IN MEMORIAM.

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 248, 18 February 1916, Page 1

IN MEMORIAM.

MRS KIRK. Wellington District Union held a Memorial Service on January 27th for the late Mrs Kirk, Life President of the Union, who has been called to her eternal reward. Mrs Peryman, on behalf of the N.Z. Union, spoke of the loss sustained by the passing of such an earnest worker, and expressed sympathy with Mrs Atkinson and Miss Kirk and th»* other members of the family in the loss of such a mother. Mrs Wright read the beautiful tribute to the departed which we print below. Mrs Boxall spoke of Mrs Kirk’s work in connection with the (iirls’ Association, and told how the girls always lovingly referred ti her as “the dear old lady with the curls.” Rev. J. Dawson, on behlaf of the N.Z. Alliance, paid a tribute to this earnest temperance worker, and tendered sincere sympathy to the bereaved ones. Messrs C. M. Luke and Costall and Mrs J. P. Luke, the Mayoress, also spoke words of appreciation to the memory of a friend and fellow-worker. Miss Snelling sang “Crossing the Bar.”

Thou art not dead, for death Can only take away the mortal breath And life, commencing here, Is but the prelude to its full career; And hope and faith the blest assur ance give—“We do not live to die —we die t< live.”

TENDER MEMORIES OF MRS KIRK.

(Bv Mrs Johnson Wright.) Ir. speaking of our dear departed sister, Mrs Kirk, we speak not of an ordinary woman, but of a refined, cultured, intelligent, consecrated, Chris-

ti.rn lady. When it was our great privilege to know her, to us she was indeed as a “Mother in Israel.” Mrs K irk in her home proved a pattern mother. She had ail the difficulties .Mid anxieties of motherhood. (»od gave to her ten of UK precious jewels, some He tailed to Himself early, thus our shier was acquainted with grief. She also hac! a weak body, and added to that, tor many years the care and anxiety of \ dearly beloved, but delicate husbana. Eighteen years ag ) the call came for Mr Kirk to go higher and enter the fuller service. Faithfully nursed bv his loving wife, this was indeed a great blow, yet no murmuring or rebellion at (iod’s dealing was heard. But she said amid her tears, “We were always sweethearts." However, it is in connection with our Union we knew her best. This Un on was specially favoured; we count it an honour to have had our dear sister as a member and presiding officer. Mrs Kirk was initiated a member in the year IRB9. She had therefor** an unbroken membership of 27 years, and on February 7th, 1895, was elected President. At that time I well remember the Union was passing through a particularly critical and trying ordeal, and we then needed more than ever before or since a wise, discreet, and capable leader. Mrs Kirk proved to be all that we needed. She lovingly piloted this Union through its dangers and difficulties. She not only won the admiration and confident e of her co-officers, of whom I am proud to say I am one, but also won the love of every member. She was ever faithful and loyal to the

Constitution, not slow to rebuke when necessary, hut always kind, loving, and particularly courteous and careful not to wound the feelings of the most sensitive. Her readings of the Scripture were at all times most helpful and inspiring. The few members living and working now can never forget the blessings th.it we enjoyed through the same. It was indeed a means of grace to us, and when the time came for retirement we all very much regretted the need (for though still mentally capable, yet physical weakness compelled our dear President, at the age of 73, in the year 1904, to refuse re-election). A small token of affection, with well-deserved eulogy, was presented in the shape of a time-piece, which our sister treasured to the end of her long life. Her interest in W.C.T.I . work nevri flagged. She knew notirng of hot then cold experience in the work. With her having put her hand to the plough she never looked back, but earnestly continued pushing thc> battle, and when victory is achieved in thi* great war against sin and sorrow, when King Alcohol is dethroned, our now sainted sister will joy in the Master’s “Well done,’’ having faithfully done what she could. She was most conscientious, and having donned the white ribbon bow, it was never carelessly laid aside or forgotten, but rather as a religious duty it was always worn, a silent messenge r for her Lord and Master. And when she* lay in the calm majesty of death, robe*d for the tomb, her daughter, Mrs Atkinson, pinned the white bow above the faithful heart now still and pulseless. Our sister’s labours did not °nd with the Home, Church or Union. At 80 years of age when we mostly expect the intiimity of age to prevent our loved one taking a keen interest in others, yet in this very remarkable life it was otherwise. Dear Mrs Kirk was a member and worker of the Crutch and Kindness League, an Kngbsh society that is doing so much good for suffering humanity. For some years it was our sister’s joy to provide and send a box of clothing to Sir John Kirk for distribution by the Society. This meant for her, with the help of her daughters, much toil and patience, for, like Dor as, she made garments for the poor. And in some of the latter hours of life Miss Sybil Kick, continuing the good work, made a

little shirt and took it to the sick one, who felt it all over to see if it was right, expressing her satisfaction and pleasure. A devoted companionhelper, who shared with her daughters the care of her declining years, having made two pretty children’s hoods, took them for Mrs Kirk’s inspection, who pronounced them beautiful and good. Naturally, after so long and beautiful a life, at eventide it should bo light. Her sun set in a clear sky ; it was like the closing of a long summer day; most sublime and grand was the sunset, giving promise of a more beautiful to-morrow’. Our sister had a sudden heart attack just before Christmas. For a time doctor and friends all thought the end was near. However, after a while she rallied, and gained a little strength, was able to rise, and on Christmas Day her children were rejoicing that once more a; that festive season their mother was able to leave her sick chamber and enjoy the company of her loved ones. But, alas ! this pleasure was of short duration, for on December 26th she was again seized with another attack. Notwithstanding all that skill and care and attention could do. she gradually grew weaker, and when suffering great pain in death as in life, never omitted to show appreciation and gratitude for all the kindness. Her son said, “Mother, don’t use up voiir strength by always saying ‘Tlianlc you.’ ” She often repeated, “Oh! it is wonderful love is the love of my Saviour.” She was brave and cheerful at the approach of death. She repeated, “Oh! Father, is this my homecoming?’ She gave a special message for a loved one, and then quietly resigned herself to her God, saying, “Father, 1 am ready.” To her death was but pasting on to higher service. She had fought the good fight; she had kept the faith. With such it is not death to die; il is but an entering into His presence, where is fullness of joy and life for evermore. She passed away in the fullest assurance of a glorious resurrection. Surely it was fitting that the grave should be, as it was, lined with flowers. Earth is poorer for her passing, but Heaven is richer and dearer to all of us. If her ✓cite could be heard in this meeting, methinks it would be as the voice of a great general: “Fill up the ranks; come a little closer with the reinforce-

ments. Do not falter. Do not fail, but go a little faster, grow a little stronger. Victory is ours. In the name of Jehovah we shall win.” * A Sleep on, beloved! Sleep and ake thy rest, Lay down thy head upon thy Saviour’s breast; We loved thee* well, but Jesus loved thee best. Good-night ! Good-night! Good-night!