MEMORIAL SERVICE

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 12 August 1915, Page 3

MEMORIAL SERVICE

FOR THOSE FALLEN AT

THE FRONT

SUNDAY morning last will long be remembered in Helensville, the occasion being an open-air memorial service for those brave soldiers who have been killed in active service during this great war. Starting from the Defence Office the parade, under the command of Captain Turley, marched to the Show Ground, where a large number of the public had gathered. The procession, in order as follows — Mounted Rifles (on foot), Rifle Club, Territorials, Legion of Frontiersmen, Fire Brigade, Foresters, Senior Cadets, and School Cadets, presented a most imposing sight as they marched through the town, and never before has Helensville witnessed such enthusiasm. On arriving at the grounds a square was formed with thejcleigyman (Rev. Mr Merton) in the centre. Mr H. White presided at the organ, which was kindly lent by Mr A. Becroft. The service opened with the hymn, " All people that on earth do Dwell," followed by prayers and hymns suitable to to the occasion. The Rev. Mr Merton delivered a very eloquent address, which greatly impressed the large gathering. The text was taken from the 4th chapter of the Ist Book of Samuel, 9th verse —" Be strong and quit yourselves like men, oh ye Philhstines that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you; quit yourselves like men and fight." At the conclusion the National Anthem was rendered.

On the right of the line were two member of the King' Empire Veterans (Messrs R. B. Craven and W. R. Fosbroke). Veteran Craven was conspicuous with several medals on his breast, viz., the N. Z. war medal, the Indian Mutiny and China (two bars), he having taken part in these engagements ; in his early clays he was a man-o'-war's man, having served on board H.M.S. Niger, in which ship he came out to New Zealand.