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The Late John Wesley Jago.
A Good and Faithful Servant.
and we may add, with but little conscious exaggeration,"His mute dust
We honor and his living worth";
"A man more pure and bold and just
Was never born into the earth."
Very sudden was the call that came yesterday; Death was full urgent with our friend, but (with reverent confidence be it conjectured) he had small need of time in which to make his spiritual dispositions and cast the slough of earth. "Even as he trod that day to God, so walked he from his birth." Our praise is large and emphatic; to those whose acquaintance with Mr Jago was slight and casual it will doubtless appear extravagant; but not a will be aware that we write conscientiously and according to knowledge.
Large-hearted charity, social zeal, and an almost passionate philanthropic devotion are the qualities which are primarily pictured in the mind as we think of Mr Jago's character, but it must not be forgotten that his intellectual abilities were also of no inconsiderable calibre. In his best days he was a public speaker of much force and impressiveness, with great command of language and argumentative grip; and to the very end he wielded the pen of something better than a ready writer. He could be very trenchant on occasion, and the controversialist who measured swords with him had to keep all his wits alert. His unceasing energies were given to the Temperance cause, which he championed at a time when total abstinence was regarded as an eccentricity and when the doctrine of Prohibition brought scant popularity to the preacher. We are not writing from the Prohibitionist standpoint, and it goes without saying that Mr Jago's views on this subject were not the views editorially enounced in this paper; but we are acutely conscious to-day that he would have thanked us little for any tribute which should seem to slur over his life-long activity in the fight against the liquor traffic. It will be generally admitted that he was a fair fighter and a scrupulous controversialist. He had a kindly feeling for his opponents, even while frankly regarding their cause as an odious one. He treated the Temperance argument from many standpoints, but the essentially Poisonous nature of alcohol was the consideration which (especially of late years) he was most insistent in presenting. His whole soul was in this work, but he was very far from being "a man of one idea." He had largeness of mind as well as of heart, a shrewd relish for good books (including fiction), and a thoroughly genial interest in the current events of the world, great and small, universal and local. He loved a "crack" and a joke, and a cheerier, more sympathetic companion it would have been difficult to find. How we shall miss those frequent, brisk conversations!
Much more might be written concerning him who has journeyed so swiftly to the Land of Light. "Large was his bounty and his soul sincere"—but of his incessant bounty it is fitting to say little. He would have preferred silence on this score, and posthumous praise does well not to linger too particularly over
"That best portion of a good man's life—His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love."
Not unremembered, however, by many and many a grateful soul. Be it added that Mr Jago's benevolence knew no restriction in regard to creed or shibboleth of any kind. He was a man of deep religious feeling, but religious toleration was almost a passion with him. Much might be said, too, regarding the value of his work in this office and his intelligent devotion to the interests of the 'Evening Star'; but here again there is little need of eulogistic words. We have lost a dear friend and comrade and helper. Dunedin has lost a high-souled citizen and philanthropist. To have known him well, to have enjoyed his companionship, to have admired his rare unselfishness and self-sacrificing love of his kind—this is "part of our life's unalterable good."
Appreciations.
For though from out our bourne of time and space
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face,
When I have crossed the bar.
Whilst there is something inexpressibly sad in the suddenness with which the news was brought home to us of the passing away of our dear and beloved friend, that fuller consideration which comes after the first poignant touch has passed enables us to feel that had it been given to him who was with us but yesterday in the fullest of mental vigor and almost unshaken physical health to decide, he would not have chosen any other form of putting aside the burden and duty of life. Nor is there any imperious call, apart from the personal one for excessive demonstrations of sorrow. Into the grief of that inner circle and of that home now rendered sacred by the anguish of the bereaved and the still presence of the loved one we dare not enter. Our sorrow is of a different, less permanent, more general character. But knowing him, as we have done for many, many years, meet in;, him at every hour of the day, conversing with him on men and things, and at time? catching glimpses of that unobtrusive, whole-souled, genuinely practical Christianity which was the foundation of his life's work, and inwoven with the very fabric of his being—knowing these things, we can, in all truth and sincerity, stand forth and say "This was a man."
