MEMORIAL SERVICES.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 15 June 1916, Page 3

MEMORIAL SERVICES.

On Sunday afternoon last a most impressive service was held in Stewart's Theatre, Helensville, to commemorate the death of the late Field-Marshal Earl Kitchener, the officers and crew of H.M.S. Hampshire, and those who lost their lives in the recent North Sea naval fight.; The building was crowded to the doors, and the military were re" presented in full strength by the Terriorials, Senior Cadets, and Helensville Platoon (Kaipara Defence E.C.). The Helensville Fire Brigade and the Foresters also attended. The Rev. L. J. Hodson (Presbyterian Minister) conducted the service, and was assisted by the Rev. W. Avery (Paparoa), Mr A. J. Hill, and Mr Grosvenor (lay-reader of Church of England, Auckland). There were also on the platform Capt Turley, Lieut; Fletcher (staff officers), Lieut. Garry, and a couple of returned soldiers. In the centre of the group were two draped drums. In the congregation a number* of veterans were conspicuous, wearing war medals on their breasts, most of them having been gained during the South African campaign.

Mr Hill read- the lesson from Timothy 11, 4th chapter : " I have fought a good fight." The Rev. Hodson explained the object of the gathering, which was to commemorate the loss of Earl Kitchener, and sailors who lost their lives by the sinking of H.M.S. Hampshire, and in the recent naval fight. He commented largely on the good qualities of the great General, whose principal aim in life was " Buty." Buty to his King and Country. The speaker asked : Were we all doing, our duty? It was only on a recent Saturday we received the first very depressing news of the great naval engagement. Bid the followers of horse-racing postpone their sport? By no means. When tidings came of Kitchener's death there were again races in progress, and the chief topic of conversation at the notice boards was: "What is the latest from Ellerslie?" This was nothing but a scandalous disgrace to those concerned.

Mr H. White presided at the organ, and played the " Bead March" most impressively. Trpt. Goad . then sounded the " Last Post" on the trumpet, which was very effective. Buring the service hymns were sung, amongst others " Eternal Father strong to Save," "Onward Christian Soldiers," etc.

The Befence Bepartment wish to thank Mr Jas. Stewart for the use of bis theatre, and those who assisted in the proceedings. The success of the function was largely due to Mr H. White, who worked up the musical part of the programme so successful.

It is estimated that there were over 500 people present, and the collection amounted to nearly £11 which sum will be sent to the Sailors' Widows' Fund,

At the Kaukapakapa Methodist Church on Sunday last, reference was made to the late Earl Kitchener, and at the close of the service the Hational Anthem was sung, and th,e Bead March played.

Qn Monday evening last t,he Rev. J. A. L;amond preached at Silverdale. The service was patriotic, ar\d was well attendedAt the close the Rational Anthem was sung, and the Bead March played in memoriam qf the late Earl Eitchenesr.