FUNERAL OF THE HON. JAMES KERR, M.L.C.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 28 August 1901, Page 2

FUNERAL OF THE HON. JAMES KERR, M.L.C.

A Most Impressive Ceremony.

From early morn Grey mouth was overflowing with friends from the north to the south of Westland, who came to pay their last respects to one whom had fervently earnt such from his noble walk through life. As the time for the cortege to move drew nigh, Tainui Street was a mass of human life, and a stranger could at once discern that Greymouth was plunged into grief by the death of one of their most respected townsmen. At 2 30 the procession started, headed by the Masons, for the late Hon. James Kerr held the high oilices of Deputy District Grand Master of the District Grand Lodge of Westland, Grand Sword Bearer in the Grand Lodge of England, Past Master and Houonary Member of Greymouth Lodge, and Past Principal of the Royal Arch, and other high degrees in

Masonry, and before lie died he expressed a wish that the last sad rites in connection with his funeral should be carried out by the Brethren he loved so well. In the proper order of things the ceremony observed at Masonic funeral* should have been carried out by Bro. J. Bevan, Esq., District Grand Master of! Westland, under the English Constitution, but unfortunately he is too ill to perform the service. Under these circumstances the Greymouth Lodge appointed Brother Past Master Lord, assisted by the Worshipful Master to conduct the ceremony. The late brother was held in high esteem, not only in his own Lodge, but by the Masons of every Lodge in the district* for the virtues of his ' character, the benevolent spirit he manifested, and the offerings he made on the altar of charity,"' and for these reasons the craft had turned out in large numbers to do him honor at the grave. The coffin was carried by six Past Masters of the Greymouth Lodge, who also acted as pall* bearers ; then came the hearse, followed immediately by the family of deceased and their most intimate friends, the Premier, and the members of the Legislative Council, who had arrived the evening before from Wellington to pay a last and loving tribute to the memory cf their brother Councillor; then came the public, and such an assemblage has never before been witnessed in Greymouth, and goes to show the esteem in which the deceased, was held by the community from all parts of the Coast. The Borough Council was represented, also the County Council, Education Board, Harbor Board! and School Committee. The scene afc. the grave was a. most impressive one.. The' Bev. B. Stewart conducted thefuneral service, and the remarks that fell from the reverend gentleman's lips, who had always been in such close touch with the deceased, went home to the hearts of the vast assemblage as an object lesson to be derived only from such a brilliant and noble career, as that just ended. The wreath* which had been received from all part* of the Coast, in their magnificence cast » gleam of sadness over the spectacle. They included one from the Ministry, which was a fine artificial design and pure white, and others too numerous to mention. If there is comfort to be bestowed upon thefamily of the deceased, it was to be obtained by one glance at such a cortege as that witnessed this afternoon, for its length went to show that the whole Coast was represented, and bad paid a last tribute to a loving husband and father, the most respected of our townsmen, and one whose good works will never be forgot* ten.