THE LATE MAJOR CHILDS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17288, 2 October 1916, Page 5

THE LATE MAJOR CHILDS.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT

ASHBURTON 7

There was a crowded congregation at St Stephen's Church, Aslnurton, yesterday morning, when a memorial service was held in honour of the late Major A. J. Childs, who was killed in action in France on September 15.

There was a big parade at the drill shed at 10.30 a.m., including returned soldiers, members of the B Squadron, Bth (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles, members of the C Company 2nd (South Canterbury) Regiment, officers of the Reserve and retired lists, the Nos. 14, 3-5 and 36 Companies Senior Cadets, and a good' muster of the old members of the Ashburtcn Rifles, the whole battalion being under the command of Colonel M'Keuzie, who had motored from Geraldino specially to bo present at the parade and the church service- There was a full muster of the band of the Eighth (South Canterbury) Mounted Riiles, who heaued the soldiers on the march to the church. The Oddfellows paraded at their lodc?c-raom and attended the service. The Ashburton Masonc Lodge was also well represented. The servico was conducted by the Rev H. N. Wright, and the lessons were read by Captain P. L. On; and Captain-Quartermaster J. B. Christian respectively, and special hymns, psalms and lessons were used. Mr Wright preached an eloquent sor.mon taking as his text the words, "He asked life of Thee and Thou gavest him a long life, even for over and ever. ■ In referring to tho late Major Childs personallv. the preacher said; ho was a man who'had lived a good, industrial, clean life and was an honoured and respected citizen. Ho was a good churchman, and had been a valuable member cf the vestry and of the Church of England Men's Society. Major Childs was a man amongst menHe was a true, loyal and bravo soldier, who had cheerfuly given Ins life tor his King and country, and they would all honour his memory. The National Anthem was sung at the close of the service and the band played the Dead March, after which four buglers from the Senior Cadets stood on the altar steps and sounded tho "Last, Post."