Eloquent Tribute of Gratitude

Horowhenua Chronicle, 4 February 1932, Page 3

Eloquent Tribute of Gratitude

NAPIER SAYS THANK YOU!

GREAT THANKSGIVING SERVICE m

NAPIER,, Last Night

Three thousand people attended the open air earthquake anniversary thanksgiving service to-night. The principal speaker was Mr. J. fcs. Barton, who in the course of his remarks, said: “It is inevitable that our thoughts should revert to the happenings of a year ago. There is much we wish to forget and we trust the softening touch of time to lessen the poignancy of our memories. We are, however, assembled to-night because there is much we desire to remember and it is with the wish and set purpose of strengthening the records of memory and deepening our sense of appreciation of the kindness and sympathy received that we have gathered for public thanksgiving service. “It seems fitting firstly to voice our thanks as a separate community speaking to. the rest of the Dominion. A year, ago we were indeed separate. We were geographically isolated. We were mentally and spiritually dwelling apart. To-night we wish to recall how speedily all kinds of communications were restored and how quickly they were at once tested to their utmost capacity to carry tokens of your sympathy, comfort and help. It is as impossible as it is unnecessary for us to enumerate your acts of kindness and assistance. They sprang from your individual impulses, but they became national in vol ume. Your homes, your public services, your private means, your time and your talents were at our disposal. This touched us deeply. The memory of rt heartens and inspires us to-night and we say collectively from our hearts ‘Thank you.’ “We remember also the event of a year ago touched the of a wider circle than was comprised by the people of New Zealand. We recall that sympathy and help came from H.M. the King, from' the Royal Family, from the King’s representative in New Zealand, from his advisers, throughout the Empire and from his people of all classes and callings. It also came from Governments and throughout the world. This rouses in our hearts nol only our'deepest gratitude but feelings pf national pride and pride in our com mon humanity.” Concluding, Mr. Barton said: “We hope it is no unworthy contribution to the country s spiritual resources that Napier to-night finds comfort in the philosophy that things are never so bad but that they might have been worse and in the belief based on experience that difficulties and discouragements are never so great but that -the help and sympathy of our follow citizens are an encouragement and inspiration to tace and overcome them.”