FUNERAL OF THE LATE MAJOR BROWN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 207, 6 September 1901, Page 2

FUNERAL OF THE LATE MAJOR BROWN.

i. military funeral is always an im- j iressive pageant, but the sad circum- j tances attendant on the death of Major Brown added a solemnity and sympathetic feeling which is rarely sailed forth. Naturally there was a ' jnsiderable proportion of gray headed reteranspresent, and their venerable ap- j leirancfl was in striking contrast with [ ;he children in arms, of whom an un- j usually large number were present at the graveside. The wet weather of the aarlier part of the day had doubtless prevented many of the elder generation Prom being present, but fortunately, prior to the starting of the cortege from the deceased's lite residence, the slouds broke, and the sun sbone out. The Taranaki Rifles and Guards, together with a goodly number of veterans, and the Battalion Band, assembled at the Drill Hall at 2 o'clock, Lieu-teDant-Colonel Ellis being in command. From there they marched to the Henui, and, all except the Band, which remained at the entrance to the road leading to " The Pinee," proceeded to the deceased's late residence, the volunteers and guards lining the avenue leading from the house to the ro\d. On reaching Devon-it'eet, the band headed the cortege, being followed by the volunteers and guards, who pieceded the heme, after \»hich came the eh ; ef mourners, the reterats and a large fol'owing, amongst whom were many of the old identifies of the town and district. To the solemn and stat-ly stxeins of the " Dead March," the sad procession slowly wended its way to the cemetery, where a groat number of ladies and children were assembled. The coffin, which was covered with fliral offerings, was taken from the hearse to the grave, amongst tbe pallbearers being M-sts HuMien, W. Webster, T. Avery, and Free. The service was read by Chaplain F. 0. Evans, who made choice of such portions as were particularly suitable to the occasion, and gave a brief but very impressive addresc. At tbe conclusion of the service three volleys were fired, the echo ruined having a startling effect. Most of those present give a parting look into the open grave before wending their homeward way. It was a v> ry touching scene, and one that will linger long in the memory of those present Amongst those present were several volunteer officer* of com-pani-s outside New Plymouth, Gap'ain Liardet and LioutenanD Uarberry being in uniform. =============