There was in him an absolute absence of even the shadow of an approach to affectation; his comings and goings were as void of assumption as it is possible for those of any mere mortals to be; he was a friend, companion, adviser, not a superior, a critic, or fault-finder. Nor was there a day in his life but what someone did not wait on him for counsel or help, and we know—few better—that none went empty away. To him the lines, written a century and a-half ago may be applied with singular appropriateness:
His virtues walked their narrow round,
Nor made a pause, nor left a void;
And sure the Eternal Master found
The single talent well employed.
The busy day, the peaceful night,
Unfelt, uncounted, glided by;
His frame was firm, his powers were bright.
Though now his eightieth year was nigh.
Then, with no fiery, throbbing pain,
No cold gradations of decay,
Death broke at once the vital chain,
And freed his soul the nearest way.
To such men the world owes much. Their life's record is an unconscious but perpetual rebuke to the selfish and ignoble. They clarify the atmosphere, and make those whose privilege it was to be in intimate relationship with them feel that it is good to have known them. "Life is worth living," declared our friend on the occasion of his golden wedding, and the words, coming as they did from such a source, made some of the younger pessimists among us feel small and ashamed. Well will it be for us if when our day comes we shall be able to look back upon over seventy years of life so well employed in the service of God and our fellow-men. For ourselves, words ail us—we know not yet the extent of our loss; we can only utter these few broken thoughts by way of tribute, knowing how feeble and impotent they are, though redeemed from sterility by the depth of our sorrow and the consecration of our tears.
This week, in the early part of it, Mr Jago was going about his business as usual, complaining now and again of shortness of breath, but showing no sign of being seriously ill. As late as Thursday he went through his customary routine at the office That evening he consulted Dr O'Neill about the difficulty of breathing which resulted from any slight exertion, and though, as the result of the medical advice, he resolved to take a rest, he felt in no way apprehensive, being inclined to the idea that a touch of indigestion had something to do with his bother about breath. Thus it come about that Mr Jago took a holiday yesterday afternoon. He spent the day at home. In the afternoon the Rev. W. Saunders called at the house, having heard that Mr Jago was not very well, and was pleased to find him not in bed but sitting at his desk finishing a letter. He read the letter to Mr Saunders, and the two old friends sat for a while chatting on general topics, after which they took a turn in the garden and then walked over with Mrs Jago to look at the scene of the neighboring fire. They stayed there a few minutes and then shook hands, Mr and Mrs Jago sauntering home. During the whole of the afternoon Mr Jago was particularly cheerful and bright. About a quarter past six o'clock he went to bed so that Dr O'Neill could make a thorough examination. The doctor did so, and recommended him to take a week's rest in bed. To this he replied that he would not stop in bed but would get up and lie on the sofa. About a quarter past eight his son James commenced to read the 'Star' to him, and in a few minutes heard a strange sound and found his father gasping for breath. Rubbing over the region of the heart did not seem to relieve him and though he got up twice he could find no relief, but kept saying "Breath, breath." His son finally got him to bed again and called the family, and while Mrs Jago was fetching him a drink of hot water that he had asked for he fell back and died in the arms of Mr G. C. Israel and Mr R. Greig the death taking place at 9.45 p.m. Drs Closs and O'Neill were hastily summoned, but the case was beyond their relief. The cause of death was valvular disease of the heart. All the members of the family excepting Mr Alfred Jago (who lives near Ashburton) attended a simple service conducted about midnight by the Rev. W. Saunders.
