TRAFALGAR CENTENARY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 254, 24 October 1905, Page 6

TRAFALGAR CENTENARY.

St. MARY'S CATHEDRAL,

The 'mbrhihg service at St. Mary's -knglican Cathedral, Parnell, was very Jargely attended on Sunday. The seats in the centre were occupied by the naval •forces and the volunteers, while parishioners were admitted by ticket to seats in the side aisles. The hymns sung •were "Onward, Christian Soldiers," "•Comrades, Hark!" (the battle hymn of the Auckland Infantry Battalion No. 1), -•Soldiers Who Are Christ's Below," "Soldiers of the Cross, Arise," "Eternal Fnther, Strong to Save," and the National Anthem. The Psalms were, "God is Our Hope and Strength" and "0 Praise God in His Holiness." The lessons were read by the senior Anglican chaplain of the district, Dr. Neligan, and ifey the Yen. Archdeacon Walsh, the prayeis being read by the Bishop's chaplain ;(Rev. M. Sutton).

The Bishop preached from the text, *T3e still then and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen and I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm xlvi. 10). In the course of his remarks he said: ; .

New Zealand to-day —I limit the men--tion of names purposely—cherishes the -tames of Selwyn, Marsden, Coleridge, Patteson and others. National life demands that we "praise famous men and .our fathers that begat us." So France ■to-day honours Joan of Arc who, for a •time, freed France from the yoke of England, and the whole British Empire -.to-day .honours Nelson, who freed England from the domination of France. The passion is the same in each case —:, the patriotism of national life. If we recognise - this essential factor of jpatriotism, it will broaden our horizon and enlarge our sympathies with the national life of other peoples. That issue has been gloriously exhibited in the historic Hall of Westminster during August of this year. That hall dates back 800 years, that is to tbe time of "the son of the great conqueror who came over •from French shores to found a dynasty" in England. In that ball, 100 years after -Trafalgar, the representatives of France •and England, men illustrious in their respective country's annals, met together as friends and pledged the continuance of their friendship in the lasting bond .of love of freedom. For freedom each nation. had fought and bled; for freedom each nation must live; for the freedom of other nations to work out their own national destinies. France and England to-day stand shoulder to shoulder; Pitt's words, 100 years af,ter he utteied them/are amplified; the scene in Westminster Hall but enlarges the area for their exhibition; England h:id saved her«Glf by her courage, but England a nd France will yet save Europe and the peace of the world by their joint example. And, brethren, God save the King and Emperor and ruler of Britons bepand the seas who helped to make it possible!

ST. PAUL'S r-HURCH

A large congregation also attended at St. Paul's Anglican Church on Sunday monning. The Submarine Ivliners (eoniir.anded by Captain Murdoch) and the c:-:dets of Nelson and WeUesley streets f'ehools (commanded by Captains Patin son and Hall), headed by the First 2\'ounted Regiment's Band, attended the service. The Rev. Canon Nelson '! reached an appropriate sermon, making special reference to Nelson's centenary. The preacher said it was right to remember such a glorious victory as that of Trafalgar, but not in a jingoistic spirit, because God gave the victory to a righteous cause, that of freedom. •

The services at St. Sepulchre's Church (Khyber Pass) were made specially for the celebrations of the national event. In, the morning the Rev. Mr Edger took the military character of Naaman for his text, and showed the influence of such characters on the nation. In the evening the vicar (the Rev. G. Carver) preached on "Duty." The choir, which was large, marched through the church singing as a processional hymn "0 God Our Help in Ages Past," and during the. service ..sang the fine anthem "O, Give Thanks," by Sydenham, and the national hymn "One Church, One Faith, One Lord." The service concluded with the National Ant_em as the last .-ymn, and the organist (Mr V. E. Rice) played ■for - a retiring voluntary the march from Handel's "Occasional Overture," working from that into the last part of "The Death of Nelson." At St. John's Church, Northcote, ou

Sunday the services had special refer

encesto the centenary of Trafalgar. The ' veterans, volunteers, and cadets were well represented, and the special hymns and the National Anthem were sung very heartily. The choir rendered an anthem, "What are These," in excellent style. Sermons bearing on the subject were preached by the vicar, the Rev. A. F. Smith, who also conducted a special service for children, in the afternoon, at which the. i'ev. gentleman enforce:! several lessons upon bis young hearers from the life of Admiral Nelson. Tne collection at the afternoon service was given to the Veterans' Home, and a retiring collection was''made at the other services for the same object. Congregations were good throughout the day, though the heavy rain in the morning kept many intending worshippers at home.

The Rev. G. B. Monro preached at j St. Luke's Presbyterian Church, Remu- ' era, on Sunday morning a special sermon from the text: "A good soldier of Christ." * The cadets from Parnell and Remuera public schools, numbering about 150, attended the service. At Knox Church, Parnell, tbe Rev. J. B. Russell referred to Nelson's generous spirit, which, animating all ranks from admiral to powder-monkey, had made the traditions of the British navy such as we aTe proud to-day to think them. Mr J. F. Bennett, the organist and choirmaster, played the National Anthem at the conclusion of both services, the choir standing. Special mention was made of Trafalgar Day at St. James' Presbyterian Church last evening, when the Rev. R. J. Walker preached from the text "I remember Thy judgment of old, O Lord, and have comforted." After touching upon Nelson's brilliant career, the preacher remarked that: To Nelson, in greatest measure, it was due that these fair colonies of Australasia were to-day parts of that Greater' Britain on which the sun naver sets. _

