Captain Peter Logan, 5/8/1827-27/11/1893.

DEATH OF CAPTAIN P. LOGAN.

It is with extreme regret that we chronicle the death of Captain Peter Logan, which took place at Port Chalmers at 6.20 p.m on Tuesday. The deceased gentleman was for many years a master mariner in the employ of Patrick Henderson and Co., since known as the Albion Shipping Company, and as such made a large number of voyages to Dunedin. The first ship of this line which he commanded was the Robert Henderson. He afterwards sailed the William Davy, and more recently the James Nichol Fleming. These vessels were almost continually employed in bringing immigrants to Otago under a scheme of the old Provincial Government, and he probably brought out a far larger number than any other captain trading to New Zealand waters. About eight years ago he gave up the seafaring life, and was then appointed Marine Surveyor for the Albion Company at Port Chalmers. Apparently enjoying excellent health, he took no heed of any premonitory signs, and it was only when it was almost too late that it was discovered be was suffering from aneurism of the heart. He was recommended to abstain from all work, and to take a trip Home. He followed this advice, and returned in somewhat better health; but the old malady soon again attacked him, and he had to relinquish his duties. To one who had led such an active life, inactivity proved as irksome and irritating as business itself, and it soon became apparent that there was very little hope of relief. His death took place suddenly at the time above mentioned. Captain Logan was a man who, by his kindly and genial manner, combined with thorough business habits, earned the good will and respect of all who became acquainted with him, and the numerous officers whom he trained in the service of the company, several of whom are at present in Wellington, speak of his demise with feelings of the deepest sorrow. Those whose duties did not prevent them from doing so left by the Hauroto yesterday, in order to attend the funeral, which takes place at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Amongst these was Captain Moffatt, of the ship Westland. All the vessels in the harbor had their flags at half-mast yesterday. Captaiu Logan was 58 years of age, and unmarried.  -NZ Times, 29/11/1893.

DEATH OF CAPTAIN LOGAN.

The mortal remains of the late Captain Peter Logan should not be allowed to sink into the grave without some little notice, seeing that his connection with, and interest in, the Province of Otago were both long and intimate. Captain Logan was in many respects a remarkable man. Left fatherless at a very early age, he went to sea when only 11 years old, and by indomitable pluck and native shrewdness he worked himself up to a position of trust in the service of the Company whom he so faithfully represented for so many years at Port Chalmers. It has been asserted on good authority that the ships of which he so long held the command brought a larger number of immigrants into the Colony than those of all the other companies put together trading to the port. He possessed a great deal of tact, wisdom, and energy in managing those committed to his charge, and was singularly fortunate in never having any mishap during the many voyages he made to this port in cbarge of immigrants. His first visit to the Colony was made in September, 1860, as master of the ship Robert Henderson, being the second voyage of this well-known ship with Government immigrants. Having on board measles and scarlatina, on her arrival she was subjected to a process of quarantine in Deborah Bay below Port Chalmers, and as there were at that time no facilities for housing so large a number as 350 people, they had to remain on board ship, the washing of clothes being carried on on shore by daily relays from the ship, from which they were conducted in the ship's boats under the surveillance of Captain Logan. Many of the immigrants can testify to his kindness and attention on that trying occasion. Having subsequently made four voyages with immigrants in the same ship, one being direct to the Bluff — he took command of the ship William .Davie, and a few years after of the ship James Nicol Fleming. When the Albion Shipping Company was formed by the absorption of the ships owned by by Messrs P. Henderson and Co., it was found that a ship's husband to look after the fleet, yearly augmented by new ships, was a pressing necessity. Captain Logan was appointed to undertake the responsible charge, and it is well known how well and faithfully he fulfilled his duties. So fully did the owners appreciate his services that at the annual meeting of the Company three years ago they made him the handsome present of the sum of £500. It may here be stated that Mr Galbraith, the managing director of the Albion Shipping Company, had a deservedly high opinion of Captain Logan's ability and wisdom, and asked his advice on every occasion when a necessity arose. Many youths whom he trained are indebted to him for their present positions as masters in the Company's and in other ships. To his mother in her widowhood he proved a dutiful son. Even when a youth before the mast he religiously set apart a stated portion of his earnings for her benefit; and when prosperity favoured him, her declining years were soothed by every comfort which he was able to bestow, and her circumstances required.   -Otago Daily Times, 29/11/1893.

