THE LATE PRIVATE R. J. AMBURY.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 September 1918, Page 3

THE LATE PRIVATE R. J. AMBURY.

(Wanganui Chronicle.) By the death of Private R. J. Ambury, killed in action recently, "somewhere'' in France, many of our fellow townspeople have lost a staunch friend, Private Ambury was better known as the Rev. R. J. Ambury, until quite recently minister in charge of the Wanganui East Baptist Church. During his two years' work at Wanganui East, Private Ambury always manifested the highest Christian character, combined with a zeal and steadfastness of purpose of purpose, worthy of the best traditions of the Church to which he belonged. All jwho had the privilege of knowing the deceased soldier minister in a more intimate way say without hesitation that it was in his private life that the real man stood revealed. Being a fully ordained minister, it would have been I quite a simple matter for Private Ambury to have stayed in New Zealand, but being a man of strong convictions, he was willing to make, if necessary, the great sacrifice. Unfortunately, Private Ambury lias paid the fullest price demanded of any man, but his memory will linger long in the hearts of his many friends, not only in Wanganui, but in other parts of the Dominion. Before coming to Wanganui. Private Ambury spent some years in Dunedin, at Knox College and Otago University. He not only proved himself to be a good student, but- also showed that he was an athlete of repute, representing both the Otago University and Otago at hockey. After coming to Wanganui, Private Ambury took a keen interest in local Y.M.C.A. affairs. Besides .being a member of the board of directors, he was always willing to assist the work when practicable, often at great personal inconvenience. His presence and help will be greatly missed by the members of the Wanganui Y.MO.A.' As secretary of the local Association, Private Amburv did good service, as indicated in a resolution recently passed by that body. To Mrs. Ambury, his widow, much sympathy -\vill_be extended by her late husband's many friends, both in Wanganui and elsewhere. The loss sustained to the parents of Private Ambury by bis death in France is a very severe trial after the heroic, death of Mr. Arthur Ambury, their eldest son, only a few weeks since on Mount Egmont. On Wednesday night last the Rev. Stanley .Tonkin conducted an impressive service at the Wanganui East Baptist Church, in memory of Private R. .1. Amburv.