OBITUARY

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 24 August 1916, Page 2

OBITUARY

DEATH OF REV. C. J. MERTON.

During the past week Helensville has suffered a heavy loss in the death of the Rev. C. J. Merton, the Vicar of the Parochial District of Helensville. On Saturday last, Mr Merton, who has been in poor health for some time, was taken suddenly ill, and passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning last, 22nd in st.

Mr Merton was born in Suffolk, England, and arrived with' his parents in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1856. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and subsequently took up a position as teacher in St. Michael's Church School. In 1873 he was ordained deacon, and three years later on receiving his priesthood, he became Vicar of Heathcote and Sumner, where he continued till 1891. From 1891 to 1896 he was Vicar of Merivale, and in the.latter year he removed to the Auckland Diocese, and became Vicar at Kaitaia. Fourteen years later, in 1910, he left Kaitaia to enter upon Home Mission work in the Te Awamutu district. He arrived in Helensville in 1912, and had charge of this district to the day of his' death.

Deceased has left many sincere friends in each district in which he has lived to mourn their loss.' A man of upright and blameless life, true to his convictions, a fearless and faithful preacher of the truth as he held it, he united all the qualities that go to make up a noble private character, with exceptional gifts as a preacher and teacher. Not only was he an indefatigable worker as Vicar of this Parish, but he united to his priestly qualities the gift of high musical powers. Altogether Helensville has suffered a very grievous loss in the death of Mr Merton, and his place will be very hard to fill. He leaves a widow, a daughter, and two sons to mourn their loss, and they have the heartfelt sympathy of one and all.

The funeral took place this afternoon, when Dr. Averill, Bishop of Auckland, gave an impressive service in the Church to a crowded congregation. Mr A. Becroft conducted the undertaking in his usual practical style and efficiency.