FUNERAL SERVICE

Press, Volume LXXXIIi, Issue 25214, 19 June 1947, Page 3

FUNERAL SERVICE

TRIBUTES TO WORK OF MR G. J. LANCASTER

Many former pupils of the Christchurch Boys’ High School yesterday paid their, last respects to a former headmaster, when a service was held at the school before the funeral of Mr G. J. Lancaster. The school assembly hall was filled, and representatives of the Canterbury College Council, the Parent-Teacher Association, the Board of Governors, the staff, former pupils of the school, and former members of the staff were present on the platform. Boys of the school lined the road to the school gates, and the paths leading to the steps to the asserhbly hall. In a tribute from the school, the headmaster. Mr A. E. Caddick said that Mr Lancaster’s career as a pupil of the school and as a university student had been brilliant, and had been one long list of successes. Mr Lancaster had gained something from his chosen profession which he would not willingly let go—the love and admiration of those he taught. In the essence a man of deeply religious feelings. Mr Lancaster had fought and worked for the school. His life was the school. Those privileged to work under him gained a real respect and admiration for him. The tremendous courage with which he had faced the difficulties which occurred in governing a big school had also been shown in his last illness. The Rev; D. L. Aiken, a former senior monitor at the school, who gave the address, said that Mr Lancaster’s character was summed up by truth, honesty, justice, purity, and charity. He expected those virtues in the individuals under his care, in the classrooms, and on the playing fields, and ultimately in everyday life. He did not think that any finer tribute to Mr Lancaster existed than in the influence he had had on the lives he had built up around him. The order of service was as follows: —tribute from the school (the headmaster); scripture reading, the senior monitor (N. R. Searell); hymn, “Abide With Me”; in memoriam prayer; the Lord’s Prayer; the school song; address by Mr Aiken; “Let Us Now Praise Famous Men’’ (the school choir); the blessing (Mr Aiken). After the procession from the school, a service was held at St. Peter’s, Riccarton. The service was conducted by the Rev. J. T. Holland, and the lesson was read by the Rev. H. G. Sell, of Lyttelton West. The Primate of New Zealand (Archbishop West-WatsolD. Canon S. Parr, and Mr Aiken were also in attendance. The service at the graveside was conducted by Canon Parr, the blessing being given by Archbishop West-Watson. The bearers at the house were members of the Christchurch Rotary Club (all former pupils of the school); at the school, members of the staff; and at the churchyard, former pupils of the school. School monitors and deputy-monitors lined the paths from the churchyard gate to the church.