A THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Hokitika Guardian, 5 February 1932, Page 3

A THANKSGIVING SERVICE

PEOPLE OF NAPIER. DISASTER OF A YEAR. AGO - [I: NAPIER, Feb. 3. Three thousand people attended an open-air earthquake anniversary thanksgiving service to-night. The principal speaker was Mr J. S. Barton, who in the course of his remarks said: — “It is inevitable that our thoughts should revert to the happenings of a year ago. There is much we wish to forget and we trust the softening touch of time to lessen the poignancy of our memories. We are, however, assembled to-night because ' there is much we desire to remember. It is with ithe set purpose of strengtheningtile records of memory and deepening our sense of appreciation that we have gathered for a public thanksgiving service. THANKS TO THE DOMINION. It seems fitting firstly, to voice-’ our thanks as a separate community speaking to the rest of the Dominion. A year ago we were indeed separate; We were geographically isolated, we were mentally and spiritually dwelling apart. To-night we wish to recall how speedily all kinds of communication' were restored and how quickly they were at once tested to their utmost capacity to carry tokens of your sympathy, comfort and help. “It is impossible as it is unnecessary for us to enumerate your acts of kindness and assistance. They sprang from your individual impulses', but they became national in volume. Your homes, you public services, your private means, your time and your talents were at our disposal. This touched us deeply. The memory of it heartens and inspires us to-night, and we say collectively from our hearts ‘thank you.’ A WIDER CIRCLE. “We remember also that the event of a year ago touched the hearts of a wider circle than is comprised by the people of New Zealand. We recall that sympathy and help came from his Majesty the King, from the Royal Family, from the King’s representative in New Zealand, from Id's advisers throughout the Empire and from his people of all classes and callings. It also came from the Governments and and people throughout the world. This l ouses in our hearts not only the deepest gratitude' "-' hut also feelings of national pride arid pride in our common humanity.”

Concluding, Mr Barton said: “We hope it is no unworthy contribution to the country’s spiritual resources that Napier to-night finds comfort in the philosophy that things are never so bad but that ‘they might have been averse; and 'in ’the 'belief” "based' on” exeperience, that difficulties and discouragements are never so great but that the help and sympathy of our fellow citizens are an encouragement and an inspiration to face and overcome them.