IN MEMORIAM

White Ribbon, Volume 33, Issue 381, 18 April 1927, Page 9

IN MEMORIAM

MRS W. HARDING. Once more we record the passing hence of an active and valued member of the Ashburton W.C.T.U., in the early days of its existence—Mrs W. Harding, of Willow by. After a long and wearisome illness, she has passed onward and upward, to nobler service beyond. Mrs Harding was a member of the Union from the time of its inception, and vitally interested in its progress and every branch of .its activities. Brought up in a Godly Methodist home, an only daughter, she was in early life surrounded by the best of influences and tin* choicest associations. Her parents were people of more than usual strength of character and firmness of purpose. In the early days of the Temperance movement, when Dr. Lees and Rev. Charles Garrett exerted great power and influence throughout England, the home of the Benjaflelds came under that influence, and readily accepted the teachings of the Total Ab-stinence-movement. From childhood’s days, and right throughout her long life. Mrs Harding had no friendship for the drink traffic in any form. Soon after her marriage, she and her husband came to New Zealand, and immediately joined the Alliance, which they consistently supported to the best of their ability, for the extinction of the Liquor Traffic from our fair land. In her private life Mrs Harding made hosts of friends, some of whom mourn her passing, and some have "crossed the Flood.” A glorious reunion awaited her, with the many gone before, and a like reception await those who follow’ after. There all the ships company meet Who sailed with the Saviour beneath. With shouting, each other they greet, And triumph o’er trouble i*nd death. To the bereaved husband, who cared for her during her long an ! trying Illness with a tenderness and 'Wotion unexcelled, and the bereaved Eon and daughters, who mourn the loss of their loved one, we extend our deepest sympathy. Ashburton, April 6, 1927.