FULL, USEFUL LIFE

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 18, 19 October 1936, Page 17

FULL, USEFUL LIFE

FRIEND TO THE CITY

SAW MANY CHANGES

MEMORIAL SERVICE

There was almost a full representation of all the bodies—civic, educational, and sports—with which the late Mr. W. H. Bennett was associated, at the memorial service held in Wesley Church, Taranaki Street, yesterday morning. Quite a number of students from the Technical College occupied the gallery. Letters were received from the Kent Terrace Presbyterian Church, V.M.C.A., and the Waterloo Lodge. The service was conducted by the Rev. Percy Paris. An address was given by the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop). "As one who knew and worked with him for a long time I can say his passing has left a gap that will not be filled, but he has left a memory that will ever be fragrant and an example that all can strive to follow," said Mr. Hislop. "He lived in Wellington for 78 years, so ho saw manifold changes of that period. At the end he could look back and trace all the many developments that had taken place and take satisfaction in the knowledge that in the work of local development he had taken an active part. He was happy in the sure knowledge that his fellows were the better for his work in life. A TRUE BUILDER. "His standing among his fellows was exemplified by the offices he held. He became president of the Federation of Master Builders, and president of the Wellington Employers' Association, offices that can only be held by one who has the confidence of his fellows in his calling. He was the contractor for many important buildings in the city. He was in the fullest sense of the word a true builder. He built truly, solidly, honestly, and the buildings to which he put his hand reflect the integrity and essential honesty of his character. "In course of time he retired from active work hi his trade and gave his energies- to public service. From 1915 until the date of his death he was a member of the City Council, a period of just over 21 years. He served on most committees and Was active and zealous for the city's welfare, but he will, perhaps, be best remembered in his municipal work as chairman of the milk committee. This position he held for 13 years and the success of that scheme is in no small measure due to the wisdom, tact, foresight, and common sense he brought to bear in this department of our civic administration. In addition to his work as chairman of the milk committee and on various committees of the council he sat as a council representative on the Fire Board and during my years' of office as Mayor held the position of Deputy Mayor^ SERVICES TO EDUCATION. ' "No description of his public work would be complete without reference to his service to the cause of technical education," said Mr. Hislop. "In 1919 he was appointed a representative of the City Council on the Technical School Board. The following year he was elected chairman of that board and held tho office up to the time of his death. In nothing was he more enthusiastic than in helping the cause of technical education, in this city. Those who have: embraced the opportunities that the technical school affords owe no small debt of gratitude to the late Mr. W.H.Bennett "In his young days he was active in sport and achieved distinction as an oarsman. As the years passed and personal participation ceased he never lost his interest in the pastimes of youth, and was ever ready to help. A member of the Wellington Bowling Club; he , was a familiar and beloved figure! whenever bowlers foregathered. Such . is the brief record, of an P active and aj useful life. . ; | "Behind all his activities was the in-, spiration of his belief in his1 God. A loyal member of his congregation, he never faltered in the active observance of the teachings of his Church. His home life was a tljing of beauty. None could meet his family or enter his home without feeling the warmth, of the deep and abiding affection that there abode. Like other men he had his trials to bear and none greater than the loss of his only son, killed in the war. ' ''■ '■■~■■■ ■ v "I believe his outstanding characteristic to have been a sterling, fearless honesty alike in judgment and in act," concluded the Mayor. "Essentially fairminded, he studied fully each problem that came before him. Once he had reached his decision no cajolery, no flattery, no seeking, for popularity, no fear of denunciation could turn him from his course. Fearless and true, he pressed on in the course he believed to be right, ever courageous right to the very moment of death. A great character, my friends, a fragrant memory to cherish, a great example to hold before us in the days to come." There was a full attendance of the choir. The hymns used were chosen by Mr. Bennett. At the conclusion of the service Mr. H. Temple White, the organist, played "O Best in the Lord."