Of Mr Jago's career as a temperance advocate many columns might be written. He signed the pledge when but six or seven
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years of age, and the world cannot produce any person who can prove that he ever violated the undertaking. He delivered his first temperance speech when fifteen years old, as Chief Ruler of the Phoenix Hope Tent of the Juvenile Order of Rechabites at Alloa. His last public appearance was when he presided at the presentation to Mr A. S. Adams on the 26th October of last year. In the lengthy interval of nearly sixty years he kept hammering away at the sin of intemperance, and who can tell how many persons he was the means of rescuing? The record is not kept on the earth. Whilst residing in Glasgow he superintended the work of one of the most active temperance missions there, and his services as a platform speaker were freely acknowledged. On coming to New Zealand he became a co-worker with Sir Wm. Fox and other temperance leaders. It may be interesting to mention that of the Committee of the society to which Mr Jago came out only Messrs Frank Graham, A. Stewart (of the Union street School), and James Stewart (Manor place) are now alive. Mr Graham and Mr Jago used to preach every Sunday close to the bush where the Gardens now stand. Mr Jago took part in the introduction of the Order of the Sons of Temperance to New Zealand; he became the Grand Worthy Patriarch of that body; he was chosen as Chief Templar of the first Good Templar Lodge opened in Dunedin, in 1872—the Lodge Pioneer; he was in 1877 made G.W.C.T. at the annual session of the Grand Lodge held in Christchurch; in 1880, at the annual session of the Grand Lodge held in Wellington, he was presented with a gold watch, with a tea and coffee service for Mrs Jago—the only such presentation ever made; he edited the 'Temperance Advocate' and its successor, the 'Temperance Herald'; he was made president of the New Zealand "Alliance in 1898-99; and on more than one occasion he has contributed articles to temperance conferences in Great Britain. Dr Roseby, his former pastor and co-worker, now residing at Marrickville, near Sydney, once wrote this: "Mr Jago is an earnest, well-read, intelligent and most enthusiastic advocate of the cause. He is the best-equipped, the best-informed temperance speaker, and, at times, one of the most eloquent have known. He is a perfect encyclopedia of information on the subject." Sir Robert Stout's appreciation may also be recalled: "It would have been a good thing for the colony if Mr Jago had been enabled to have taken a more prominent part in our social and political life. He has, however, done much for righteousness." These remarks, be it noted, are by men of Mr Jago's own type—unpurchasably-independent.
". . . Life is not an idle ore,
But iron dug from central gloom,
And heated hot with burning fears.
And dipt in baths of hissing tears,
And batter'd with the shocks of doom,
To shape and use."
"He was (woe worth the word) to each well-thinking mind,
A spotless friend, a matchless man, whose virtue ever shined,
Declaring in his thoughts, his life, and that he writ,
Highest conceits, longest foresights, and deepest works of wit."
John Wesley Jago was born at Nails-worth, Gloucestershire, on the 15th March, 1830. In 1838 he was taken by his parents to Glasgow. From Glasgow the family moved to Alloa, where Mr Jago served four years' apprenticeship to the brassfounding. After that he returned to Glasgow and joined the employ of the 'North British Railway and Shipping Journal,' owned by Mr Mills. From that office Mr Jago went to the 'Examiner' office. It was while in the latter employ that he married. His next move was to the service of the Caledonian Railway Company, and later on he accepted a situation with the firm of Wm. Baird and Co. at the Garlsterrie Ironworks. In a little while he was transferred to the company's works at Lugar, in Ayrshire, and here he had to put up with dismisal because, being a Radical, he would not help to secure the return of the Conservative candidate at an election for Ayrshire Borough. Mr Jago then returned to Glasgow and found employment with the firm of Schrader and Mitchell, who dealt in leather, bark, and hides. Shortly after the finding of gold in Otago the Dunedin Total Abstinence Society resolved to bring a man from Scotland to act as agent for the Society, and the selectors (Mr John Marr, the Rev. W. Arnott, and Dr Miller) chose Mr Jago for the appointment. He there-upon resigned his situation in Glasgow and came out with his wife and four children by the ship Cheviot, Captain Orkney, arriving in Otago in October of 1862. They were met and welcomed by a number of old settlers, including Dr Purdie, Mr and Mrs John Logan, Mr A. R: Livingston, Captain Stewart, Mr Jas. Stevenson, Mr A. Rennie, and Mr A. Galt. The arrangement with the Total Abstinence Society was not long sustained, and Mr Jago had to enter business again. He went into the timber trade, and for a time carried on business in conjunction with Mr Allan Gait in the Octagon; he after-wards carried on business as a flax ex-porter in premises opposite the present Law Courts, where he had a disastrous fire, and later was proprietor of a bonded warehouse in Stuart street. In 1872 he took the position of manager of the 'Evening Star' in succession to Mr J. B. White-way, and held that office until the day of his death, enjoying the full confidence of Mr George Bell, sen., and his successors, and being regarded by the employees as their firm friend as well as their manager In June of 1902, when Mr and Mrs Jago celebrated their golden wedding, between 400 and 500 citizens mustered in the largest hall in Dunedin, the Mayor (Mr Park) presiding, to do honor to the worthy couple. The speeches made on that occasion and the messages sent from all parts of the colony made the gathering quite unique. It was a tribute of respect that a prince might have coveted. The surviving members of the family are Mrs Jago, Mrs J. F. Peake, Mrs G. C. Israel, Mrs Joshua Strange Williams. Mrs P. Kahlenberg, Mrs J. W. Smith, Mr J. Jago, Mr A. Jago, and Mr F. Jago.
