MEMORIAL SERVICE.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 20 July 1916, Page 2

MEMORIAL SERVICE.

A. MOST impressive service was held in St. Andrew's Church, Helensville,, on Sunday afternoon last, 16th July, when the Rev. L. J.lHodson, Presbyterian Minister, officiated, assisted by Mr A. J. Hill (Church of England layreader). The service was held in memory of the late Lance-Corpl. M. McArthur, who died from wounds on 25th June, in France, whilst on active service. Deceased was a married man, and leaves a wifeand family to mourn their loss, and much sympathy is felt for t vhem. He was a member of the Helensville Rifle Club, and of the Court Star of Helensville (Foresters) Lodge. The Church was packed to over-flowing, quite a number having to remain outside. Miss Stewart officiated at the organ. During the service the Minister, in a short and impressive address, said: We are met here to-day to do honour to the late Rifleman Matthew McArthur (the first to be killed of the Helensville Platoon, K.D.R.C.), who, leaving home, friends, and dear ones, answered the call and stood in the breach for God, King, and Empire. Of course you are proud of him, and so you should be, but how much better it would be to bear your friends up at the Throne of Grace whilst alive, than to have In Memoriam services. The speaker then emphasised Admiral Beatty's message, drew attention to the lives of Generals Havelock and Gordon, Field-Marshals Roberts and Kitchener, and exhorted the men to follow in their steps, fearing God and honouring the King.

The collection, amounting to £4, has been sent to the Belgian Council in Auckland.

Besides the general public, there were in attendance members of the Rifle Club, Fire Brigade, Foresters (in mourning regalia), Senior Cadets, and a few Frontiersmen in plain clothes. The Rifle Club acted as the firing party, and at the conclusion of the service fired three volleys, after which Trumpeter Goad sounded the " Last Post." Capt. Turley and Lieut. Fletcher (staff officers) were in attendance and supervised operations, while Sergrt. Constable commanded the firing party.