LIFE OF SERVICE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 5 April 1926, Page 4

LIFE OF SERVICE

FEARLESS MEMORIAL GATES OPENED IMPRESSIVE GATHERING AT WAKEFIELD Ihe Fearless Memorial Gates on Ihe Wakefield Domain, erected by the people of the Wnimeas lo the memory of ihe late Lieut-Colonel W. B. Fearless, were formally opened by the Hon. W. W. Snodgras,-.' M.L.C. oil Saturday afleriioon. There was a very large attendance and the ceremony was an impressive one. The gates ami arch are of massi\e design, a lilting tribute to a life characterised by unstinted service. The pillars bear the follow in", inseript inn : Erected by the people of ;he Wu;tm |s in recognition, of the services of Surg. Lieut-Colonel W. R. Fearless. Y. 1)., in this district for -II years and in the Boer and Oreat: Wars. Canon Dart, who was vicar of Wakefield for a lengthy period, presided and 'here were also on the platform, it; addition to the Hon. W. W. Snodgrass. Dr. W. I). S. Johnston (ex-president Nelson U.S.A.). Messrs. Hodgson. Hooper, .1. L. Clark. W. Stringer. P. A. Baigenl, E. MoPliersoii and Duncan I Bright - water). Apologies for unavoidable absence were ri ived from Mr H. Atmore, M.P. and Mr N. A. Yorcoc (secretary Nelson 1C.5.A.1 (anon Dart in a few words, said how much he appreciated the honour of l.'-ing asked to preside at such a gathering. He paid a alowiiisr tribute to the memory of Lieut.-Colonel Fearless. The oricinal idea had been to erect- a memorial stone on the grave but the response' had been so great that the. present Memorial C.ates were decided tirton.

The Hon. W. W. Snodgrass said It was a great honour lo take part in the ceremony. H« eonsjra tula ted the district on the form the memorial had taken. It was but natural that tic who.e district would be only too ready to Mihserihe the necessary funds. Few there were who did no! refills.* the greatness of the man they were honouring thai day. As their doctor Colonel Fearless would be remembered by the whole district. But, he was infinitely more than (hat. He was a tine Englishman in the verv best sense of the 'word, and he proved his words by deeds. Beside them that day wa.s the Field Ambulance room on which Colonel Fearless, long before the war, had trained many men in ambulance work. One of those he could recall wan (icorge Johnson, who though over the age. hall served conspicuously in the war. When the South African war broke out Colonel Fearless immediately volunteered, hut was considered too oid. They took him. however, later with the English Contingent. He served with distinction and came back full of honours. On the outbreak of the Oreal War he was one of the first to pul in his name. There was no need for him lo go. lie was lIS years of ace. But he felt the call and that was the end of it. On t.'allipnli he was beloved by all the men. The doctor was. always* there when there was any trouble. Further bo was the greatest optimist on the Island, and was one of the sustaining forces of the brave men there. His influence, the returned men said, was truly wonderful. It wr.s something tor the people of Wakefield to think thai they had had so great a hero living among tliein. The life that Colonel Fearless had lived he felt sure would be an inspiration to the rising general ion.

Dr. W. D. S. Johnston, on behalf oT the Returned Soldiers' Association said the Association felt it a very great honour to he asked to be represented at ihe gathering. Colonel Fearless was always a gentleman. He. worked and played on the square every time. Dr. Johnston referred to Colonel Poarloss's work in the district over long distance;; before the advent of the motor car and his extreme diligence in doing his utmost for everyone at all times. He was a great soldier and his devotion was an inspiration to all. fn cone'sding the speaker said he would like to leave ihem with a few words he had seen inscribed ( n n memorial in Auckland: "■Remember these dead. Let. the living bumble themselves."

Mr 11. E. Everett, on behalf of returned soldiers living in Wakefield, said it had been a privilege to serve with Colonel Fearless. He (the speaker) had been attended by him vvhen wounded and the Colonel came up very close to the firing line, ft could truly be said of him that he never studied himself ill any way at all. When there was anything to do he was always there to do it. reaardiess of personal danger. Further he was ever ready to take the part of the man w'ho was down and out. All returned soldiers knew what he had done to get them relief. And lie never made a mistake in iurninr down a genuine ease which was saying a very great deal. A wreath was then placed on the gates by members of the Fearless family*. The Hon. W. W. Snodgrass formally declared ihe Memorial Oates open. Dr. PenrlcfS and Mr 11. Fearless were asked to be the first lo drive through and the proceedings were concluded by the Wakefield Rand playing the National Anthem. At a subsequent gathering, referersee was' made to the splendid work of Me J. R. Clark, secretary of the memorial commit lee. Mr Ceo. Miller, of Nelson, erected the arch and gates, and his work has been very favourably commented upon.