Port Chalmers New Cemetery.

9/96 2nd Lieutenant Norman Forrester Watson, 1/9/1888-12/10/1917.

Norman Watson was a draper when he joined the Army 1914 and was posted to the Otago Mounted Rifles.  With the rank of Lance-Corporal, he was wounded in the arm at Gallipoli.  He was transferred to the NZ Pioneer Battalion in  March 1916 with the rank of Sergeant. From there he was promoted and eventually commissioned in the  Otago Infantry Regiment in April 1917.

He was with the Otagos' 1st Battalion in the failed assault on Bellevue Spur on October 10th.  The "Official History" describes his death: "The 1st Battalion of Otago now pressed into the breach and renewed the struggle. Officers and men, temporarily unseen by the enemy, crawled through the belts of wire in an almost forlorn endeavour to get at the enemy block-houses and the machine guns which they sheltered. 2nd-Lieuts. J. J. Bishop and N. F. Watson had got so far forward as to be killed in the act of hurling bombs through the loop-holes. On the left 10th Company had all its officers either killed or wounded, and a small group dug in at Wolf Copse, away to the left."

For the Empire's Cause

WATSON — On Friday, October 12, killed while in action "presumably at Bellevue Spur, Flanders," Second Lieutenant Norman Forrester, second beloved son of John and Helen Watson, "Bellevue," Port Chalmers; aged 30 years. Suffered and died for King and Country.  -Otago Daily Times, 22/10/1917.

Port Chalmers New Cemetery.

29832 Private John Buchan Moir, 21/10/1895-12/10/1917.

John Moir was a shipwright with the Union Steam Ship Company when he joined the army in October, 1916.  He died almost exactly one year later, in the impossible assault against Bellevue Spur in the Battle of Passchendaele.  In that assault, men of the Otagos, and others, were ordered to cross, in knee-deep mud, over to German concrete fortifications and barbed wire which had not been touched by the artillery fire which was meant to "soften up" the enemy.  It was a tragedy among the many of the "Great War."

He has no known grave.  This would indicate that, as so often happened in failed assaults, his body was not recovered.  It would have been buried by German soldiers to get it out of the way or possibly erased from existence by high explosive shellfire.

The number in an Army Battalion, at full strength, is usually one thousand soldiers.  The 2nd Otago Battalion returned without 446 men, killed, wounded, gassed or missing.

For the Empire's Cause

MOIR. — On October 12, killed while in action, John Buchan Moir (18th Reinforcements), beloved youngest son of Margaret and the late John Moir, Port Chalmers; in his 22nd year. 

He did his duty.  -Otago Daily Times, 6/11/1917. 

Port Chalmers New Cemetery.

2/2/672 Private Dugald Alexander Horne McLachlan, 1892-8/12/1915.

DEATH OF PRIVATE D. McLACHLAN.

General regret was expressed at Port Chalmers yesterday by the receipt of a telegram stating that Private Dugald McLachlan had died at Trentham camp. Deceased was a son of Mr John McLachlan manager of the Port Chalmers branch of the Union Company. Shortly after going into camp for training, about a month ago, he was kicked by a horse, but he appeared to have got over his injuries. It transpired, however, that internal complications supervened, and he died yesterday morning.  -Otago Daily Times, 9/12/1915.

GAELIC SOCIETY. 

There was a good attendance at the monthly meeting of the Gaelic Society last night at the Orchestral Hall, Rattray street. The Forbury School Band was in attendance in charge of Mr James Borthwick, and at 8 o'clock the band played outside, and was later accommodated with seats in the hall. The chief (Mr Dugald McPherson) presided, accompanied on the platform by Chieftain Kenneth Cameron and Mr Borthwick. The chief extended a hearty welcome to the visitors, and also to the newest kilted band in Dunedin. He feelingly referred to the demise of Mr Dugald McLachlan, one of the original members of the society, and for many years its energetic president. He knew the sympathy of those present would be with the bereaved family, and called on the society's piper to play a lament, during which the audience stood up.   -Otago Daily Times, 8/12/1915.

