IN MEMORIAM

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 87, 13 June 1902, Page 4

IN MEMORIAM

Our readers will remember that on the 3rd of September last year we recorded the death, at Motueka, on the previous day, of Frederick Arthur Bisley. The deceased, who had previously held the position of assistant master of the public school at Denniston, obtained leave of absence from the Kelson Education Board on the ground of ill health, and came to reside with his mother and the rest of the family, hoping the change would be beneficial. The disease from which he suffered had obtained too - strong a hold'upon his system, and being unable to shake it off* he gradually faded away. The funeral was largely attended by the residents of the district, of which he was a native, and particularly so by those who had been his class mates and present scholars. In order to mark their respest for one who had, besides being a universal favorite, given decided proof of superior abilities, the pupils of the Motueka Borough Schools decided to erect a tablet in the school building to perpetuate his memory. Subscription lists were circulated, and in a short time sufficient money, in sums ranging from one shilling to half a crown, was obtained. The task of making the tablet was entrusted to Mr C, J. Bartlett, of Motueka, who has succeeded in turning out a very handsome one, made from choice, well seasoned, picked woods, rimu and matai, resembling in shape a headstone. The panel contains the following inscription : In Memory of FREDERICK ARTHUR BISLEY, Who died September 2, 1901, Aged 24 years. This Tablet marks the esteem in which he was held by all who knew him, both as a pupil of this school, and afterwards as a teacher. His later life was spent at Denniston. and the headstone where he lies testifies to 1 he high estimation of his character by the residents of that town. The tablet is in the centre of the panel, the background of which is black, relieved with gold moulding, The superstructure, which spring, from a bold base, has fluted columns, capped with prominent mouldings. A faithful likeness of the late Mr Willey is placed in the centre • ot the pediment, which is for 17*ad with double sunk panels and popped with a hold cornice. Take** altogether, the memorial tabled is an excellent piece of workmanship. The ceremony of unveiling the tablet was performed on Tuesday morning in the presence of the whole of the-pupils attending the school. Mi T. A. Harris, M.A., in an interesting address explained the object of the gathering, concluding by asking Miss Gilbert, who was a fellow pupil and a teacher with the subject of this notice, to perform the unveiling ceremony. This being done, Mr C. Macfarlane, a member of the School Committee, addressed the children, stating that he had known Frederick Arthur Bisley from childhood upwai-d and had found him to be a boy obedient to his parents, respectful to all, and a lad of more than average ability. Mr Macfarlane concluded by stating that the tablet served to perpetuate the memory of Arthur Bisley and be an object lesson to the scholars and emulate his

good qualities. Mrp. jQoayle, another member of the committee, sjpoke in a similar strain, after which the proceedings were brought to a close. It may be well to'state- in ‘fi&feret&e to the last part of the inscription on th§ tablet that on the 'l 6th of ‘January, Mi F. Parker place J a fine marble headstone -over the grave of -Mr Bisley in the Motueka Cemetery which Was erected by Deunistun and school children.