OBITUARY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8861, 11 July 1907, Page 3

OBITUARY.

Rev. Joseph Berry, The news of tho decease at Adelaide, announced by cable, of the Eev. Joseph Berry will be received in all parts of Australasia with keen expressions of regret. The Eov. Mr Berry was for a number of years during tho seventies and eighties, one of the ableSt and most beloved pastors in the Wesleyan Church in New Zealand, among districts ho had charge of being that of Wanganui. Ho was a big hearted robust Christian who never shirked any duty and especially took a deep and practical interest in the welfare of those on tho threshold of life. He earned the lasting gratitude of many parents and praise from all sections Of the public for his bold effort to break down the barriers of " mock modesty ” by means of a book compiled for the help and guidance of young men. The Rev. Berry was a fine extempore preacher and his learned discourses given with telling effect, frequently attracted to his church members of other denominations. As a platform speaker, both in New Zealand and Australia ho had few superiors, and the many demands made upon him in this direction were always cheerfully responded to with a vigour and ardour that proved a severe tax upon both his mental and physical energies, and ultimately resulted in his complete prostration. During the past five years he had been practically invalided in South Australia whither he went from New Zealand in 1893. Among old friends from New Zealand who visited him while he was incapacitated was Mr Leonard Isitt on his return from the Old Country. The latter has referred to the sad meeting in some of his recent addresses, when he asked any of his audience who remembered the Rev. Mr Beriy to write to him and refer to some kindness received at his hands and endeavour to cheer him somewhat in his hour of trial. Among high positions filled by the deceased minister was that of President of the New Zealand Conference in 1885 and a similar office in the South Australian Conference soon after his removal to that State in 1893. His eldest daughter, Miss Berry, has been acting matron of the Wellington Hospital for some little time.