It will be of interest to many of Mr Jago's friends to peruse the letter which he wrote yesterday—the last of many hundreds on the same subject from his pen. It read thus:—
A Word to Boys.
"General Evatt laid the strongest emphasis on the importance of absolute abstinence for every clime. Whether on the stormy Channel, or the broad Atlantic, in the burning Red Sea, or the trying, terrible, exhausting Persian Gulf; whether in the heat of the tropics or in the piercing cold of the Behring Strait, he charged them never to give way to anything in the nature of in toxicants, whatever the custom might be. Let them bear in mind that the man who might chaff them on this point was an enemy to the navy, for in many of those trying climes, where the air was so rarefied, and where it was so difficult to breath at all there was nothing which rendered them more susceptible to disease, made them more unfit and likely to perish, than alcohol He had been twenty-five years in the tropics, and his experience had shown him that men did not perish in the heat of the day, but in the night, after their return from the canteen."
The question of total abstinence, urged the general, was the great national question of efficiency. He pointed out how that alcohol weakened the brain and the power of observation, and significantly brought home to the boys the fact that for the sake of the Empire the sharpness and clearness of the brain was as important as the cleanness of their guns.
"This school," said General Evatt, "has on its shoulders an enormous responsibility, and there is no more important lesson to be thoroughly taught to the boys, who one day are going to fill perhaps highly-responsible posts in the British Navy, than the tremendous value of total abstinence.
An Abstainer.
November 18.
Apart from his office work and his labors in the Temperance cause, Mr Jago was an active colonist, taking a very keen interest in social and poltical life. He was one year chairman of the Congre-gational Union of New Zealand. In the old provincial days he warmly supported Mr Donald Reid when that gentleman contested the Superintendence against Mr Macandrew. In the Interest of the views represented by Mr Reid, Mr Jago put up for the Port Chalmers seat in the House of Representatives, but was de feated by Mr Macadrew after a good run and an exciting canvass. He also stood on one occasion for the representation of Dunedin in the Provincial Council, but was not successful. Amongst other offices, Mr Jago was a member of the Otago Education Board in 1890. and he for several years held the office of chairman of the George street School Committee.
The editorial and business departments of this journal to-day received messages from every part of the colony tendering condolence" with the deceased's family, and expressive of the senders' sense of the loss that the newspaper Press have sustained by his death.
('Evening Star,' November 21, 1904.)
The following resolution was passed by the Executive of the New Zealand Alliance:—"The Executive have heard with the deepest regret of the decease of Mr J. W. Jago, of Dunedin. a former president of the Alliance, and for seventeen years a vice-president. For many years Mr Jago was the standard-bearer of the temperance army in the South. He was a most eloquent speaker, and a forcible and convincing writer. His articles tracts, and booklets were numerous and widely circulated, many of them, such as 'The Economics of Drink.' remaining valuable works of reference to the present time. Mr Jago enjoyed the hearty respect of his fellow-citizens, the loyal and enthusiastic esteem of the temperance workers everywhere, and had the happiness of living to see the cause he loved in great, prosperity. The deep sympathy of the Executive with Mr Jago's family in their bereavement is hereby tendered to them, and no doubt expresses the feelings of tens of thousands of their comrades in New Zealand."
At the meeting of Lily of the Valley Lodke, I.O.G.T., Bro. M'Kinlay, C.T., presiding, a motion was carried that a minute be recorded expressing regret at the loss the Order had sustained through the death of Bro. Jago. Bros. Merry, M'Kinlay, and D. C. Cameron spoke of the many excellent qualities of the late Bro. Jago.
