THE LATE SIR J. G. WILSON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3939, 7 May 1929, Page 2

THE LATE SIR J. G. WILSON.

REMAINS CONVEYED IN FARM WAGON. TO LAST RESTING PLACE. The funeral of the late 'Sir James Wilson took place at Bulls on Sunday afternoon and was marked by an impressive simplicity. A lengthy cortege, comprising old settlers, prominent public men, representatives of local bodies assembled and followed the mortal remains to their last resting place in the Bulls cemetery. In accordance with Sir James’ wishes the plain casket was placed on a farm wagon, the floor and sides of which were covered with bracken, and thp vehicle was drawn by two fanmi horses, driven by one of the employees, while other employees officiated as pall bearers. The whole of the arrangements were without ostentation or decoration. His departure was in keeping with the simplicity of his arrival in the pioneering days. Beautiful floral tributes, however, marked (lie contrast. The services at the house and at the graveside were conducted by the Rev. A. I' 1 . Stewart, Presbyterian minister. Bodies represented at the funeral were: The Board of.. Agriculture, Manawatu-Oroua Power Board, Massey Agricultural College, Palmerston North Hospital Board and honorary medical staff, Manawatn and West Coast A. and P. Association, Manawatu (County, Wan'ganuiRangitikei Power Board, Cawthron Institute, Royal Agricultural Society and the Dominion Farmers Institute, with all of which the late gentkiman was associated during bis life.

'Shortly prior to his death Sir James wrote to Mr. J. K. Hornblow, his fellow district me'miber on the Hospital Board, in which he referred to his approaching dissolution in the same brave Spirit which characterised him throughout life: “My dear friend. —The hour or zero is approaching and I hope to be over the top in a few days. Thank you for your kindness and assistance in hospital matters which we have fought togetherfight on. Gordon expresses my feelings when he says:— “I’ve had my share of pastime and I’ve had my share of toil, But life is short, the longest but a span; And I care not now to tarry for the corn or for the oil, Or wine that maketh glad the ' heart of man.” “I am going with a great feeling of gratitude to Providence to have given (me a long, peaceful and joyous life. Happily married for 55 years and a family grown up around us. Good bye, good luck, fight on!”