TIME NOT OPPORTUNE FOR MEMORIAL SERVICE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 105, 5 May 1915, Page 8

TIME NOT OPPORTUNE FOR MEMORIAL SERVICE

Shortly after the war broke out it was proposed that a citizens' memorial service, in which all denominations should be represented, should bo held at the Town Hall. The Mayor (Mr. J. P Luke) put himself into communication with the local heads of the Churches in order to learn their views on the matter They were asked if they would come to a common understandmg. He was informed that the ' idea of holding a united service in any matters arising out of the war, either a memorial service or a service of thanksgiving, was acceptable, and they undertook to let him know when such a service should bo held. Tho present position was that Dr. Snrott (Anglican Bishop o£ Wellington) and the ' Rev Dr. Gibb (St. John's Church) had been in consultation on the proposed service ; but that, as the New Zealand casualty lists were now likely to come to hand from day to day, the present was not a suitable time for holding such a public service, but that private and individual prayer should bo made. The public proposal should be held in abeyance. In the meantime the Mayor has been sslcod to lend his support to the holding of \ memorial service at once, but in view of tho attitude of the clergy, with which he is in accord, he docs not think the present a suitable time, and csjiooinlly as -the casualty lists are coming in from day tc day, and will do so, be fears, for some time to come.