MEMORIAL SERVICE.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 30 August 1917, Page 2

MEMORIAL SERVICE.

THE LATE PRIVATE M. McKINNON

A DIVINE service was held in the .Helensville Presbyterian Cnurch on Sunday evening last, in -memory of the late Private M. McKinnon, who was killed while on active service in France. The Rev. Hodson officiated, and there was a goo!d attendance of all denominations, as deceased was a general favourite The Church was appropriately decorated with the Union Jack and New Zealand ensign, and also'draped with black, while wreathes of violets and freesias were placed near the pulpit. Mr A. J. Hill read the lessons, and special hymns were sung. The Minister took for his subject, " The search for a man," saying that firstly, he must have a conscience ; secondly, he must have a kearfc ; and thirdly, he must have a soul. You could only tell the base metal from the alloy by use of acids, and these were the tests by which one could tell a man. The speaker feeling drew attention to the last letter received from deceased. At the close ot the service "The Dead March in Saul" was played by Miss Stewart.

The collection, amounting to £2 14s 4d, will be devoted to erection of the Church Roll of Honour.

The late Private McKinnon left with the 22nd Reinforcements, and prior to his departure was teaching at the Helensville Public School. The news that he had made the supreme sacrifice came as a great blow to his associates and the children, for he was extremely popular with both. He was a keen sportman, a member of the Legion of Frontiersmen, could give a splendid recitation, and was always willing to assist in local patriotic and social gatherings.