Copyright © 1999 2006 DMTrust Reg Charity No: 1106538
Cherry Blossom Shoe Polish
Dan & Charles Mason, pioneers of the shoe polish industry in Chiswick
The Dan Mason Memorial Gateway 3
Mr H G Sharman, who speaking on behalf of the County Sales Staff was momentarily overcome with emotion said:-
“According to arrangements our dear old friend Mr Wootton was to have spoken on behalf of the County Travellers, but by request I am here to represent him. Unfortunately I do not feel able adequately to express the great depth of our feelings for the late Mr Dan Mason, but I know that Mr and Mrs Charles Mason realise these much better than I can say in your presence.”.
Mr Charles Mason, accepting the custody of the memorial on behalf of the Directors said:-
“Friends and fellow workers,
“Listening to the kind words of the several speakers, my first thought is that of pride in the life of my brother, then there arises in me a feeling of my great gratitude and that of my wife, who Mr Abbott and his Committee, and all those who have so kindly and generously contributed to that splendid gateway which has just been declared open by that most loyal employee, Mr Jack Bryant.
“I should like to thank all those who attended and those who were unable to attend on account of distance or other causes, the Memorial Service in Chiswick Church, So many desired to show their last token of regrard and respect, that I think of those words which apply so well to my brother, ’I live for those that love me for the little good that I can do,’
“Miss Milin has just referred to the Memorial as the ‘Gateway of Life,’ and Mr Little referred to it as the, ‘Gateway of Victory,’ and Mr Little has also spoken of the many acts of generosity of my brother. I can only say that if he had been spared as we hoped, to return to England in renewed health, he would have done such a lot, His Thoughts were
‘So little have I done,
So much remains for me to do,’
When God in one brief moment called ‘come – your part is finished – be at rest,’
“Looking at that beautiful gateway for which I understand Mr Scott has kindly given his services, I do not know if it has occurred to any of you but I see in it so much that symbolizes the life of my brother. It is so absolutely simple in design, just as my brother who was most successful in finance, preferred to lead a simple life, He hardly spent anything on himself, his hobby was his birds, because they brought him ever near to the beauties and wonders of nature. That large centre opening with its handsome iron gates, recall to me how he opened his whole heart in that great gift of the Chiswick Hospital through whose portals so many pass to be restored to health and happiness. Then those innumerable little bricks remind me, as I look at them of his many little acts of kindness, it may have been only a few words but I expect more often accompanied by a gift, made so modestly that it blessed both the giver and the receiver. The massive columns recall to me his great faith in his God and in the Life hereafter.
“In accepting on behalf of the Directors the care and maintenance of the gate, I have tried just for one brief moment to think what would be the feelings of my brother about this. He would say ‘I seek no monument, but if in your kindness and generosity it is to be, then this gateway would be my wish. It stands on your recreation ground, and through it many will pass to go to their pleasures and the enjoyment of their games, and I want them to be happy. If they are pleased to call it a tribute to the little I have been able to do in passing through this world I am very pleased, but to me it stands as a sign of the affectionate regard, kindness and unselfish generosity of those whom I have loved to think of as, and often to call “my Children” ‘
“Again I thank you all very much indeed,”
This photo is of the the Charles Mason Memorial Retreat which still stands in the original position on Dukes Meadows found Sep 06, an artical of the retreat will appear on the site soon
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