaired him. The old man retired with the tears running down bis strongly marked face, and the Governor-General—the well-loved Ronald Munro Ferguson—was very much affected.