OBITUARY.

Hutt News, Volume 3, Issue 5, 26 June 1930, Page 7

OBITUARY.

LIEUT. F. C. TUNLEY, D.C.M.

The untimely death of Mr. Francis Charles Tunley vrJiieh took place at his residence "on Monday morning, cast a gloom over the whole district It can be safely said that no man of this district* was more highly esteemed and loved than the late Mr. Tunley. As a church-man ho had a powerful influence for the welfare of thie parish of St. ' James's and carried out his duties as | people \s eihurchiwarden to the entire ad- } miration and -satisfaction of everyone. He was also a lay reader of the parish. His -happy disposition and unassuming lornanner, made for him many friends i among both the old and the young. As a teacher at the Hutt Valley Technical Se'hool he had a strong moral influence with the boys in his care and received tfhe love and 'esteem of each one of j them. Being blessed with a fine bass1 voice ho took a prominent part in the 'musical life of the'district and was a foundation member of the Hutt Valley Choral Society. Whilst he sang in the choir of his own church he and Mars Tundey never denied their assistance wihen asked to take part in any special effort at the churches of other denominations. : The deceased was a native of Gloucester, Engi&nd, and came to this country prior to the Great War. At the outbreak of the war he joined tlhe if'&w. Zealand Forces on 18th February 1915 and ■left, with the Fifth Reinforcer ment. He' served with distinction in Egyspt, Gallifpoii- and France and, af tex, the ATinisitiee, was attached to the Coldstream Guards for special duty. He was discharged on 20th December 1918 after being overseas for 3 years and 119 days. For special services rendered he was awarded th'e-Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was also issued with the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and i the Victory Medal. i 1 At Monday's Borough Council meeting the Mayor (Sir. Alex. Roberts) madte reference to the loss flhe borugh had sustained through tihe death of Mr Tunley. "He was one of the finest workers this borough has had for some time^" said Sir. Alex, "and he took a keen interest in the young and did a great dead for tie progress of this district." A motion of sympathy was passed, all present standing. : At the Organ Recital at the Methodist Church on Monday evening, feeling reference was made to Mr. Tunley death and aH present stood in silence as a •mark of respect to his memory. i He is .survived by his widow and two i young- children to whom general sympathy i-5 extended. The luneraJ, which was a, militaryone, was very largely attended and took place at the Karori Soldiers' Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. The service at Morris 'a Mortuary Chapel and at the graveside was conducted by Yen. Archdeacon Hansell. The pailbearers were Messrs H. P. Kidson, A. J. Jarman, Capt. Gal low1 ay and Messrs .Tualcy (3) —brother ■ and nephews of the deceased. Aztwmg tihose who were 1 present were Mr. W. N*ash, M.P., Representatives of the Hutt Borough Council, Messrs A. J. Gearing and R. j. Burke (Boulcott School), Messrs H. V. 1 Dyer and W. E. Dickinson (Eastern 'Hutt School), Mr. G. L. Stewart (Education Departments), Mr. Miller (Hutt Central School), Messrs E. P. Kidson, G. J. MeNaught, D. McLeo? and the "prefects of 'tibe Hutt Valley High ! School, Lieixt Petrie of the Defence Department, Mr. G. J. Mitchell, churchwarden, and members of the St. James's Vestoy. Mr. Ernest Dawson ie presented tie , Methodist Church and carried out the arangements of the funeral. .