TRIBUTES TO THE DEAD

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16565, 1 June 1914, Page 10

TRIBUTES TO THE DEAD

THE MEN WHO FELL IN SOUTH AFRICA.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT VIC-

TORIA SQUARE

A service was held in, Victoria Square yesterday in memory of the men who gave their lives for the Empire in the South African war. Veterans, some battle-scarred and bent with age, some, still in the prime of their manhood, were present to the number of about one hundred.

Among those who attended the service were the Mayor (Mr H. Holland), Colonels Chaifey, Andrew, Snrythe and Slater, V.J)., Lieutenant-Colonel Cossgrove, Lieutenant-Colonel Richardson, Lieutenant-Colonel Femvick, Majors Bishop, lliakeway, Loach, Pinwell, Hobday and Bishop, and Captain Walker.

The majority of the veterans assembled at tho barracks and marched to the Square, headed by the Ist Regimental Band (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry), under Conductor Colin Thorn. Tho service opened with a hymn and prayer by Chaplain-Major A. H. Norris, who conducted the service.

The Mayor, in a brief address, apologised for the absence of Colonel Smith, who was indisposed. Colonel Slater was present, but would be unable to delh'or an address on account of a bad cold. The occasion was notable, following as it did the news of the terrible marine disaster which had just occurred. He moved a motion of sympathy with the relatives of those who had .died in the wreck. They were present to pay tribute to tho brave men who died fighting for the Empire under tho glorious flag which was now floai> ing over them. His sympathies were with their relatives who on an occasion such as the present folt more acutely tho loss they had sustained. He concluded with the verse: The d?r.d who die for England never die! Falling conquerors, falling mns'Sois! Falling firm amid disasters, Falling duty done, Vi(;tor3 every one! The dead who die for England never die!

After the Mayor's speech the veterans slowly marched round and placed wreaths on Queen Victoria's statue, while the band played "Fallen Heroes."

The chaplain-major delivered an address on the training of children to revere and love their flag and Empire. Tim hymn. " Abide With Me." and the National Anthem concluded tho service.