FUNERAL OBSEQUIES

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1927, Page 1

FUNERAL OBSEQUIES

A NOTABLE TRIBUTE. A notable tribute was paid to the late -Mr H. A. Thompson yesterday afternoon, the whole town and countryside turning out in record numbers to pay a last mark of respect to his memory. Friends came from all parts of the. district including Greymouth and district, Kumara, and Boss and further south. The afternoon was fine and there resulted the largest assemblage of many years At the residence Gibson Quay the Rev J. W. Hayward conducted the service of the Presbyterian Church, and a Masonic service was also held there. The remains -were carried on a Fire Brigade hose reel, members of the Brigade manning it and forming a body-guard. Superintendent W. C. Ilraddon was in charge with a full muster of Brigade members, while the Ross, Kumara, and Grey Fire

Brigades were present in good force. The cortege moved off with the members of the Druids Lodge in regalia leading the way, the Masonic fraternity also in regalia following, both Lodges being in very strong force, and making an imposing appearance. Then came the coffin on which were deceased’s regalia and his Deputy-Superin-tendent’s uniform The chief mourners followed, and then came an improvised ltiotor lorry laden with beautiful floral tributes, upwards of seventy in number. including' wreaths from Westland Racing Club, Westland Trotting Club,

Hokitika Fire Brigade, Kilwinning Lodge. Druids Lodge, Hokitika Bowling Chib, all of which the deceased was a prominent and honoured member. Then come a long line of the gen. oral public with some thirty motor cars bringing up the rear. As the procession moved off the firebel! at No, 1 Station tolled. On arrival at Alt Saints’ Church which was filled to overflowing, an impressive service was conducted bv the Rev. Canon Hamilton. assisted by Rev. J. W. Hayward. The roretego then moved off again, the street being lined, while a large number awaited the arrival at the cemetery from many points of vantage. The procession was a, very lengthy one and the head had entered the gates at the cemetery before the last ear had passed 1 ark street crossing. There was an immense throng around the gia'osicc where the Rev. Canon Hamilton and Rev. J. W. Hayward again conducted the service, followed by Rio. J. IM)N reading the service of the Dniuls Lodge, the service of the Masonic* Lodge being conducted by Bros. Lawn. Ho listen, Simpson, and Shannon, from

all over New Zealand have come numberless telegrams of sympathy to the members of the family, proving how wide was the circle of friends and the esteem in which deceased was held,