IDEALS OF SERVICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21347, 23 November 1932, Page 14

IDEALS OF SERVICE

WORK FOR COMMUNITY

LIFE OF MR. RHODES

EULOGY AT GRAVESIDE

A simple but eloquent tribute to the late Mr. Charles Rhodes, and especially to his ideals of service and personal modesty, was paid by the Rev. J. A. Thomson, of St. Luke's Presbyterian Church, in an address at the graveside. "Wo are hero to-day to lay to rest one who played a great part in tho life of this city," said Mr. Thomson. ''Those who knew Mr. Rhodes well are aware that ho would have wished that not much should bo said about these things at this service, but it is fitting and riglifc that some tribute should bo paid to his memory. I will not say much about his contribution to the business life of the community; that has already been done by the daily press and others. In this respect ho possessed gifts much beyond thoso of others, and ho used his gifts gladly and unselfishly for the good of the community.

"Mr. Rhodes deserves to bo remembered, not only for what he accomplished; ho was possessed of a genius for friendship and endeared himself to all who knew him intimately. Many standing here, and others all over the world, find life's experience enriched by his friendship and by his whole conception of life and its purpose. Ho was closely associated with tho Rotary movement; its ideal of service captivated him, and ho made it his own. He welcomed tho opportunities of service offered by Rotary and other organisations. "One who knew him intimately has said that a great part of his service will never bo generally known. From my own knowledge of him i believe that to be true, although ho would have wished that nothing should be said about it. Strong, upright and unselfish, he lived in the spirit of Him who gavo Himself for men. Remembering these things, we pay our grateful tribute to his memory to-day."

THE BONDS OF ROTARY

CABLED CONDOLENCES

UNITED STATES AND JAPAN

The international character of the Rotary movement and the closeness of its personal ties were well exemplified by cable messages received in Auckland yesterday concerning the death of Mr. Charles Rhodes.

A personal message of condolence was sent to Mr. Rhodes' family by Mr. Paxil P. Harris, of Chicago, originator of the Rotary movement and president-emeritus of Rotary International. Mr. Rhodes was a personal friend of Mr. Harris, whom he had met at various international conferences.

The following cablegram was received by the Auckland Rotary Club from the secretary of Rotary International, Chicago:—"Sad news Rhodes death terrible shock. Deepest sympathy." The message also asked that arrangements should be made for the board of directors to be represented at the funeral and for a wreath to be provided. The New York Rotary Club cabled its sympathy. The president of the Tokio Club, Mr. Asano, sent the following message:—"Tokio Rotnrv Club grieves extremely death of Brother Charlie; extends heartfelt sympathy and condolence to bereaved family."

Telegrams of sympathy -were received from the New Zealand district governor, Mr. H. Valder, of Hamilton, who is at present in Christchurch. and from tho Hamilton, Dannevirke, Nelson and Timaru Rotary Clubs.

LOCAL BODY TRIBUTES

ASSOCIATION WITH TRAMWAYS

Reference to the death of' Mr. Charles Rhodes was made at a meeting of the 1 ransport Board yesterday, when a motion of sympathy with Mrs. Rhodes and relatives was passed, the members standing as a mark of respect. Mr. Rhodes was one of the board's sinking fund commissioners.

Tho loss the city has suffered particularly affects us," said tho chairman, Mr. ,T. A. C. Allum, who recalled that Mr. Rhodes was first associated with the tramway undertaking in 1910. It was he who had negotiated the sale of the undertaking to the City Council, while on tile formation of the board he had been appointed a sinking fund commissioner "Those who knew Mr. Rhodes knew that he was a man who had the interest of the city at heart," added Mr. Allum. A motion expressing the deep regret of the Harbour Board at the death of Mr. Rhodes was passed at a meeting of tile board yesterday, the members standmg in silence. It was decided to forward a letter to Mrs. Rhodes, expressing tho board's sincere sympathy with her and her family. At the request of the chairman, Mr. cV , S' ve^ h ' members of the Auckland btock Exchange, at the morning call yesteiday, stood in silence as a mark of respect for the late Mr. Rhodes. The office of the Waihi Gold Mining Company was closed yesterday afternoon as a mark of respect. Flags were flown at, half-mast upon a number of city buildings and by vessels in port,.