UNVEILING A MEMORIAL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 8117, 31 October 1904, Page 2

UNVEILING A MEMORIAL.

TO THE LATE TROOPER GOODLAND.

On Sunday afternoon at St. Paul's Church, Normanby, a tablet was unveiled to the memory of the late Trooper W. J. Goodland, who died in South Africa'during the South African war. The church was well filled, and the aisle was lined by a detachment of the Hawera Mounted Rifles, the late trooper's comrades. After a short service Captain Morrison, at the request of the vicar, proceeded with the ceremony of unveiling. He said that it was a great privilege to him to be there to pay a tribute to their departed friend, who died in South Africa at the call of his country. The captain said as one o* tnose who went with the contingents Incould testify to the loyalty the courage, and the perseverance of their late comrade. Some time after hiß arrival iv South Africa, Trooper Goodland was stricken with illness, and was recovering well. However, before thoroughly convalescent his regiment was ordered to tak-* part in the general advance with Lord Roberts on Pretoria. Trooper Goodland was eager to be off, but the medical authorities opposed the idea. However, after numerous entreaties he was allowed to proceed. At Bloom fontein he was again detained by the medical authorities, but he was eager to reach Pretoria, and again he persuaded the authorities and followed at ter his regiment three days' later. At Kroonstadt, almost within reach of his goal, he was again stricken with fever, and this time death claimed him. His body now lies in i»e cemetery at a small town in the Orange River Colony. Captain Morrison then drew awy the flag, disclosing the tabiet of wnite marble, bearing the following words: — In Memory of WILLIAM JOSEPH, Only Son of Walter and Emily Goodland, of Normanby, who gave his life for the British Empire in South Africa, July Aged 22 years. This tablet was erected by his friends in Normanby. The National Anthem was then played, the congregation meanwhile standing silently. The Rev. J. A. Jacob promised to guard and treasure the tablet, and as parish priest welcomed the memorial of one who h,ad given his life for his country and whose example, courage and loyalty might well be followed by al} those who had the' honor of knowing him.