IN MEMORIAM.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1922, Page 3

IN MEMORIAM.

ARCHDEACON H. W. HARPER,

LONDON, Feb. 1

A beautiful little service lasting just half-an-liour, in memory of Archdeacon H. IV. Harper, was held yesterday afternoon at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, and was attended by a number of relatiies and former friends of New Zealand days. There was a full choir. Tho Rev. R. H. E. Shepherd (vicar) was assisted liy the Veil. Archdeacon C. C. Harper (rector of Newington, and nephew of the deceased).

The organist played as a voluntary with great expression, Schubert’s “March Solennelle,” which was followed by the hymn, “For All the Saints.” Sentences from the burial service wore impressively recited by Archdeacon Harper, who also read all the prayers, one of which, bearing the date 16th century, reads: “0 Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous life, until the shades lengthen, and evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is clone. Then, Lord, in Thy mercy, grant us safe lodging, a holy vest, and peace at the last, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

The XXIII. Psalm was followed hv the lesson from the Wisdom of Solomon till.. 1-0), and then came the hymn, “ God of the Living.” After the Benediction had been pronounced by Archdeacon Harpier, clergy, choir, and congregation stood during the playing of Chopin’s “March Funohre ” in B Flat m inor.

Those present included: Mrs ('. C. Harper, Dr Gerald Harper, Colonel and Mrs i!. Tristram Harper, the Rev. Robert Douglas, -Colonel Herbert Douglas in. l l Mrs Douglas, Rev. Canon John Shepherd and Miss Shepherd, the Rev. S. G. Compton and Mrs Compton , the Rev. A. Barton Mills, Sir Albert Bosnnquet. Sir James Allen, the Hon .W. P. Reeves, Mr Edward Wakefield, Mr and Mrs W. Kmpson, and Mrs C. J. Wray.

The remains of the Archdeacon were cremated at Oolders Green, and the ashes are to-day being laid to rest ill the little Breconshire village of Eglyws-orii-l)mv —a corner of Wales which lie dearly loved. The Veil. Archdeacon C. V. Harper left for Wales last evening. I THE “ GUARDIAN’S ” TRIBUTE.

Regretfully recording the Archdeacon’s death, the “ Guardian ” colors to in's first appointment on his ordination to duty in the very wide district si retelling from Rakaia to the Wainiakiriri as “ nionoor work of the hardest description.” During his incumbency and archdeaconate of Westland, a large and varied population was suddenly concentrated on a comparatively small area attracted by the gold discoveries and bv trade developments arising therefrom, “and here perhaps the very best p-irt of the Archdeacon's work" was dome. The life was rough, luu Inning no home tics -the Archdeacon was never married), he keenly enjoyed it, and the Church won a very strong position on the West Coast, mainly throegh his v.h 1-sainc and magnetic influence . . Well versed in the constitutional history- of the New Zealand Church, he was an ardent advocate ot definite religious education, and did very much to shape C hurch legislation. The Archdeacon was offered the vacani Bishopric of Waiapu (Hawkcs Bay), but he preferred to remain a parish; priest in the end. To few men has it beten given to fill such a position with greater fitrle-ss, efficiency, or influence.”