RT. HON. G. W. FORBES LAID TO REST

Chronicle (Levin), 21 May 1947, Page 7

RT. HON. G. W. FORBES LAID TO REST

; -Press Association

Bv Telearavh—

CHRISTCHURCH, May 20. "It is with a simple gatliering such as this that Mr. Forbes would have had you remember him," said Rev. V. L . Learning, viear of Cheviot, in an address at the serviee at Mr. Forbes 's home, Crystal Brook, today. The serviee was eonducted from the porch of the bungalow built to replaee the tent which was Mr. Forbes 5s first home when he toolc up his block of land in the Cheviot settlement, and a large number of his friends from within the Cheviot district and further afield, attended. Members of the family ancl leading personalities in politics were also on the porch and many friends were assembled on the lawn in thc bright sunshine. Nearly 100 wreathg were placed on the lawn at the end ot the drive. As beiitted the character and life of Mr. Forbes, the serviee both at his home and at the gravesid.e in the Homeview Cemetery, Cheviot, was simple. Mr. Forbes was given the burial of a highly respected citizen without anv pomp or ceremony but the representation ac^nowledged his iong and faithful serviee both to the State and electorn+e ot Hurunui which he represented in Parliament for 35 years* Chief niourners -were Mrs. Forbes, Mr. Robert Forbes, Miss Bertlia Forbes and Mrs. Clutlia Mackenzie, and the pall-bearqrs wbr'e the :. Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser), Leaden.of the Opposition (Mr. Holland), Messrs Gillespie,- M.P. (who sueceeded Mr. Forbes as Mcmber for Hurunui), W. Wade (Waimate),- a. nephew, -Clutha Mackenzie (Happ'y Vailey), so-n-in-Iaw, and W,- Thomson, (Christchurch), a life long |riend. Parliament was represented- by the Minister of Rehahilitation (Mr. Skinner), the Minister representing the Native Race (Mr. Tirakatene), Miss M. B. Howard (Minister elect), Mr. T. H. McComhs (Undbr-Seeretary to the Minister of Finance), Messrs Watts, Macfarlane ancl McAJpine, M.P. A Minister ' in the Forbes Cabinet, Mr. R. Masters, came from Stratford to p&y his last respects. Paying tribute to the life and work of Mr. Forbes in national and district spheres, Rev. Learning said he had in his sliort time in Cheviot, learned of the graciousness and fairness by which Mr. Forbes was known to thoso with whom he had long assoeiations. ' ' Wc remember him as one whose life was given to the serviee to his country and as one who loved his eotmtry," said Rev. Learning. "He was a great New Zealander. It took a man of great courage, strength and ability to meet the heavy demands of public life a.s he did. I will not dwell on his attainments nor public career except to say tllat to many he was a good friend and neiglibour and that his share in the life of this community is an example of good citizenship. It is true he did great things concerning our country and Empire but his tr-uo greatness was concerned with his influenee and sinecrity. Such wa.> the character of Mr^ Forbes." It was a souree of gratification that Cod had allowed Mr. Forbes to spend his lasl few years contentedlv about .his home and on his farm. Ail who knew him admired and respected him.