FUNERAL NOTICE 

The Friends of JOHN and MARGARET McLACHLAN arc respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of their late SON, DUGALD, which will leave their Residence, Harrington street, Port Chalmers, THIS DAY (SATURDAY), December 11, at 2 p.m., for the Port Chalmers New Cemetery. — LOVE BROS., Undertakers, Port Chalmers.

2 COMPANY, N.Z.G.A. The Members of the above Company, also Port Chalmers Cadets, will Assemble at the top of Daly street at 3 p.m. TO-DAY, for the purpose of attending the FUNERAL of the late Gunner D. McLACHLAN. 

N. DODDS, Major.  -Otago Daily Times, 11/12/1915.

On Saturday afternoon a military funeral was accorded to the late Gunner Dugald McLachlan, a son of Mr John McLachlan, of Port Chalmers, who died at Trentham. The funeral was very largely attended, both by the Territorials and the civilians of Port Chalmers. A large number of returned troopers were also present, and several of these acted as pall-bearers. The firing party was provided from the mobilised forces at the Central Battery, and the Dunedin Pipe Band played the cortege to the burial ground. The Port Chalmers members of No. 2 Company, N.Z.G.A. and the Cadets paraded in full force, and the Defence Department was represented by Captain Hawkins, of the staff, Major Dodds and all his officers. Captain A. Whyte, New Zealand Chaplains' Department, officiated at the graveside.   -Otago Daily Times, 13/12/1915.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE: THE FUNERAL OF ONE OF OUR SOLDIERS, PRIVATE DUGALD M'LAC'HLAN, AT PORT CHALMERS. — De Maus, photo.  -Otago Witness, 5/1/1916.

Port Chalmers New Cemetery.

Agnes Sunderland, 25/5/1898-13/1/1924.

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED. 

Agnes Sunderland, a married woman 25 years of age, residing at Carey’s Bay, Port Chalmers, was admitted to the Dunedin Hospital yesterday suffering from a serious gunshot wound in the chest. Apparently a .303 gun was being loaded preparatory to its being fixed in the course of New Year’s Eve celebrations when it exploded.  -Otago Daily Times, 2/1/1924.

LOADED GUN DANGER

WOMAN SUFFERS INJURY. 

With a serious gunshot wound in her chest, Agnes Sunderland, a married woman, twenty-five years of age, residing at Carey’s Bay, Port Chalmers, was admitted to the Dunedin Hospital yesterday. The wound was the result of an accident with a gun that had been loaded to fire in the course of the celebration of New Year, but details of the occurrence are not available. This morning the hospital reported that the woman had shown a slight improvement.  -Evening Star, 2/1/1924.

GUN EXPLODES. 

Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, January 3. Further details regarding the wounding in the chest of Mrs Agnes Sunderland at Port Chalmers on New Year’s Eve show that at the suggestion of the wounded woman’s husband, a visitor, Charles Stevenson, fired in the air a rifle loaded with three cartridges. The weapon exploded, Stevenson being slightly wounded also. The woman is recovering.   -Star, 3/1/1924.

RIFLE BREACH BURSTS

NEW YEAR’S EVE FATALITY. 

INQUEST CONCLUDED. 

The inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Agnes Sunderland, married, twenty-five years of age, who was severely wounded in the chest at Carey’s Bay, Port Chalmrs, on New Year’s Eve, through the explosion of a rifle, and who died in the Dunedin Hospital on January 13, was continued this morning before the coroner (Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M.). Sub-inspector Eccles represented the police. 

Dr Perry, assistant medical officer, Dunedin Hospital, deposed that deceased was admitted to the hospital on January 1, about 8.50 a.m. Witness saw deceased about an hour later, when he found her in a state of collapse. There was a wound about half an inch long just beneath the left breast. Her condition was critical from the start. Deceased rallied from January 3 until the afternoon of January 12, when she began to sink. Witness was called and found that her breathing was labored. Stimulants were applied, but she died about 8.30 a.m. on January 13. At the subsequent post mortem it was found that the left lung was badly torn and was practically pulp. There was a piece of metal (which would fit into the breech of the gun produced), in the inner covering of the heart. The cause of death was pericarditis and heart failure following a wound in the chest. The deceased was a healthy woman. 

