HALF CENTURY'S WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20474, 28 January 1930, Page 13

HALF CENTURY'S WORK.

LATE RABBI VAN STAVEREN.

HOMAGE TO REVERED MEMORY. IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL RITES. Homage for over half a century of humanitarian work in Wellington was paid the memory of the Rev. Herman van Staveren, Jewish -Rabbi, whose mortal remains were laid to rest in Wellington on Sunday afternoon. The funeral was an impressive one, and was attended by representatives of many sections of the community. A great number of people could not'find accommodation in the Synagogue for the service, and had to stand outside. All the time floral tributes and messages continued to arrive. The service, which was brief and impressive, was attended by the Mayor, Mr. G. A. Troup, members of Parliament, of the City Council, Wellington Hospital Board, and other local organisations, Archbishop O'Shea, representees of the Salvation Army, and other religious bodies, besides Mr. P. Selig, president of the Canterbury Hebrew congregation. The service was conducted by the Rev. C. Pitkowsky, assistant-minister.

Most Distinguished Figure. "It is with heartfelt sorrow and deepest regret that I quote to you a text from the Lamentations of Jeremiah: 'My eye! My eye runneth down with water, because the comforter, the comforter that should refresh my soul, is far from me,' " said Mr. Pitkowsky. "To-day we mourn the loss of the most distinguished figure of New Zealand Jewry—Herman van Staveren. In Hebrew his name means Comforter, but to our great sorrow we have no more comforter, we have no longer in our sad bereavement the comforter to refresh our soul. Herman van Staveren acted according to his name. Wherever he went he brought comfort to the bereaved, hope to the dejected, and inspiration to the weak. By his home and family life, he has set us an example of love and devotion, and we should make it our aim to follow this example. Tiie measure of Rabbi van Staveren's days was far beyond the space allotted to most, but his life was extraordinary, not so much because of its length, but on account of its fullness and intensity. It. was crowded with strenuous effort and noble achievement. "For 53 years our learned Rabbi has been the spiritual head of Wellington Jewry, and the recognised leader of New Zealand Jewry—truly a record which is unique throughout the British Empire. His first sermon, preached on this site 53 years ago, when he arrived in Wellington, was: 'To find grace and understanding in the eyes of God and man.' Now we bear testimony that he has achieved his aim to the very list letter, for all these years the departed Rabbi has sanctified the name of the God of Israel, and has glorified the Jewish name among our neighbours. Years of Faithful Work. "Rabbi van Staveren died serving the Lord, and it was perhaps fitting that in the last year of his service the new Synagogue should be built, a monument as it were to the many years of faithful work devoted to the glory of the Lord. Comforter of the bereaved, helper of the weak, lover of children, faithful husband, kind father, and true Jew—Herman van Staveren—Jew anl Gentile mourn for thee alike. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his esteemed family, and may the Almighty grant them health and peace everlasting. 'Thy sun shall no more go down, neither shall thy moon withdraw itself; for the Lord shall be thy everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.' "

The cortege was of considerable length, the cars numbering about 150.

The Prime Minister telegraphed: —"The late Mr. van Siaveren was held in the highest esteem and affection not only by members of the Jewish Church but, by people of all creeds, and by his demise Wellington city particularly has lost one of its most, prominent citizens and ardent social workers."

"I knew your dear husband first, in the year 1878, and I have ever felt honoured in being able to call him my friend during the years since then." wrote the former Chief Justice, Sir Robert Stout, M.L.C., to the bereaved widow. "There is no one in Wellington, I am sure, but recognises the great work he did in our social life. His name will ever be held in lasting remembrance."