LATE MR. N.A. NATHAN

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 240, 7 July 1931, Page 11

LATE MR. N.A. NATHAN

Outstanding Personality FUNERAL CEREMONIES Dominion Special Service. Auckland, July 6. The respect and affection of his fellow citizens for the late Mr. N. Alfred Nathan Were abundantly proved by the attendance at his funeral, which took place on Friday in the Jewish section of the Waikumete Cemetery. The line of motor-cars was nearly a mile in length, but apart from the numbers who attended, there was special evidence. that in a" long life,"bound up with the history of Auckland, Mr. Nathan had deeply endeared himself not only to. those with whom he had business relations, but to the poor and afflicted, and to innumerable personal friends. Every section of the Auckland business community, public and semi-public bodies, and philanthropic organisations, were represented among the mourners, and so many Wreaths were sent that a special car was required to carry them. The burial service was conducted by the Rev. S. A. Goldstein, who had been the close friend and associate of Mr. Nathan throughout half a century of service as minister of the Auckland Hebrew congregation, during nearly 30 years of which Mr. Nathan had held the office of president. The principal mourners were Mr. David L. Nathan, nephew, Commander B. L. Hewitt, son-in-law, Messrs. Charles I. Nathan, Murray Benjamin, Louis, Dennis, and Peter Nathan; and A. Davis. The pall-bearers were Messrs. W. W. Warnock and P. J. Capper, directors of L. D. Nathan and Company; Claude H. Moses and N. Lichtenstein, representing the .Hebrew congregation; and L. Marks. S. Green, J. Robinson and R. Zukerman, representing the Jewish Benevolent Society. The Rev. J, Adler, assistant rabbi, was also present. ' Outstanding Personality. The Jewish hall or mortuary chapel at the cemetery proved much top small to contain all who were present, but the obituary address and the nobly-worded service, read in both Hebrew and English, was heard through the wide doorways by many standing outside. By the death of Mr. Nathan, said Mr. Goldstein, a fiue outstanding personality, one of the oldest representatives of early Auckland and the oldest male link with early Auckland Jewry, had been removed to enjoy the reward of a life well spent. “I cannot help striking a personal note in speaking of one whose loyal and unbroken friendship 1 enjoyed for so many years—one whose sterling qualities compelled respect and affection in those who were brought into contact with him,’ Mr. Goldstein continued. “I am reminded of the old saying, ‘When a man is placed at the head of communal affairs, all the burden of the community ’lies on him.’ Mr. Nathan realised that full well, as president of our congregation and one of the foremost leaders of New’ Zealand Jewry. "He was pre-eminent for his strong religious convictions, his Jewishness. He loved our religion and realised its force as a character builder, for it taught him the lessons of unselfishness and faithfulness. Ho loved the synagogue and its ideals. His deep interest in the religious education of the young and in every movement for enlightenment and progress are well known. His memory will always be honoured and cherished by‘ the meu of the congregation for the inspiration he gave them in the work of communal progress. “He was a fine, splendid type of Jew of the old school, to whom religion wa£ of sterling value. He had a cultivated sense of piety andl reverence for his Maker. He built on a sound foundation, and his name will always be associated with the beautiful idealism of our religion, which he showed in his enthusiasm for Zionism and his visit to Palestine.” Word His Bond. Mr. Nathan’s position in the commercial world was that of a man of the strictest honour and straight sailing in all his dealings, and his word was his bond. His interest in philanthropic institutions had been sustained to the last, and he ranked high as a loyal and patriotic citizen. He had a great capacity for making friends, and his sympathetic and kindly disposition responded readily and cheerfully to the many calls made upon him. "He will be greatly missed,” concluded Mr. Goldstein. “He lived longer than the allotted span, and he has passed from us rich iu years and in the esteem and good-will of all who knew him. He was one who loved and found God. In these difficult times we need men with a stern sense- of duty, tried and trusted. If we are to have such men in the future we must find them in the cultivation of those qualities which show human nature nt its best.”