The memorial service at Moray place Congregational Church will be held on Sunday, the 27th. in accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family. When the congregation met on Sunday, the 20th. it was evident that the heavy black drapings on choir rails and pulpit fittingly symbolised the gloom in every heart. Mr D. Cooke played as an introit Mendelssohn's 'Funeral March,' and the lessons and hymns, though not of a memorial character, were in harmony with the thoughts and feelings of the congregation. Mr Saunders took no text, but chose tor his subject 'The Last Words of St. Paul.' Asking "And what is the verdict of the old man upon his message and labors as an apostle of Jesus Christ?" the answer was found chiefly in the autobiographical verses in the fourth chapter of the Second Epistle to Timothy. Though Mr Jago was not mentioned, it was evident that the preacher was all the time thinking of the consistency of his aged friend's life and work. During the offertory Mr Cooke played Co wen's 'Better Land,' and for the outgoing voluntary Chopin's 'Funeral March,' though the congregation, visibly affected, remained seated to the end. The evening service differed little in general effect from that of the morning. The intromit was Dr Monk's 'In Memoriam: Even-side,' the voluntary during the offertory Guilmant's 'Chant Seraphique,' and the outgoing voluntary Beethoven's 'Funeral March in B Flat Minor.' Mr Saunders preached from Revelation xxi., 1: "There shall be no more sea," his subject being, very appropriately, the Gospel for those who suffer separation from their loved ones, especially through death.
Reference was made on the same day to the life, character, and work of the late Mr Jago by the Rev. Dr Waddell at St. Andrew's Church, by the Rev. Canon King at St. Peter's, by Mr A. S. Adams and Mr-Bedford, M.H.R., at King street Congregational Church, by the Rev. W. Hay at Hanover street Baptist Church, and by the Rev. W. A. Sinclair at the Garrison Hall.
At a largely-attended meeting of the leaders of the Templar Order in Dunedin, held on Saturday evening in the Choral Hall, the District Chief Templar (Mr Sandilands) made feeling reference to the late Mr J. W, Jago, who had for so many years been the leader of the Temperance party, when the cause was not so popular as it is to-day. It was carried by standing vote, on the motion of Mr D. C. Cameron, seconded by Mr D. Gain (who each gave testimony to the sterling qualities and self-denying energies of their late brother)—"That the District Chief Temp-
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lar be requested, on behalf of the Order, to convey their sympathy and condolence to the widow and family of the late Bro Jago, and thankfulness for the great work he so cheerfully and with such conspicuous ability performed."
"Our Own" at Christchurch wires:—At the evening service at the Lin wood Congregational Church yesterday the Rev. I. Sarginson referred to the death of Mr J. W. Jago, of Dunedin, speaking of his work as a Christian. The anthem 'What are These?' was sung by the choir, and the organist played the Dead March in Saul.'
At the meeting of the Port Chalmers Borough Council His Worship the Mayor briefly alluded to the death of Mr J. W. Jago, and moved the following resolution:—"That a letter of condolence he sent from the Council to the widow and family of the late Mr J. W. Jago," which was carried unanimously.
The Burial.
A very large number of citizens of all ranks and conditions attended Mr Jago's funeral on Monday, 2lst November. Before the procession started the Rev. W. Saunders conducted a short service on the green at the Leith street residence, Mrs J. W. Jago and the whole of the family who are in town standing beside the coffin, on which were placed wreaths from the directors of the Evening Star' Company, the employees, Mrs Ewen, and the Newspaper Proprietors' Association. Thereafter the mourners took their assigned places in the procession. The relatives who immediately followed the hearse were the deceased's three sons, James, Alfred, and Frederick, also the sons-in-law—Mr J. F. Peake, Mr G. C. Israel, Mr Justice Williams, Mr P. Kahlenberg, and Mr J. Waddell Smith, as well as several stalwart grandsons, followed by three of Mr Jago's oldest friends, Messrs R. Greig, Jas. Robin, and A. Sligo. The clergymen