CROSSING FATALITY

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1930, Page 5

CROSSING FATALITY

FUNERAL OBSEQUIES

(By Telegraph- Per Press Association.)

AYIIANGAREI, April 8,

Hikurangi was a sad township today. The flags Hew at half-mast, the shops were shuttered and there was a cessation of labour of any kind. It was the funeral day of, the live victims of the level crossing tragedy, which occurred on Saturday evening. The funeral was an impressive spectacle. The live coffins were borne on two white-palled lorries, and weie covered with floral offerings. The cortege was of more than one hundred ears, and fifteen buses and lorries, and a large number of people wore unable to obtain conveyances. Thu interment took place in the Kauri Cemetery, a picturesque and historic burying ground, where sleep many pioneers of this district. There were few dry eyes when the coffins were lowered into the five separate graves, side by side. The last sad rites were performed by the Rev. Mr Drake, Anglican vicar, of Hikurangi, and Re-v. T. S. Burton, Presbvtbrian pastor at Hikurangi. They stood together and shared in a service the solemnity of which greatly impressed the largest gathering that has been at any funeral in the north. The graves wore embowered with flowers,- tokens of love and respect, placed there by the people of Hikurangi and the surrounding district.