FUNERAL CUSTOMS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 226, 14 June 1915, Page 4

FUNERAL CUSTOMS.

“There exists a strange custom ia this part of the country in connection with funerals,” writes the vicar of St., Paul’s, Stalybridge, in the parish magazine. “The clergy are constantly being asked to conduct services in privatehouses immediately before the coffin is closed and removed. No doubt the custom is of long standing, and on that account entitled to some consideration. Nevertheless it is somewhat difficult to understand what purpose can be served by sucli a service. Obviously' it cannot benefit the deceased, and theneces*sity and even the advisability of ife being held in the house is Questionable!. While discussing funerals, one cannot but deprecate the morbid curiosity; which moves many otherwise u renterested people to continually attend certain funerals. Were, the motive m attending simply, to show respect for the, departed and sympathy with the niQWfe here;’ there could be no cause for cafe--plaint. Unfortunately the usual ma-' tfv e is merely thirst for the sensatioa* aI -" W. ! :. [ m !&,: ;■■■