Eric McDonald Sunderland said that the rifle produced was his property. He used it on Wednesday, December 26, when it acted alright. It was partly cleaned and put away. Mr Stevenson put the cartridge in the gun on the night of the accident.

Charles Stevenson, laborer, residing at Carey’s Bay, said he fired off the rifle to celebrate the coming in of the new year. He loaded the rifle. Mrs Sutherland was standing on his right on the verandah. When the rifle exploded he was struck by missiles on the chest and neck. Mrs Sutherland was removed to the cottage Hospital. He examined the gun and found the breech had burst, and that a part of the cartridge was still in the breech. He could not account for the accident.

Archibald William Porteous, father of the deceased, said he was present at the time of the accident. He corroborated the previous witness’s evidence. 

Charles Edward Hazard, foreman-gunssmith for Messrs A. W. McCarthy, Limited, said he had had thirty-two years’ experience of guns. He had examined the gun in question and was of opinion that it was possible that the bolt-head was loose. He was satisfied that the bolt was closed. The cartridge had nothing to do with the explosion. 

The Coroner said that the evidence showed that on New Year’s Eve Sunderland and his family were celebrating the occasion. Sunderland arranged to discharge a rifle. He was a man used to rifles, and handed the rifle and cartridges to Stevenson, who fired the rifle. Unfortunately, it exploded and a portion of the breech blew out. The exact cause was difficult to determine. Witness Hazard was unable to throw much light on the matter. It was one of those distressing things which occur at times. It was a pure accident. It was rather foolish to fire a live cartridge to make a noise. Blank cartridges should have been used. The verdict would be that deceased died on January 13, at Dunedin, the cause of death being pericarditis and heart failure, following wounds caused bv the accidental bursting of a rifle fired at Carey’s Bay on New Year’s Eve.  -Evening Star, 17/1/1924.

Port Chalmers New Cemetery.

8/733 Private Cecil Barker, 18/6/1889-22/11/1918.

Cecil Barker worked as a fitter in the Hillside Railway workshops before volunteering for the army in 1914.  He was admitted to a hospital ship off the Gallipoli peninsula on May 5th, 1915, and it would have been not long before that when he was wounded with a Turkish bullet in his arm.  In early May Cecil's unit, the Otago Infantry Battalion, attempted to advance from its landing beaches and met very strong resistance.

Private Cecil Barker is the eldest son of Mr George Barker, Port Chalmers, and is 26 years of age. He was born in Melbourne, and educated in the Port Chalmers District High School. On leaving school he served his apprenticeship as a fitter with the firm of Stevenson and Cook, and afterwards at the Hillside Workshops, where he was employed until the outbreak of war, when he left in the Main Expeditionary Force. Private Barker was one of the wounded who were sent to England for treatment. A letter from the High Commissioner states that he is suffering from a wound in the upper arm, which is considered serious, but he is improving.  -Evening Star, 17/8/1915.

Private Cecil Barker, of the Otago Battalion (wounded), is the eldest son of Mr and Mrs George Barker, of Port Chalmers. He always took a keen interest in military matters, and for some years previous to the outbreak of the war was closely associated with the Navals in Dunedin. He left for the seat of war in the First Contingent, and was in the landing at the Dardanelles. Private Barker was struck by a bullet on the upper part of the left arm, causing a dangerous wound. He was at once transferred to a hospital ship and sent to England. For a time he was in the Birmingham Hospital, where his injuries were found to be so severe as to necessitate the amputation of the lacerated limb. A few days ago advice was received that Private Barker was in the Plymouth Convalescent Hospital. He is expected to return to the Dominion about Christmas.   -Otago Witness, 29/9/1915.

