LATE MR L. BLUNDELL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 291, 7 November 1934, Page 8

LATE MR L. BLUNDELL.

MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD.

WELLINGTON, Nov. 7. A tribute to the memory of the late Mr Louis Blundell, the senior member of the Evening Post Proprietary, whose death occurred on Monday, was paid by Canon Percival James at a memorial service at St. Paul’s ProCatbedral, Wellington, yesterday afternoon. The church was crowded by representatives of all branches of the community, as well as representatives of the Press of other centres. The service at the crematorium, which was private, was also conducted by Canon James.

Addressing those present, Canon James said ;

“I take the privilege of paying a tribute to the memory of our dear brother here departed, who honoured me with his friendship during the latter years of his life. He was one of the ‘grand old men’ of Wellington, where he had spent virtually the whole of his life. In his latter years he was regarded as the ‘father’ of the New Zealand I* rets, and was almost the last, if not the last, survivor of those pioneers of journalism who set the standard of the newspapers of this country. “The founders of our New Zealand newspapers were high-minded men, who became closely associated in a kind of co-operative fellowship, and to their integrity, steady principles, and fine public spirit we owe a national asset of incalculable value —a clean and honest Press. Competent outside observers of this country are unanimous in their admiration of the high standards of our Press. It is our confident hope that the traditions bequeathed by such men as our departed brother will be maintained by their successors. “With self-effacing modesty Louis Blundell fled from publicity; but lie was revealed to his many friends as an ardent patriot, with a keen sense of civic obligation. He had watched the growth of this city with pride and affection; he was a generous helper of many good causes. He was beloved for his quiet strength of character, for his wise tolerance and breadth of symnathv. for a freshness of interest, kept to the vefy end of his life, for his eentle humour, and his warm kindness ~f heart. To his family we offer our tenderest sympathy. His spirit has passed into God’s keeping in the Unsee n World. Here his memory will be cherished and his example not forgotten.” '