TEMUKA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19954, 12 November 1934, Page 3

TEMUKA

ARMISTICE SERVICE AT MEMORIAL

LARGE ATTENDANCE Citizens of Temuka yesterday celebrated Armistice Day with a service at the War Memorial in the Domain, under the organisation of the Temuka Returned Soldiers’ Association. The Mayor (Mr A. W. Buzan) and Councillors, and clergy of the town, were present by invitation, and the Churches delayed their services 15 minutes to enable citizens to attend. From the Post Office a parade, led by Mr W. F. Evans and the Temuka Municipal Band, comprising ex-soldiers and South African Veterans, marched to the Domain. Addressing the gathering at the memorial, the Mayor said it was just 16 years since the signing of the Armistice, and those who were old enough would always remember the great rejoicing that it had brought to the countries of the world. Armistice Day was one of remembering and thanks offering for the break that ended the war and for the continued peace. It had been a war to end war. But was that object to be achieved? To-day every nation of the world was arming, and the situation was becoming black. However, he felt that in that arming there lay a certain amount of security, for no nation would attack another that was fully prepared. Therefore the preparing of nations might help to prolong the peace for some years to come. At the same time it was regrettable that the countries of the world were in such a state of chaos and feeling still was strong. Armistice Day was one of sadness as well as one of rejoicing, for it was a commemoration of those who gave their lives for their country and for those who suffered during and since those tragic years. On behalf of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, Mr J. King, the president, thanked those who had attended. It was the first Sunday celebration that had been held at the memorial on Armistice Day, and he was glad to see so many present. It had been a happy day when the Armistice was signed, and he hoped that the citizens would always make it their duty to attend the service at the memorial. Many who returned from the Great War had died since, and on Armistice Day they, as well as those who were killed, would ever be remembered. Three Distinctive Things There were three distinctive things about Armistice Day, said the Rev. L. A. Brooks. Firstly, there was its silence. On that day when the peace was signed there came a great silence where previously there had been sorrow, noise and bloodshed, and that silence had continued ever since. Then there was remembrance, and people gathered at their cenotaphs and in their churches to remember those who had laid down their lives for them. And finally there was the greatest thing of all —its peace thoughts. People on that day spoke only of peace. That first silence spoke of peace and on that day they thought of peace, and he hoped those peace thoughts would continue. It was not enough to think peace on an occasion like the present, but there must be peace in everyday life and in business. Into the rising generations there should be inculcated peace because it was the summit of all joy and life and prosperity. The gathering then stood bareheaded for two minutes. Mr King placed a wreath on the memorial and Bandsman R. Boyle sounded “Last Post.” From the service in the Domain the parade, led by the Band, marched to the Presbyterian Church, where the Mayor and Councillors and ex-soldiers attended the service. Mr J. N. Reid. Home Missionary at Orari, conducted the service, and chose for the subject of his sermon, “Armistice Day—A Retrospect and Prospect.” After dealing with the significance of the day and the calling of the Armistice, he said that although the world had had peace for some years war now seemed inevitable. The nations of the earth were becoming restless and all the old hatreds were growing up between peoples. Germany was desirous of getting back her colonies and her independence, and the smaller nations were fighting for recognition. It might save much bloodshed and bitterness of feeling if Germany were granted her colonies and the areas such as Saar Basin, although he knew there would be many who would not agree with him. He traced the many causes of war and the possibilities of bringing about a manmade peace, but said that the true world peace could only come through faith in Jesus Christ.

