THE LATE HENRY LESLIE MICHEL

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1930, Page 4

THE LATE HENRY LESLIE MICHEL

FU XE UAL SO LE.UNITIES

The funeral of the late Henry Leslie Michel took place yesterday, and proved to be one of the largest and most representative held here, The town as a whole, and the countryside, with many visitors from a distance, attended to pay a. last tribute of respect and show honor in the last sad way possible. All the local bodies of the district, as well as trom the north were directly represented, and with, the members of the Alasonie order from all parts, combined with a great concourse ,of people, constituted an unusually large gathering. The business places in the town were closed, and the State School also closed.

The procession moved from the late Air Michel's residence at 2 o’clock. It was headed by the Alunicipal Band playing the iJead March in “Saul.” Next came the parade of the Fire Brigade of which all members attended, and following came the Freemasons in large numbers, including a representative from Canterbury. The motor hearse contained the casket, with the dec-easel’s regalia and Superintendent’s helmet on the outside'. The mourners’ carriage followed, and then a special vehicle containing wreaths sent in great numbers by the local bodies, and representative organisations, and from friends: Members of the local bodies, including the Alayor of Hokitika (Mr G. A. Perry) and the County Chairman (Mr B. Ward) followed in cars, A long line of pedestrians came next, with a lengthy stream of motor ears in the rear. The streets were lined with the public. At All., Saints’ Church the Revd. Nelson AY right conducted the first portion of the Anglican Church service for the dead. Three hymns, favourites with the deceased wore, sung “For" Ever With the Lord,” “Thy Will Be Done” and “On the Resurrection Morn.” The proper Psalm was sung by the Choir, and the lesson for the occasion read by AY 7 . Bro. Coulson, Chaplain of Kilwinning Lodge. The Vicar gave a short address eulogistic of the deceased who was referred to as a great man of Hokitika, and a couftly, Christian gentleman. Air Alichel, while performing great services as a citizen, had also attended to his Christian duties, and as Superintendent of the Sunday School, and later Vestryman and Bishop’s YVarden, lie had never ceased in his Church duties. At the close of the address, . Miss Davies, organist, rendered the Dead Alareli in “Saul.” Later the procession reformed and moved to the cemetery, where a further assemblage awaited, the arrival of the cortege. At the graveside the Vicar completed the,. Church burial service, and the Alasonie service followed. This was rendered by Bros Guthrey, Houston, Shannon, Ecc-lesfield, S’mpson and Knowles-Smith. A Alaori . lament, by Mrs. Tainui o,f Arahura Pa,, .not unfittingly closed the solemn proceedings, and the great gathering of the public slowly dispersed, -