Under the heading: “Coming and Going,” the “New Zealand Railway Review” says — “Several more of the boys and men, married at that, have left loved ones, homes, and billets to don the uniform, and, by the way, pay for buttons, badges, spurs, etc., and be bled generally by canteen holders and shopkeepers before they bleed for their country. Several others have returned to their homes and having tasted of the Sweets (?) of war, are not anxious to return for more. Cecil Barker minus an arm, Cecil Nicholson with punctured lungs, W. Kitto (who had to resign to get away), with a lump of shrapnel in his foot, and others in a questionable state of health, all deserving honour, and a fair billet. The department’s part of the war starts here. Will it be loyal to those loyal men?  -NZ Times, 1/5/1916.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY.

DEATHS.

BARKER. — On November 23rd, at Dunedin Hospital, Cecil Barker, 8/733, Main Body, the dearly beloved eldest son of George and Annie Barker, Wickliffe terrace, Port Chalmers; aged 28 years. His duty done.  -Evening Star, 23/11/1918.

Cecil Barker, who died this morning, was a returned soldier, who lost his arm fighting on Gallipoli. He was the eldeet son of Mr and Mrs George Barker, of Port Chalmers.   -Evening Star, 23/11/1918.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

The Friends of the late CECIL BARKER (No. 8/753, Main Body) are respcctfully requested to attend his Funeral, which will leave his parents' Residence, Wickliffe terrace, Port Chalmers, THIS DAY (MONDAY), November 25, at 3 p.m., for the Port Chalmers New Cemetery. 

LOVE BROS., Undertakers.   -Otago Daily Times, 25/11/1918.

Private Cecil Barker, a main body man, was accorded a military funeral yesterday afternoon at Port Chalmers. He succumbed to the epidemic. Private Barker lost an arm at Gallipoli. The Rev. S. H. Peryman conducted the burial service at the Port Chalmers cemetery, and Mr J. H. Harland, G.P., read the Druids' service.   -Evening Star, 26/11/1918.

Cecil Barker had survived the war and his wound.  It was Spanish influenza which ended his life.

Port Chalmers New Cemetery.

Margaret Howden, 1899-19/2/1938.

The following is just a few of the references in local and national newspapers toMargaret Howden.  In the days when radio was king, her name could be seen often in radio programming announced in the papers, contributing her voice to live programmes of music and song.

RESULTS OF EVENTS AT DUNEDIN FESTIVAL.

(Special to the “Star.”) DUNEDIN. October 4. At the competitions, in the vocal solo, own selection, Miss Margaret Howden was first with 183 points, and Miss Kathleen Bond (Christchurch) third with 181 points. In the Burns song, own selection Miss Evelyn Sheppard was again successful with 187 points.  -Star, 4/10/1930.

Miss Meda Paine gave a forceful and authoritative interpretation of the ‘Jewel Song,’ the brightest and most sparkling air of ‘Faust.’ It was a striking performance, the recitative being especially well sung. Miss Margaret Howden, a young contralto with an excellent quality and a fine sense of conception, was heard in Sullivan’s ‘Will He Come?’   -Evening Star, 20/11/1930.

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Mrs O. Bowker, Timaru, is the guest of her daughter, Mrs A. C. Stephens, Hawthorn avenue, Mornington.

Mrs M. Taylor, Mosgicl, is at present visiting Christchurch.

Miss Fan Peake travelled to Wellington on Saturday last en route to Waikato, where she will spend the vacation.

Mrs W. Vivian is paying a visit to Christchurch.

Mrs Easther and Mrs H. A. Le Cren have gone to Karitane for a short holiday.

Mrs S. K. Sleigh has returned from a visit to Invercargill.

Miss Margaret Howden left on Tuesday for the north to fulfil a musical engagement.  -Evening Star, 28/8/1931.

At the Ashburton Competition Society's annual festival, which was concluded last Tuesday, Miss Margaret Howden, of Dunedin, gained first prize for the sacred solo, second for the test piece, the national song and own selection, and was highly commended in three other classes. Miss Howden is a pupil of Mr Ernest Drake.  -Otago Daily Times, 5/9/1931.

PERSONAL ITEMS

Miss Joan Gardner, Cashel Street West, has returned home from a visit to Wellington. 

