Citizens’ Tribute To Sir Sidney Holland

Press, Volume C, Issue 29588, 10 August 1961, Page 14

Citizens’ Tribute To Sir Sidney Holland

Sir Sidney Holland knew the prophet's definition of the Lord’s requirements: “To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before his God,” said the Bishop of Christchurch (the Rt. Rev. A. K. Warren) in his address at the memorial service to Sir Sidney Holland in the Christchurch Cathedral yesterday. The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr G. Manning) and Mrs Manning were met at the west door of the Cathedral by Bishop Warren and the Dean of Christchurch (the Very Rev. Martin Sullivan) and walked to seats at the front. With them were the Acting-Town Clerk (Mr C. S. Bowie) and Mrs Bowie. About 200 citizens attended the service.

“I do not speak of him primarily as a politician, still less as a party politician, but rather as a man whom I first grew to know 27 years ago as one of my parishioners in Merivale,” said Bishop Warren.

"Returned servicemen of both World Wars will know what I mean when I say that I think he embodied the best of the Kiwi soldier. His close touch with other men enabled him to understand the post-war problems of the people. His love of his country, his integrity, his backbone, his courage, his kindliness, and his qualities of leadership showed at an early age, and all through his life affected those whom he naturally drew around him and enriched their characters,” said Bishop Warren. “Not long after he returned from the war he began to think that young men should do something for their country. not only in days of war but also in days of peace. He gathered a group of young men around him in a luncheon club to interest them in his father's electorate in Christchurch. . . .

“He loved Christchurch, and always had its good at heart. He found no smooth road to success. . .

"Although throughout his career his dominant personality and strength of character made him the undisputed leader, he was possessed of a disarming humility that endeared him to all. Though quick in repartee and firm in debate, he never took an unfair advantage. He had a charm that left no rancour. “I think his whole life was lived in the spirit which was expressed in my text ‘He hath showed thee. O man, what is good.’ I think one of the greatest of his qualities was his humility.

“Your presence here today speaks of your sympathy with his children and especially with his wife, who throughout his long career helped him so devotedly. May God uphold her and them in this hour of their loss,” said Bishop Warren. Bishop Warren took as his text Micah vi„ 8: “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good. What doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God.” The service was conducted by Dean Sullivan. He and the congregation read alternate verses of Psalm 23, “The Lord Is My Shepherd.” Dean Sullivan read the lesson, which was from chapter 21 of the Book of Revelations. The congregation Joined in singing the hymn “Abide With Me.” Dean Sullivan led in prayer, and Bishop Warren pronounced the Benediction.