THE LATE JOHN FINLAY

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 26 November 1928, Page 4

THE LATE JOHN FINLAY

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Permit me to add my tribute of respect to the memory of my late friend, Mr. John Finlay. When I first visited the Taranaki district the Government wrote to him and asked him to kindly place his knowledge of the work I was engaged in at my disposal, and! right well he did so. I was met at the station with the buggy and taken to liis hospitable house, where his family made me heartily welcome, and in every way possible he assisted me in obtaining the necessary particulars concerning veterans’ graves. The buggy, and later the motor car, with some of the family to drive me wherever 1 wished, was always at my disposal, and arrangements made for me to meet anyone wlio could assist me in the- work. I fear the present generation will never follow in his steps, although the family may, but tlie tendency now is to forget what those brave men did in days of old, and the fact that through their efforts and bravery we have now entered into such a goodly heritage does not appeal to those who are enjoying it. Should the veterans or residents think of erecting a memorial to our much esteemed friend I shall be pleased to add my mite; although I am out of the work now, I shall ever feel respect and affection for those who so kindly assisted me when engaged in it. —I am, etc., EDITH M. STATHAM, Late Government Inspector Soldiers’ Graves. Auckland.