present included the Rev. W. Saunders, Rev. R. R. M. Sutherland, Dr Salmond, Dr Waddell, Rev. C. H. Laws. Rev. F. Nichol, Rev. W. A. Sinclair, Rev. E. Taylor, Rev. J. Ward, Rev. D. Dutton, Rev. A. T. Chodowski, Major Cumming, Adjutant Davis, the Rev. A. Hodge, Rev. W. Laycock, Mr J. A. Torrance (prison and hospital chaplain), Mr E. A. Axe.sen (his assistant), and Mr Duncan Wright (city missionary). Colonel Robin, Inspector O'Brien, the Mayor (Mr T. R. Christie), and the town clerk (Mr T. B. Fairbairn), with Crs Gore and Braith-waite, and Mr G. A. King (registrar of the Supreme Court), were amongst the officials who for the occasion came to the citizen level. Of the members of the Legislature present we noticed the Hon. W. M. Bolt, the Hon. A. Lee Smith, the Hon. Hugh Gourley, Mr H. D. Bedford, and Mr J. F. Arnold. The legal profession was represented by Mr J. F. M. Fraser (Crown Solicitor), Mr W. A. Sim, Mr J. A. D. Adams. Mr A. S. Adams. Mr H. Webb, Mr F. J. Stilling, Mr F. Calvert, Mr J. M. Gallaway, Mr A. R. Barclay, Mr W. G. Riddell. and others, and the medical profession by Dr Stenhouse, Dr Evans, and Dr Hunter. Mr D. Cooke and many members of the Moray place Congregational choir were also of the party, and the large throng of citizens included Professor Gilray, Captain Stewart, Signor Squarise, and Messrs E Ackroyd, R. Aitken, J. Alexander, P. Barr, W. Barron, John Blaney, T. Brown, A. C. Begg, Allan Broad A. E. Bone, A. J. C. Brown, A. Burt, A Bremner, A. C. Broad, S. S. Bannister, A C. Bell. G. M. Burlinson, F. D. Bamfield, A. H. Bridger, F. Bennett, R. Chisholm, D. C. Cameron, W. Coull, A. Chiaroni, G. L. Denniston, W. Davidson, G. B. Dall, T Dick, J. Ellis, T. R. Fisher, F. Graham, A. Given, A. Gillies, D. Gain, A. Hunter. O. J. Hodge, John Hercus, A. H. Hey-cock, J. Hatton, J. M. Jamieson, A. Judge, A. Lees, L. Laurenson, J. M'Gill, T. Moodie John Mitchell, W. J. Moore, W Melville, P. Mason, R. Millis, K. L. Macassey, T. Morris, A. W. Macarthur, F Mallard, B. Newman, J. A. Park, S. C. Phillips, C. S. Reeves, R, Rae, E. Rosevear, W. Ridley, W. Reid, C. Samson, S. G. Smith, J. B. Shacklock, A. Stewart, H. Skey, I. Selby, J. B. Thomson, J. Taylor C. J. Thorn, H. L. Tapley, T. Tomlinson, G. M. Thomson. W. Thomson, John Thom-son (Port), Andrew Thomson (Port), Andrew Thomson (Dunedin), E. R. Ussher, A Vallis. W. Wills, D. R. White, Leslie Wilson, J. Wardell, H. E. Williams, J. Wren. The 'Otago Daily Times' was represented by Mr G. Fenwick, Mr C. Fraser, Mr J. Hutchison, Mr H. E. Muir, and Mr E. C. Huie. And as to the 'Evening Star,' with which the deceased had been connected for about thirty-three years, Mr F. Clapperton, Mr Stanley Smith, and Mr R. P. Bell represented the directors while Mr Mark Cohen, Mr Gilbert Buchanan, Mr J. G. Moody. Mr C. Otto, Mr A. Sinclair, and other heads of departments were accompanied by practically the whole of the employees, not one wilfully neglecting to take the opportunity of paying respect to the memory of the man who was not only their manager but their friend. The service at the grave was conducted by the Rer. W. Saunders, and then the burial ceremony prescribed by the temperance bodies was read by Bro. D. C. Cameron (Grand Secretary I.'O.G.T.). Mr A. S. Adams (President of the New Zealand Alliance), and Mr King (Worthy Patriarch of the Sons and Daughters of Temperance), after which the benediction was pronounced by the Rev. W A. Sinclair. The grave in which Mr Jago was laid is on the westernmost avenue overlooking the roadway and the north end of the town.
Memorial Service.
At the Congregational Church. Moray place, on Sunday, November 27. the Rev W. Saunders conducted a service in memory of the late Mr John Wesley Jago, who had been a member of the church since its foundation in Dunedin. There was a large congregation, the majority of whom Were in mourning, and the service throughout whilst never approaching the morbid or
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depressing, was characterised by simplicity and sympathy and an appreciable manifestation of genuine regret that testified more deeply, perhaps, than aught else could to the affection and honor in which the departed friend was held. The platform and pulpit were draped in black, the sombre-ness of which was relieved by a bunch of large white lilies on either side of the minister.
