OBITUARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 708, 2 January 1903, Page 2

OBITUARY.

A.s the past year was merging to its close, the blinds were drawn in the deatii chamber of several homes, and, while many were regarding the season with gladness, in those homes and among sympathising friends there was deep sorrow for dear departed ones. In one home was the deathbed of one of our stalwart pioneers; in another, a youth, full of hope and spirit, passed away after A short illness ; and the oilier was y child just nearing school age. MR WILLIAM KINO

At the age of 65, and after having spent nearly 40 years in the district, Mr William King peacefully passed away. Death was not unexpected, as Mr King had been ailing for some time past, and- it was evident that

the grand physique for which he was noted in earlier days had broken up. Still, death came as a sharp pang to sorrowing relatives. Thus was taken from us a stra ghu'orward, kindly, industrious man, of whom any district might well have felt

proud. The late Mr King was born in Leicestershire. He served his time as a railway coach builder, and came to Auckland by the ship Ida Zeigler. He started business in Gisborne as a

builder, and in the course of his pioneering work iie saw active service in the cavalry. He established sawmills in the district, and took an active part in local governing work. For many years he was a County Councillor and member of Road Hoard, always doing his share for ihe good of ihe district. He was also a prominent Mason, being a member of Lodge Turanganui. A widow, three sons, and three daughters arc left to mourn their loss. The funeral took place yesterday, and although the notice was so snort there was a very large gather ing from all parts of the district of those desirous of taking part in the last sad rites. The Anglican service was conducted by llic- Rev W. Welsh, followed by a Masonic service conducted by Bro. A. F. Kennedy, P.M., of Abercorn Lodge. As the cortege was leaving the house at Makauri, the Masonic’brethern, who were present in strong force, formed an avenue, closing up behind the coffin, as it was sadly borne to the hearse. Bros, j. A. Harding, A. F. Kennedy,W. 0. Sheet, Cl. Matlhewson, VY. F. Stephenson, R. IVI. Steggall, and Ewen Cameron acted as pall-bearers. The chief mourners were members of . de-

ceased’s family, and Mr John Clark (son-in-law). A great many old settlers who had been associated with the late Mr King in various capacities for many years were prominent among those who had come to pay their respect to his memory. The.' cortege extended from deceased’s late residence to the Kia-Ora factory. The services at the graveside were most impressive, and an eloquent reference was made by the clergyman to the splendid character of the late Mr King. He paid a very high tribute to the private life of the deceased and the valued public services he had rendered in the district which for 40 years had been his home. The Masonic rites formed a beautiful portion of the sad ceremony. Bro. Kennedy, P.M., who actcu as-*chaplain, was assisted by Bro. W. O. Sheet-, P.M., the latter also acting as director of ceremonies. A great many wreaths were sent in by, sympathetic friends. MONTY COOK. Very sad indeed was the case or Montague Charles Cook, the only son of Mr J. W. and Mrs Cook. Born in Gisborne 18 years ago, when his father had charge of the local branch of the New Zealand Clothing Factory, Monty had developed into a fine manly young fellow, with splendid traits of character that might well make his parents’ hearts rejoice. He had a grand constitution, and on arriving in Gisborne for a holidav with his relatives was the picture of health and youthful buoyancy. But., alas, his holiday was to have" a sad ending. After arriving in GisbornC, lie was laid low with scarlet fever, and, though all that devoted attention and medical skill could do for him was done, the bright and happy youth, whose career was so full of promise, was carried off. Mr Cook arrived from Napier on Wednesday morning, and mother and father were with the young man when he died. The loss of their only son has come upon them as a great blow, and the sinccrcst sympathy Will be felt with them in tlieir bereavement. A peculiar feature of the fatal illness was that- a bite on the ear from a fly or mosquito had conveyed poison to the lad’s system, and that combined with the fever to rapidly undermine a splendid constitution and robust health. The body is to be conveyed to Napier, where the funeral will -take place on Monday. the other bereavement was that of Mr and Mrs T. Holden, who suddenly lost their bright little daughter,Rena Collison, aged 4 vears 1 and 10 months Much sympathy is fell, for the parents. The child’s body is to be con-.