NEW CONVENT CHAPEL

Built from a fund started with the profit from the school’s jubilee celebrations, just a year ago, the new chapel for the Sisters of St. Joseph at Temuka was solemnly blessed and dedicated by Bishop Brodie yesterday afternoon. There was a very large attendance of ex-pupils of the school and friends, including the Mayor (Mr A. W. Buzan) and Mayoress. The Rev. Father Outtrim, S.M., presided, and after the blessing of the chapel he said he was indeed pleased to have the Bishop present to undertake the blessing and dedication ceremonies. His Lordship had taken a great interest in the jubilee celebrations, at which he was present, and at that time and since he had shown much kindly and helpful interest in the erection of the chapel. They had been fortunate that he had come on that day because he was very busy and had had to pass over two or three important engagements to be present. His sympathy, attendance and practical help at the jubilee would not easily be forgotten. Father Outtrim welcomed also the Mayor and Mayoress and two ex-rectors of Temuka, Fathers Kerley and Bartley. They had been greatly interested in the preliminary work in connection with the chapel, and had taken a pride in the preservation and erection of the buildings of the parish while in Temuka. They were pleased also to welcome the Rev. Father Spillane, an old boy of the school, and the Mother-General of the Order of St. Joseph, who, born in Temuka, was also an ex-pupil of St. Joseph’s School. The Mayor thanked Father Outtrim for his welcome. The fact that the chapel had been erected almost free of debt said much for the practical support of the people of the parish. The buildings of the parish were among the best in Temuka, and Temuka compared favourably with anv town of its size in the Dominion. The chairman of the chapel building committee. Mr W. J. Tozer, who spoke also on beholf of those who had supported the building, said it was indeed a great day for those who had waited so long for the completion of their work. They were very proud to be able to hand over the chapel finished and ready for use. He had to thank the architect, Mr H. St. A. Murray, of Christchurch, the builder, Mr W. McGarva. and the sub-contractor, Mr L. G. Scrimshaw. They had done their work very well, as all would agree. He then formally handed over the chapel to the Bishop to present to the Sisters.