The service opened with the playing of the Vital Spark' by Mr D. Cooke, the piece being given in response to a desire from those who knew it to have been a favorite with the deceased. The first hymn was that commencing—
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
The story of Martha and Mary's grief for their brother, and the comforting words of Jesus, as well as the opening verses of the fourteenth chapter of John, were read. 'For ever with the Lord' was next sung, followed by a brief, earnest prayer for the widow and children who had been bereft of husband and father, the whole congregation at its close reciting the Lord's Prayer. "Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep" was chanted.
This portion of the service was ended by the singing of one of the best-loved hymns of the late Mr Jago:
When wilt Thou save Thy people?
O God of mercy, when?
Not kings and lords, but nations!
Not thrones and crowns, but men!
God save the people, Thine they are,
Thy children, as Thine angels fair,
From vice, oppression, and despair,
God save the people!
The Rev. Mr Saunders, who based his address on the words (1st Tim., vi, 11) "But thou, man of God," said that this was a title that could not be bestowed by any king. It Eras not within their gift. It had no relation to an earthly sovereign. This title carries no coronet with it, secures no place in the council chambers of the nation, opens no doors to the society of those in high positions; but the incorruptible crown that fadeth not away is attached to it, and the fellowship of its wearers is the innumerable company of angels, the spirits of just men made perfect. Man of God! There is no higher title than this. It gathers up the noblest privileges and fairest promises. This indeed constitutes its peculiar worth. While it is esteemed on earth it is held in greater esteem in Heaven. The gloom of death cannot destroy its beauties. It is an imperishable title, written on no parchment, but emblazoned on the soul to which God gives everlasting life. He that goes down having this emerges into the life of the eternal city bearing the title still. Man of God! Not a title reserved for a few; it is within the reach of all! it is not a title that belongs to members of a sacred profession only. It belongs to everyone who is God's man, and all are God's men who are eager to bear his likeness and to serve him in love with heart and mind and strength. Such an one have we lost in him who has passed from us. To review his life as that of a man of business, a good workman, a politician, a religious man, a loving father, we feel that, while some of these would partly describe our brother, that none of them fit him so well as "man of God." He was exemplary in all other relations of life because he always sought to remember that he was but a servant of the Most High. The chief end of man is to glorify God. That was placed before him while he was vet young by his father, and in this purpose we find the keynote of his whole life. I speak advisedly, said the speaker, of his life's purpose. I do not think he had ever experienced any sudden religious change. Though brought up a Methodist and bearing the name of John Wesley, he had never passed through what is called conversion. His life was of one piece throughout. As far back as 1852 the editor of the 'Examiner' (Glasgow) gave him a high testimonial as to his zeal, thoroughness, and ability. Even at that early age he had distinguished himself in church and temperance work, and his religion showed itself in his fidelity to his employer. He carried it into his daily life and work; he had no notion of its showing itself in special places and in i special seasons only. And the youth was father to the man. His religion was a force quickening, clearing, and controlling his thoughts, words, and deeds. His enthusiasm for church and temperance work in the early days was very great. From the beginning he was a man of God. His minister in 1857 said of him that in the church of which he was pastor Mr Jago was held in high esteem for his ability, his great experience in Sabbath school work, and his power in addressing public audiences. When quite young he would stand on the steps of the various public buildings in the city to preach the cause that he throughout his life made peculiarly his own. His Sunday school superintendent said of him at that time: "I have known him for sixteen years as an efficient teacher, consistent in his profession, an excellent speaker, a good gift in prayer, and able to keep large numbers of children in order—few, in fact, can equal him in this regard." Not many of us, said the preacher, knew these things. It is the first indication that we have had that our late brother was trained in the Sunday school. The details give us just a brief glimpse of what he was. He came to Dunedin a man of God, and as such he exercised a great influence upon this City and colony. He proved himself to be one of our best possessions. We are all, in some measure, benefited by his activities, and we acknowledge it to-day with grateful thanks. As a speaker and writer and organiser his work for temperance was wide-reaching. He gave to it what, perhaps, it had not always had—dignity. The enthusiasm of humanity shone on the work for which he was engaged. He knew how' to labor without thought of rewards, and how to stand aside without murmuring. We
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thank God to-day that he lived to see that cause greatly prospering. He lived to see the younger generation inarching forward to victory. In the matter of temperance his labors were fruitful indeed. In that work which is usually described as Christian—misleadingly, perhaps—his energies were spent in this church. This building is largely a monument to his zeal. From beginning to departure he stood by it in fair weather and in stormy. He took a pride in it. From every point of view the Church to him was beautiful. As far back as 1865 the members of this church felt constrained to acknowledge his work. Nothing ever weakened his zeal, his faith never flagged, and though his physical strength grew less and less, we remember with joy that he spoke as treasurer from their platform less than a month ago, and attended the evening services three weeks back. Look, speak, or touch, there is nothing that does not remind us of him. He lives in the church, and his influence pervades it as the sweet, lingering smell of lavender. Well, it is well that we cannot forget him; well that it should be borne in upon our hearts that now and always the man of God is dwelling by our side.
