WHANGARATA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 219, 20 October 1916, Page 1

WHANGARATA.

MEMORIAL SERVICE. The hoisting of the flag half-mast at the Whangarata School on Sunday last served to show that something unusual in the district was taking place. This was a memorial service conducted by the Rev. W. Butterworth in honour of four " boys" who had been connected with Whangarata and who during the recent fighting had fallen in action. The " boys " were James Pirrit, Carlo McGahan, George Percy and Carl Gaesh, the first two having been educated at the public school. Before commencing the sermon Mr Butterworth referred to the object of the service and made a touching and eloquent reference to those who had given their lives for freedom and their country. A most appropriate discourse followed from the text " And the God of all comfort comforteth us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." The discourse was listened to with deep attention by the congregation. Oxenham's " Hymn for our men at the front" was sung prior to the sermon and afterwards during the offertory. Mrs Rapson, who presided at the harmonium, rendered the solo " Good-night."