LAST TRIBUTE TO LATE MRS. STRATFORD

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 141, 5 September 1927, Page 4

LAST TRIBUTE TO LATE MRS. STRATFORD

One of the most impressive funeral services seen at St. Paul’s Church in recent years was held yesterday afternoon, when a large assembly of friends of the late Mrs. A. J. Stratford met to pay her a last tribute. The service was conducted by the vicar, the Rev. Cecil A. B. Watson, who was assisted by Archbishop Averill.

The casket was met at the church door by a procession headed by a cross-bearer and acolytes, who were followed by the choir. Archbishop Averill spoke eloquently of Mrs. Stratford’s unselfish work, particularly during the war, when she gave of her talent as an artist for patriotic purposes.

"She hath done what she could,” could truly be said of Annis Mabel Stratford, concluded the archbishop. The burial service at Hillsborough Cemetery was read by Mr. Watson, and among those who attended were representatives of St. Paul’s Parish, the Auckland School Committees’ Association, the Society for the Protection of Women and Children, the Auckland Justices of the Peace Association, of which Mr. Stratford is president, the police, the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and the Auckland Croquet Club.

Over 100 wreaths and other floral tributes were given by friends and organisations with whom Mrs. Stratford was intimately associated.