•\ At All Saints' Church (Ponsonby) Archdeacon Calder, made reference to I the great event and the educative value I of .commemorating it. Special bymns ' appropriate to the occassion and the National Anthem were sun<» at both services." ° On Sunday: evening at the Newmarket Methodist Church, tbe Rev. J. A. Luxford, referring to Lord Nelson and Trafalgar,, said it was-right that we should celebrate national deliverances. Several of the institutions of the Old and New Testament were memorials of great de-

liveranoes. Trafalgar was one great event of many, that saved not only England but Europe. In the commemoration of this' great naval victory we must- not forget our soldiers. Both soldiers'arid sailors in the great struggle of tbe beginning of last century suffered hardships and proved themselves men of fortitude. Lord Nelson's frail body was the temple of a mighty" soul. Years before Trafalgar, when his right arm was shattered, regardless of the severest pain and in defiance of friendly solicitation, he refused to return to his ship, but in a small boat on a rough sea witli his unwounded arm helped to drag into that boat a drowning sailor. Then when wounded at the Battle of the Nile, after being carried into the cockpit, he refused to allow the doctor to attend to his wound until his turn. Both his kindness and bravery had a fascination for his sailors. Most men maimed and wounded as he would have retired from activa service, but his anxiety for his country inspired him with super-human pertinacity. Nothing came between him and duty. His fortitude and patriotism have stamped their impress on English history and character, and will speak eloquently for centuries to come.

At Pitt-street Wesleyan Church the Rev. C. H. Garland referred to the exploits of Nelson, and said he was a splendid exponent of British duty, and a worthy example to be copied in these days. Tbe choir led the congregation in singing Kipling's "Recessional."

Tbe Rev. John Wilkins preached at Beresford-street Congregational Church upon the great victory at Trafalgar last evening. As an offertory solo, Mr. J. W. Ryan sang "Arm, Arm, Ye Brave," from Judas Maccabaeris. A retiring collection was taken up on behalf of the Veterans' Home. "Trafalgar Day, Duty and Liberty," was also the subject dealt with by the Rev. W. Day at Mount Eden Congregational Chur?h at the evening service. The Rev. W. Jellie also spoke at the Unitarian Church, Ponsonbyroad, on Sunday, on "The Trafalgar Centenary." Speaking at tne morning service in the Primitive Methodist Church. Alexandra-street, on Sunday, the Rev. W. S. Potter especially directed the at tention of the young people present to the feet that Nelson's great exploits were not tbe outcome of physical strength, but of constant perseverance, and resolute facing of difficulties.

Rabbi S. A. Goldstein at the Synagogue on Saturday preached to a large congregation on the subject, "Patriotism." He referred to the battle of Trafalgar and its tremendous issue. He pointed out how much the British people all over the world owed to Nelson's devotion to duty, and bis intense patriotism. At the termination of the service the con gregation sang the National Anthem.

SMOKE SOCIAL.

A most successful and enjoyabL? smoke social, in commemoration of the hundreth anniversary of Trafalgar Day. was held at the Strand Cafe on Satur day night! Mr Thos. W. Allen presided over a large attendance. Tbe vice chair was occupied Oby Mr C. L. Mcintosh. The room was suitably decorated the national flags of Great Britain. France, America, and Japan, being grouped together on the platform. Tho chairman proposed the toast of "Tin King," that of "The Navy" being proposed by Mr W. J. Smith, and enthusiastically honoured, Mr T. W. Allen responding. An excellent programme in eluded songjs, "Rule Britannia," "Tho Mariners of England," "The Saucy Arc thusa," and "The Red. White, and Blue," by Mr T. W. Allen; "Sons of the Sea," "The Two Grenadiers" (introducing the "Marsellaise" as a compliment to the French nation), and "The Death of Nelson," Mr Horace Stebbing; "There's a Land," Mr R. M. Lightband; "The Lads in Navy Blue," Mr H. S Neale, of Christchurch; "The Admiral's Broom," Mr H. Cadness; "Tom Bowl ing, ; ' Mr A. Taylor,; humorous songs, "Our 'Armonic Club," and "The Amateur Fireman," Mr Frank T. Jeffrey; part song, "Here's a Health unto His Majesty," Messrs H. Cadness, H. Stebbing, F. T. Jeffrey, R. M. Lightband, H. L. Grigsby, H.. S. Neale, and T. W. AJlen; pianoforte selection, Fantasia on "Rule Britannia" by Beethoven, Mr J. P. Hooton; oboe solo, "Serenade," Mr A. J. Hooton; orchestral selections, "Tho Union Jack Overture," "The Grand March Majestical," "Albion," and "Great Inter-Ocean March," the Northcote and Birkenhead Musical Society's Orchestra —Messrs J. Giles (cornet), G. H.; Graham, A. Gracie, T. Prescott, V. Taylor (violins), H. L. Grigsby (double bass, H. Stebbing ('cello), G. Le Petit (flute), and W. Messenger (clarionet). Mr J. P. Hooton acted as accompanist. The proceedings termin aed with the singing of "God Save the King." The inception of the gathering was due to Mr R. C. Grigsby, and the arrangements were carried' out by n committee consisting of M3ssrs J. T. Bealc, H. L. Grigsby, P. Grimdrod, F. T. Jeffrey, R. M. Lightband, and Horace Stebbing.

The lS'Ga session o( the Auckland Orphans' Club was brought to a close on Saturday night last. Owing to the fact that it. was Trafalgar night the proceedings were marked largely by a patriotic spirit, .he singing of "Rule, Britannia," by Mr Barry Coney, and "The Death of Nelson" by Mr Abel Rowe, each being the occasion for intense enthusiasm on the part of the members. At the termination of both songs the whole company rose and took up the refrain. The president (Mr W. Coleman) made a few stirring" remarks in reference to our great naval hero, at the conclusion of which three rousing cheers were given for the undying spirit of Nelson.