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Auckland Times, Volume 1, Issue 4, 15 September 1842, Page 2

The funeral of His Excellency the late Governor, Captain William Hobson— took place on Tuesday, at one o’clock. His mortal remains were deposited in a brick vault prepared in the new burial ground,the service being impressively performed by the Rev. J. E. Churton* The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Willoughby Shortland, Esq., followed as chief mourner, after whom walked in procession, all the officers of Government,and nearly all the respectable inhabitants of Auckland. The body,covered by the Union Jack, was carried by the sailors of Her Majesty’s Brig Victoria, and military honors were performed over the grave by a party of the 80th Regiment

in attendance, under the command of Captain Best. It is needless to add that Major Bunbury, Dr. Gammie, and the rest of the military officers were present. Our friends abroad may be curious to know, what was the conduct of the Aborigines on this exciting occasion. They crowded into the town in great numbers early in the morning—and the ceremony of “ Uliunga” was performed in every quarter, as if for one of their own most valued chiefs—this is a long continued public demonstration of grief, during which they sit upon the ground and howl in chorus. In consequence of their numerous attendance, a Maori Gazette was issued to them, directing their presence in the rear of the precession, which was accordingly very numerously given—every male almost carried a musket, but with intuitive politeness they abstained from their explosions till the military salute had been fired—their demonstrations after this were rather noisy—there is scarcely any sound so dear to the New Zealander as the crack of his musket or fowling piece—most of the females had their hair fantastically ornamented with wreaths of the supple Jack—a very pretty native wild climbing plant, just now in full blossom.—The funeral arrangements were conducted by Messrs. Langford and Gardener with admirable propriety. On the coffin we observed a very handsome plate, around which was a splendid embossed border, on which was engraved the following inscription : “ Beneath lie the remains of William Hobson, Esq., a Captain in H. M. Royal Navy, and first Governor of New Zealand, who departed this life on the 10th September, 1842, aged 49 years.” The engraving on the plate was executed by Mr. James Watt, Working Jeweller, Shortland Crescent, and was done in a manner that reflects great credit on him.