“ SIR JOSEPH’S LIFE AN INSPIRATION.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19118, 10 July 1930, Page 9

“ SIR JOSEPH’S LIFE AN INSPIRATION.”

BISHOP BRODIE’S ADDRESS AT REQUIEM MASS TO-DAY

The great respect in which the late Sir Joseph Ward was held by the community was again made evident this morning when Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Catholic Cathedral. The Cathedral was packed to the doors by an attendance representing all sections of the public, who sat in silence through a very impressive service. The front of the Cathedral was occupied by children of the Church schools, and by representatives of the Sisterhoods, and of the Marist Brothers. The Mass was celebrated by the Rev Father J. Finnerty, who was assisted by the Rev Fathers F. L. Dignan, deacon, and G. Daly, sub-deacon. The Mass was sung by a choir of priests led by the Rev Father J. Hanrahan. The Rev Father J. M’Monagle, administrator of the parish, was master of ceremonies. Through Many Trials. His Lordship Bishop Brodie paid tribute to the qualities and character of New Zealand’s late Prime Minister, which had carried him successfully through many trials. “In public life,” said Bishop Brodie, “it often happens that varying interests and conflicting views obscure the vision and detract from the true perspective of the aims and motives of our public men. A candidate who aspires to political honours is often accused of ambition. To this accusation I would say it is a noble and laudable ambition to devote time and talents to the public good. A review of the career and the work of Sir Joseph Ward impresses one with the rich treasury of inspiration the lives of our public men mus.t offer to the youth of our day. When we recall the lives of past Premiers such as the Right Hon. Richard John Seddon, the Right Hon. W. F. Massey, and now the latest name to be added, that of the Right Hon Sir Joseph Ward, the record of self-government in New Zealand becomes illustrious in the careers and accomplishment of men whose political record reached a high standard of statesmanship. An Incentive to Youth. “When it is remembered that Sir Joseph Ward commenced his public life with no other advantage than of a boy leaving our primary schools,” continued the Bishop, “and from this humble beginning by his own Godgiven talents, by personal diligence, he so improved himself that his fellow citizens deemed him worthy of the highest honour within their bestowal, the Premiership of the Government; such an achievement must be an incentive to the youth of our land. Our young country may have its cycles of depression and prosperity, and many have to start life without any help of family prestige or personal wealth, but an example such as that offered by the record of Sir Joseph Ward proves that hard work and honest effort combined with the many opportunities that come to all will ensure ultimate success.” Sir Joseph had borne office through very troublous times in the history of New Zealand, and had never been found wanting. His life had ever been devoted to the service of the~ community. His Lordship’s address concluded with the prayer that New Zealand’s statesmen might ever have sympathetic encouragement to aid them in the arduous task of surmounting the difficulties occasioned by the widespread gloom of unemployment, that all might rejoice in seeing the nation go forward in the path of industrial peace and progress to the realisation of the highest ideals of national prosperity and national greatness. / The ceremony of the blessing of the Catalfaque for the Absolution of the Dead was then carried out, the congregation standing whilst the “Dead March In Saul" was played by Miss K. O’Connor, the organist. Representative Gathering*. Amongst those who attended were representatives of the municipal and Government departments, and the sodalities of the Church, Drs A. B. O’Brien and C. F. Morkane, Captains A. B. Williams and W. Murphy, Messrs W. Hayward (United Party), J. R. and G. Hayward (Hayward Bros.), F. W. Ault (Kinsey and Co.), B. J. Shea (Canterbury Frozen Meat Co.), R. A. Beveridge, and P. O’Connell (A. J. White, Ltd.), W. J. Green (Labour Representation Committee), A. G. Henderson (“Christchurch Times”), D. F. Dennehy, T. Cahill, J. J. M’Gahey, and P. J. Amodeo. The Canterbury Jewish Congregation has sent the following telegram to Sir Cyril Ward at Wellington: “On behalf of the Christchurch Jewish Congregation I desire to express the most profound sympathy with yourself and with all members of your family in the passing away of your late distinguished father, whose loss to the Dominion is incalculable.”— (Sgd) P. Selig, President. CASKET TRANSFERRED TO PARLIAMENT HOUSE.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 10. The casket containing the body of the late Sir Joseph Ward was transferred this morning from the Basilica to Parliament House, where it will lie in state until the funeral to the ferry steamer this afternoon. Four members of the Permanent Force under Captain Andrew, V.C., and Lieut. Page guard the coffin as the general public file silently past the catafalque. The order of the cortege this afternoon will be as follows: Mounted Police. Band, Military Guard of Honour, Gun Carriage, Wreaths, Representative of His Excellency the Governor-General. Next-of-Kin, Minsters of the Crown, Ex-Prime Ministers and Privy Councillors, Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court, Speaker of Legislative Council, Speaker of House of Representatives, Leader of Opposition and Leader of Labour Party, Members of Legislative Council, Members of House of Representatives, Mayor of Wellington, Officers Commanding Naval and Military Forces. Band, Consuls, Representatives of Religious Denominations, Magistrates, Heads of Departments, Private Secretaries, Press, Local Bodies, Executive United Party, Representatives of Banking, Commercial, Legal, Educational, and other Institutions, Private Cars and Pedestrians.

The ferry steamer will leave for Lyttelton at the usual hour (7.45 p.m.), arriving at Lyttelton at 7 a m. to-mor-row, and the body will be taken by the

8.35 a.m. express for Invercargill. On arrival at Invercargill at 9 p.m. tomorrow, it will be removed to the Basilica, and will remain there until 1 p.m. on Sunday. It was originally intended that the funeral from the Invercargill Basilica on Sunday should proceed by road to Bluff; but owing to the bad condition of that highway, the Railway Department has been requested to provide facilities for the transit of those wishing to attend the last rites at the graveside. The chief mourners will leave for, Invercargill with the body to-night, but the Parliamentarians will leave to-morrow night.