I was always, Mr Saunders said, impressed with his magnificent charity—a charity that thinks no ill, that certainly works no ill, and that with reluctance listened to it. I felt this phase of his character more even than his temperance or church work. I never heard him, in all the years I knew him, speak an un-kindly word. When he could not defend he was silent, and his silence ever suggested that if we only knew more there would be cause to change the adverse judgment. His willingness to efface himself was evidenced by his quiet withdrawal when the editorship of the temperance papers underwent a change. No one felt regret at the severance so keenly as himself. It was a hard wrench from work that he loved. It was congenial, and he missed it, yet never was there a murmur, and always the most loyal support to the new order of things. His last words when handing over the reins to other and younger hands are worthy to be remembered. He had had no personal end to serve, no selfish object in view, but had endeavored in that way to serve his day and generation. And thus it was that he left the work that was so dear to him, preferring to drop into obscurity if this were the price of success to that cause for which he had strenuously worked for a lifetime. A beautiful and inspiring life. Truly a man of God. He went in and out among us for many years, he was appreciated by us, and he knew that we appreciated him. We did not keep our sense of his work silent until to-day. He learned, in a way that came as an abiding and great joy to him, on the occasion of his golden wedding, that he had not labored among us in vain. It was the life of the man of God and his righteousness that laid hold of the heart of this community. It is not for us to speak of the loss that has befallen his near and dear ones. But his end was enviable. Very peacefully did he enter into his rest There was no moaning on the bar. He was taken in charge by the beloved Pilot and the end was as he would have wished. His earthly remains are in the City he so much loved, and they are one of our precious possessions, but the man of God is with his God There we must leave him, for is he not in peace and in joy? Leave him but for a little while in that light that knows no darkness. Brother and comrade, farewell!
After the hymn
Now the laborer's task is o'er,
Now the battle day is past;
had been sung, the entire congregation stood whilst the Dead March from 'Saul' was played. Then followed the Benediction. During the offertory Chopin's Funeral March was played, and as the outgoing voluntary Beethoven's Funeral March.
A Tribute from Dr Roseby.
The following letter was read by the Rev. W. Saunders to the congregation of Moray place Congregational Church
Marrickville, N.S.W., November 30.
At our deacons' meeting held last evening—on the very day the sad news reached me—it was resolved that a letter should be sent to our sister church at Dunedin, under your happy and kindly pastorate, to express our deep and sincere condolence with you and the church in the great loss you have just sustained by the death of Mr J. W Jago.
We had a gathering of a number of our friends here at the manse during the short stay of Mr and Mrs Jago in this city a few years ago, and they have not forgotten it.
We unite in the earnest prayer that God may comfort her, parted thus from one who shared for more than fifty years his roil and love, with all the members of the family; and that we all may the more earnestly seek to "follow those who through faith and patience," such as his, "now inherit the promises."
But I must not allow myself to close this letter—which I should be glad for the congregation to hear—without laying a special tribute on the grave of my old comrade and beloved friend. Associated as I was with himself and other worthy and good men for so many happy years in Dunedin in the service of the Master, one cannot but feed keenly the pain of such a separation. Your own beautiful memorial notice of Mr Jago in the 'Evening Star' I followed with deep interest and sympathy. It was pleasant to find that one like yourself, who knew him as I did, could speak of him—as I should do—in terms of such appreciation and tenderness. "His works do follow him There can be no doubt whatever that the present advanced temperance sentiment in New Zealand—"bonnie New Zealand"-is in large measure due to the devoted labors of our friend. And his memory—recalling as it will never cease to do, that rare union of independence with toleration for others and that equally rare union of deep, strenuous earnestness with a bright sunniness of temper—will be, to all of us who keep it dear and helpful.
Printed by the Evening Star Co., Ltd., Bond Street, Dunedin.