TTMAR MURDER

Hokitika Guardian, 1 November 1920, Page 4

TTMAR MURDER

FUNERAL OF THE VICTIM. (Per Press Association.) ~ r TIMARU, Oct. 29. The murder'ease continues to excite much interest locally, and there is considerable speculation as to the motive for the crime, and the class of being who would be guilty of such a coldblooded act as to shoot a man simply because lie was being chased. One or two bad characters have been seen about Timaru lately. There is great diversity of opinion as to the motive. Some people are inclined to the belief that it was burglary, and others that tlie perpetrator was after the keys of Messrs Ballantyne’s premises, which ate kept by the deceased’s father. The funeral took place to-day, and was very largely attended. The deceased had been employed at Messrs J. Ballantyne’s Timaru bouse, and at the ' funeral -Messrs J. Ballantyne, S. Woodham, W. Main, and W. Hindle (of the firm’s Christchurch house) were among j those present. The Y.M.C.A. was also laregly represented. The pall-bearers were fellow-employees of the deceased. At the graveside there was a crowded attendance.

After the customary burial service had been read, Pastor Nicholls, of the Baptist Church, addressing those present, said that he took their presence as a token of their, deep sympathy with Miami Mrs Wagstaff and of respect for their son'who met such an untimely death. He was privileged to have been his pastor for some time, and he wished to bear testimony at the open grave to deceased’s sterling character and his consistent and never-flagging Christian labour. His young life had been cut short on his entrance into full manhood, but there was one bright gleam penetrating the dark and gruesome tragedy, and that was that the deceased was ready for death. He (Pastor Nicholls) asked that those present join in singing the well-known hymn, ‘‘Shall wo gather at the river.” He did so in memory of deceased, as only one short hour before .he met his death by his unknown assailant, he had played and sung the hymn in his home to his mother and sisters. The hymn was then sung, after which the Rev. T. VV. Potts led in supplication. Many beautiful wreaths were sent, including some from Christchurch. (