ROLL OF HONOUR

Waikato Times, Volume 91, Issue 14122, 28 July 1919, Page 4

ROLL OF HONOUR

UNVEILED AT FRANXTON. AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY. An impressive ceremony took place in the Methodist Church at Frankton last night, when a Roll of Honour containing the names of nine young men of the church who had fought for King and country, and three of whom had made the supreme sacrifice; wis unveiled. There was a very large congregation. The pulpit was draped with a Union Jack, and. the preacher (Rev. E. T. Olds) wore his uniform of a lieutenant in the Expeditionary Forces.: Mr Olds, in unveiling the tablet, paid a glowing tribute to the men who had served in the cause of Right, and said it was only fitting that they should have public recognition. .. Th§ people thanked them for what they had done, and would always cherish'their memory. "I unveil'this Roll of Honour lo the Glory of; Ooci and in' honour of brave men,"-Concluded the preacher. Mr J. A. Young, voiced the people's appreciation'''of r the sacrifice made by the men, who had entered the war to uphold Christian principles and to fight for the' fight. From the "beginning the righteousness of their cause was recognised, and they realised that God was with them. It was fitting that such a memorial should be placed in the church to the memory of the brave men as an everlasting tribute to their sacrifice. Christ taught the world the meaning of sacrifice, and these men had followed His teachings, and some of them had laid down their lives for God and humanity. They rejoiced that the sacrifice had not been in vain, because Right had triumphed over Might, To the relatives and friends of the fallen he extended his heartfelt sympathy. Miss Major recited "In Flanders Fields," and Mr Partington sang "The Lost Chord."

In his address, Rev. Olds said the ceremony was not merely a sentimental one, but one of grateful recognition of all that the men had done. He spoke of the lessons learned through the war —the broader outlook, the clearer vision, and the fuller recognition of essentials—and expressed the hope that the people would live for those principles for which so many brave men had so gladly died. An impressive service closed with the singing of the hymn. "Abide With Me."

The Roll of Honour is a. handsome piece of work, in New Zealand wo id, with a flag and a figure, of a soldier inlaid. At the top are the words. "Frankton Methodist Church. For God and Humanity." The follow the names of the men, and at the bottom are the words, "War, 1914," with a cross, and "Peace, 191!)," with a crown. The names on the roll are Privates 0. W. Hailwood (died), \V. H. Allen, W. J. Harris (died), R. P. Lain?, and X. H. Allen; Riflemen E. C. Hailwood, T. J. Allen, E. J. Allen, and J. Allen (died). A welcome home to the men who have returned from active service will be held in the church on Thursday night.