Mrs Laurie Fahey, Coach Road, Little River, is visiting friends in Christchurch. 

Miss D. Leonardo, Taranaki, is the guest of Miss Dalglish, Jolie Street South, Akaroa. 

Miss I. Brash, B.A., left by the Ionic last evening for Edinburgh, where she will study at Edinburgh University. 

Miss Margaret Howden, Port Chalmers, will arrive in Christchurch tomorrow to spend a fortnight’s holiday.  -Star, 10/5/1935.

At the Christchurch competitions on Monday, Miss Margaret Howden (Port Chalmers), gained third place in the English song for contraltos, with 83 points.   -Evening Star, 25/5/1935.

WANTED Known — Miss Margaret Howden is returning specially from Christchurch to sing ‘Hame,’ Scottish Concert, Monday, Concert Chamber, at 8.   -Evening Star, 29/5/1935.

The marriage of Miss Margaret Howden, of Port Chalmers, to Mr Eric Stride, of St. Clements, Lee-on-Solent, England, will take place at the Epsom Presbyterian Church, Auckland, on Saturday next. The officiating minister will be the Rev. J. W. McKenzie, formerly of Port Chalmers.  -Evening Star, 7/7/1937.

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL

Miss Hilda Taylor, of Auckland, Miss Dora Miller, of Oamaru, together with friends, spent the week-end ice-skating at Lake Tekapo.

Mr and Mrs W. Gilroy will leave by the second express to-day for an extended tour of the North Island.

The guest of honour at an enjoyable “cabin” party given at Ballantyne’s, Christchurch, recently, was Mrs Eric Stride (formerly Miss Margaret Howden, of Port Chalmers), who was married in Auckland last week. Mrs Stride will leave by the Rangitiki for England next week. Mrs George Howden and Mrs Arthur Kirby were joint hostesses, and many useful gifts were received.  -Otago Daily Times, 24/7/1937.

SINGER PASSES.

KNOWN IN PALMERSTON NORTH 

Cabled advice has been received in Dunedin of the death in England of Mrs Eric Stride, known to a number of Palmerston North friends as Miss Margaret Howden. Mrs Stride stayed for a few days in Palmerston North in 1937 with her aunt, Miss Howden, of Nash Street. Mr A. J. Graham was very interested in Mrs Stride’s musical ability and as an outcome Mrs Stride sang at an evening service at St. Andrew’s Church, also at a social hour held afterwards. In the following week Mrs Stride contributed solos at a ladies’ meeting. Subsequently she proceeded to Auckland where she was married. Mrs Stride passed away in a nursing home at Lee-on-the-Solent. She was well-known in Dunedin musical circles and also in Port Chalmers, where her loving and unselfish disposition had endeared her to all. Possessor of a rich contralto voice she won the ladies’ vocal championship at the Dunedin competitions festival in 1936 and also gained considerable success at the Christchurch competitions. She was a popular performer on the concert platform. Mrs Stride had intended to further her musical studies in England at one of the London academies. Of a charming personality, she was at all times ready to assist any church or charitable organisation. She was the only daughter of Mr and Mrs J. A. Howden, of Port Chalmers, and was 28 years of age. During her short visit to Palmerston North she made a number of friends whose sympathy will be extended to her parents, and to her aunt in this city.  -Manawatu Standard, 5/3/1938.

THE FLIGHT OF A SONG

Written for the Otago Daily Times By the Rev. D. Gardner Miller 

Sometimes my mail brings me sad news. The other morning I received from an unknown friend a newspaper cutting, with a note enclosed, telling me of the death of a young woman whom I had met only once, but whom I had not forgotten. The newspaper cutting told me her married name, Mrs Eric Stride, and that she had died in a nursing home in England. I knew her as Miss Margaret Howden, of Port Chalmers. The one and only time I met her was in the little church of lovely Karitane. It was at the evening service. I had promised my friends to preach and Miss Howden was the soloist. She had a glorious contralto voice and she sang “Abide With Me.” I shall never forget her rendering. I remember sitting in the pulpit listening to her and wishing I hadn’t to preach, for I felt she was singing a message that my clumsy preaching might spoil. I could not for the life of me describe her to anyone, but I remember her voice and her song. Her voice still lives and so does her song. When I heard of her passing, the memory of her voice and her glorious song that night came back to me, there came alongside that memory the words of an old song that seemed so apt - 

I breath’d a song into the air,

It fell to earth I know not where, 

For who has sight so keen and strong, 

That it can follow the flight of a song? 