His Lordship's Address. His Lordship said he thought that they all should thank the Mayor for his attendance at the ceremony. He | had met Mr Buzan on several occasions and he had been pleased to be able to congratulate him on the tidiness and progressiveness of his town. On that occasion they had a most unusual pleasure in the attendance of the Mother-General of the Order among them. It was an inspiring thought to think that she was the head of the Order for the whole world. Not only in New Zealand and Australia, but in other countries and now even in Ireland. Ireland had provided the founders of Roman Catholicism in New Zealand, and it was indeed a great achievement for Australia and New Zealand to be able to answer the call and found several communities of Sisters of St. Joseph in the Old Country. As head of the Order for the whole world, the Mother-General was kept extremely busy. Apart from her supervision of the schools and the community work of the Sisters, she had to deal with hundreds of applications for foundation of communities, in all parts of the world. He hoped that she would have many years of happy work in the service of God. In thinking of the Chapel, one might be tempted to ask the question, “What is the reason why the Sisters need a church of their own?”, said Bishop Brodie. It was true that the parish church just across the road was a very fine one. However the life of the Sisters was most wonderfully consecrated to God—they lived for God and worked for God. In addition to teaching in the school five hours of the day they spent much time in meditation and prayer. In the early morning before most people were about they were in the chapel at morning prayers. Another question that might be asked was, “Why was the chapel necessary?” Their life was a most unselfish one. They did not selfishly offer thanks for being Sisters in the service of God but all their thoughts were for the welfare of others. In the school they taught there were many children, and they prayed for their welfare and for that of their parents and all citizens. People did not always realise the benefits that they received in New Zealand. As a matter of fact they were extremely fortunate in Australia and New Zealand in having such good schools and teachers. Even in Ireland the great majority of the schools were staffed with lay teachers who, though of the faith, had not been consecrated to their work. The chapel was the gift of the ex-pupils and friends of the Sisters. The people of Temuka had given generously toward the building, and the fact of their having so practically supported its erection would bring down many blessings on them in the future. Especially at Christmas time when all the Sisters of the South Island carried out their annual retreat at Temuka, would the contributors be blessed. He then handed over the chapel in the name of St. Joseph. Tribute to Sisters. He felt it both an honour and a privilege to be asked to speak on that occasion, said the Rev. Father Spillane. He had looked forward often to the opportunity publicly to express his appreciation,to the Sisters for all they had done for him. He was an old boy of the school and felt very proud indeed. He thanked them for their noble example and for their practical help. That day was a day of joy and happiness for the Sisters and for many. If the pioneers of the past could just step into the midst of that gathering they would be overjoyed and amazed to see the progress that had been made. If the grand old pioneer of Roman Catholicism in South Canterbury, he who had carried his swag across the plains of tussock, could have been present on that occasion, what would he have said? If the Rev. Father Fauvel, the pioneer of the Temuka district, the builder of the Church and the founder of the buildings which were now carried to perfection. were to see them to-day, he would be overjoyed. In 1883 he had written to the Mother-General in Australia asking for Sisters for Temuka. At first she had not granted them, fearing to send some from Australia where they were needed, but later she had granted the request. Later he had written saying that if she would grant him some Sisters, he would send her some back. There were some large families in the district and there should at least be a few willing to grant one of their number to the service of God. It was a wonderful achievement that his prophecy had come true and many girls from different parts of the Temuka district had gone over to Australia to join the great sisterhood. Among them was the present Mother-General. It was indeed a great tribute to the Temuka district, to the school and to the Sisters that they had been able to fulfil that prophecy. As past priests of the parish. Fathers Kerley and Bartley congratulated the Sisters on the possession of such a fine chapel. The thought of the Temuka people was just as generous and full as ever it had been. The demands of a Joseohite Sister were many and very hard, and it was very fitting that their work in Temuka should have been honoured in that way. The ceremony concluded with the dedication of the chapel by his Lordship. TENNIS. In a Town and Country Association B. Grade game at the St. Joseph’s courts on Saturday, St. Joseph’s beat Geraldine Flat C by 91 games (14 sets) to 47 (2 sets). Scores (St. Joseph’s names first):Women’s singles: Miss K. Spillane 6 beat Mrs H. Dunne 2, Miss P. Spillane 6 beat Miss D. Wilks 1, Mrs W. J. Tozer 6 beat Miss M. Slater 1, Miss G. Spillane 6 beat Miss D. Earl 4. Men’s singles: K. Gillum 6 beat W. Smith 1, B. Connolly 6 beat R. Meredith 4, V. Spillane 6 beat J. Lysaght 1. A. Telford 6 beat C. Davidson 1. Women’s doubles: Mrs Tozer and Miss K. Spillane 6 beat Misses Slater and Earl 4, Misses P. and G. Spillane 5 lost to Mrs Dunne and Miss Wilks 6. Men’s doubles: Gillum and Spillane 6 beat Smith and Meredith 5, Connolly and Telford 6 beat Lysaght and Davidson 2. Mixed doubles: Miss P. Spillane and Gillum 2 lost to Mrs Dunne and Smith 6, Miss K. Spillane and Connolly 6 beat Miss Wilks and Meredith 4, Mrs Tozer and Spillane 6 beat Miss Slater and Lysaght 3, Miss G. Spillane and Telford 6 beat Miss Earl and Davidson 2. OBITUARY The death occurred at her home in Birkett Street, Temuka, of Mrs Maria Gray, one of the older residents of Temuka. Born in County Tyrone, Ireland, Mrs Gray came to New Zealand with her brother in 1879. They settled in Ashburton County near Flemington where her brother worked on farms for some years, and after they had been in the Dominion five years she married Mr William Gray, who had emigrated from County Tyrone. They continued living in the district and until they retired to Temuka in 19X9, Mr Gray had farmed in various parts of Ashburton County. Beside her husband, Mrs Gray leaves six sons. Messrs John (Hinds), Rae (Darfield). William (Southland). Samuel (Temuka). Robert (U.S.A.), and Benjamin (Temuka) and two daughters. Miss M. Gray (Temuka) and Mrs G. Stockdill (Gapes Valley). The funeral at the Temuka Ceme-

tery on Friday was largely attended. The service was conducted by Mr Ralph Beattie, of Wellington, and the pall bearers were sons of Mrs Gray.