Obituary

Chronicle (Levin), 14 October 1949, Page 3

Obituary

MR. E. L. RICHARDS A Ihiglily respected citizen. and pioneer settler of the' Shannon district, Mr. Edward Lloyd (Emil) Richards,: died recently after several weeks in the Palmerston North ' Hospital following an accident. IMr. Richards, who was in his 76th year, was the son of the late Mr. C. M. Richards, and came to settle in this district some 60 years ago. An ex-pupil of the Wanganui CoHegiate School, he became interested in farming at an early age and followed this occupation for most of his life. He retired to his Stafford Street home some years ago. He served his country in the South Af rican War and for his service with the 6th Mounted Rifles was awarded the Queen's Medal with five service clasps. A true veteran, Mr. Richards was always proud to take his place with fellow Boer War veteiN ans in the Anzac Day parades. Although he did not ' take an active part in the affairs of the borough, Mr. Richqrds was a greatly respected citizen and made many staunch friends in the community. The funeral service was held at the Ven Bede's Anglican Church, Shannon, last Friday afternoon and was attended by many friends and relatives. Representatives of the Shannon R.S.A. and South African war veterans from Wellington and Levin were also present. The casket was draped with the Union Jack and Boer War flags and the "Last Post" was sounded at the graveside by Buglar G. R. Lester, of Levin. The services were eonducted by the Rev. M. J. S. Wheeler. Pall-bearers at the church were MeSsrs G. Booker, A. Richards, C. Booker, G. Spencer, A. Bice and W. Garbutt. and at the cemetery, Mr. A. Ferguson and five Wellington comrades of the 6th Mounted Rifles. The many messages of sympathy and beautiful floral tributes received were testimony of the very high esteem - in which the late Mr. Richards was held in the district. He is survived foy his wi'dow, Mrs. S. Richards, of Shannon, two brothers, Messrs Arthur and Tom Richards, and' four sisters, Mesdames Young (Kiwitea), Knowles (Shannon), Richards and Miss Richards (Auckland),