The flight of a song! I have no doubt at all where that song of hers, and that glorious voice of hers, have gone. My faith still hears it, and one day I shall meet the singer. The song has not died, for Margaret Howden has not died. She is singing up in heaven.

There is one glorious aspect of my faith which comforts me and strengthens me when the billows are rolling over my head, and it is that God preserves and uses our gifts, no matter what they are or how poor they may be. Death is not an end, it is a liberation. And as I cannot think that heaven is a place for idling, I believe that God uses us there to do the thing, it may be the one thing, that we can do well. And so I thought immediately of Margaret Howden singing in heaven, and teaching others to sing praises to the Saviour. Let me here re-tell a story of Stanley Jones, the famous missionary. In the city of Rangoon was a bright, vivacious European college girl who became a teacher. Life seemed to hold beautiful promise for her, but before her sun had climbed to its zenith it became suddenly darkened by the blackest of clouds. She discovered that she was a leper. She tried to hide the dread fact but it could not be done. She was taken away for treatment. After some time she came back symptom-free. She began her teaching again. But the disease had only been stayed — it was still there and began to be active again. She felt instinctively that if she went back for treatment again it would be all over. She tried to smother it and tell herself it was not there. But to no avail. One day she deliberately left her classroom, walked out the two miles to the leper asylum, hesitated a long time before the gates, knowing that if they closed on her this time it would be almost certainly for good and all. With a prayer on her lips she went in. On the axis of that prayer, life turned from resentment and bitterness to victory. Blocked from teaching on the outside, she turned to teaching the lepers, and more — she arranged them into a choir and taught them to sing. And in doing so her own heart caught a strange new music it had never known before. She is radiant. Did I say she was teaching those lepers? Nay, she is teaching us all. I have told this story of Stanley Jones’s because it enshrines a glorious truth to me. And that truth is that God uses us along the line of our capabilities when the gates of this life have closed behind us. So it is that I can see Margaret Howden teaching lots of tired pilgrims how to sing when they arrive in the Celestial city. Think of the great number of people in the world who never had a song in their hearts. Life has been harsh to them. But, oh, the transport, the delight, when in Heaven God teaches them, through one of His singing servants, the new song, the song of the Lamb! 

Similarly with the rest of us with our gifts. I can think of many women who have the lovely gift of being able to comfort. There must come to Heaven many a frightened child and many a lonely creature; won’t God ask the comforters to make them feel at home! I even dare to think that God will let me preach for there must come to Heaven many whose acquaintance with the Saviour’s life story is very meagre. At any rate I could tell them how I met the Saviour and what He did for me. It may be that some of you may think all this is fanciful. Let me say, in all seriousness, that to me it is very real. I am kept very busy and most of my days are spent getting alongside men and women whom life has dealt harshly with I can never think of God cheating anyone and I remind myself, again and again, that God must, because He loves, give those whose spirits are bruised and to whom life has refused opportunities for growth, ample scope in Heaven for the hidden graces of the heart and life to flower. Life here is too short, even at its longest, for any of us to do and be all that we would like to be and do Heaven is a continuation of life. It is only the locality that changes when we die; and so I believe with all my heart and soul that without hampering restrictions, Heaven is the place of growth and completion. Why, there are many people in this life who have never had a real chance eyen to live decently. And do you think God does nothing else but condemn! That’s a wrong and a horrible thought to have of God. I am sure God loves to give chances and Heaven is the only chance some folks will ever get of being what God always meant them to be. Yes, the song goes on and others learn from us. When God takes anyone away quickly I hear a voice within me saying, "She is needed up in Heaven far more than on earth.” And so to all of you to whom Brother Death has come and taken a loved one I would say, "Listen and you will hear your loved one singing." 

Port Chalmers New Cemetery.