MEMORIAL TO THE RATE BROE. FINNEY.

Colonist, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11686, 23 July 1906, Page 1 (Supplement)

MEMORIAL TO THE RATE BROE. FINNEY.

Bro. W. V. Salter, P.C.R., on taking the chair, requested Bro. H. W. Bethwaite, C.R., to unveil the tablet which had been erected to the memory of the late Bro. E. Finney.

Bro. Bethwaite said they had met

to perform a solemn ceremony. Their late Bro. Finney had left such a good record and splendid example that the members of Court Robin Hood had thought fit to erect the tablet about to be unveiled to perpetuate his memory. Bro. Finney was a Forester for thirty-eight years, and practically during the whole of that period he took a lively interest in Forestry, working for the good of the Order generally, as well aa for his own Court. He held the office of Permanent Secretary for about twenty-six years with honor to himself, and benefit to the Court. So keenly did he study all matters pertaining to Friendly Societies, that he was looked upon as an authority, when considering the laws relating thereto. The Trustees of the Court were from time co time indebted to him for valuable assistance, and for twelve months at the start of Court Star of Nelson (female branch) he acted as honorary Secretary, and up to the time of his death continued to act as honorary Auditor for the same Court. For many years he was a delegate to the District Meetings, and passed through the chairs, being included in the Past District Chiefs. For some time he acted as District Treasurer. Along with Bro. K. Hunter, he represented the District at the Conference held at Napier for considering the advisability of establishing a Subsidiary High Court in New Zealand. He had great force of character, was fearless and outspoken, and was nerer known to do a mean action. He assisted to consolidate the power of the Order, and to extend its benign influence, therefore it was most fitting that honor should be paid to the memory of so esteemed and valuable a member of the Order. Bro. Bethwaite then unveiled the handsome marble tablet, which bore the inscription : "Erected by the members of Court Eobin Hood, No. 3930, aa a tribute of respect to their late Bro. E. FiDney, P.D.C.R., Permanent Secretary of tho Court for 26 yeare, who died July 5, 1905. Esteemed by all.", (The emblem of the Order and the panels are beautifully sculptured, and the whole of the workmanship reflects the highest credit on Mr George Miller, of Hardy street). Bro. George Dddson, on behalf ot the Court Pride uf the Forest, said he knew Bro. E. Finney for more than thirty years, and could endorse what Bro, Bethwaite had said regarding him. Court Pride of the Forest was always pleased to see Bro. Finney as an official visitor. He also noted the fact that Bro. Finney had officially visited the West Coast Courts.

Bro. Walter Moffatt (Uourt Perseverance) said it was with extreme difficulty anyone could speak on such an occasion. He had known Bro. Finney practically all his (the speaker's) lifetime, and he fully agreed with what had fallen from the previous speakers. At the District meetings he had crossed swords with Bro. Finney in debate, and he was a foeman worthy of any man's steel, but though they had differed in opinions it did not interfere with their friendship, and he had always found Bro. Finney a true man. His death had involved a great loss not only to Court Robin Hood, but to the Order in this Colony. They felt they had lost a friend and brother, and it would be hard to till the gap. The j members of Court Robin Hood had done themselves credit by erecting so handsome a memorial to their esteemed and departed brother.

Bro.?Thomas Condell (Court Shedwood Forest) said he wished on behalf of his Court to pay a tribute to Bro. Finney's memory. He knew Bro. Finney- for about twenty-live years, and as a public man and citizen no man was more respected than Bro. Finney. The best memorial to Bro. Finney was that he would live in the hearts of his fellow-men.

Sister Gibson said the members of Court Star, of Nelson desired to acknowledge' the services rendered by Bro. Finney. Whenever any difficulty arose in the Court the Sisters at once turned to Bro. Finney, and his assistance was always cheerfully given. Dr. Hudson said he was very pleased that the members of Court Kobin Hood had erected such a handßome tablet to the memory of the late Bro. FiDney, whom he had always found a real good fellow. Bro. Finney was quick in getting the grip of a subject, and he brought j a judicial mind to bear upon it. It was the right thing to perpetuate the memories of such valuable members of the Order.

Bro. Bond said, on behalf of the relatives, and himself as a partner of the late Bro. Fjnney, he thanked the Brethren for the respficfc sliown to the memory of him who was so dear to them. He could say do more, so they nausfc excuse him.