HIGHLY ESTEEMED RESIDENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 November 1938, Page 4

HIGHLY ESTEEMED RESIDENT

\ FUNERAL OF LATE MR JAMES WALKER. IMPRESSIVE PUBLIC TRIBUTE. A highly respected citizen of Masterton, the late Mr James Walker, was laid to his rest in the Masterton Cemetery on Saturday afternoon. The great esteem in which Mr Walker was held was indicated by the large following of mourners accompanying the cortege. It was estimated that there were at least a thousand present. Messrs Murdoch McKenzie and John McKenzie played the lament on the pipes on the way to the cemetery. Representatives of many associations with which Mr Walker was connected including the Odd Fellows’ and Druids’ lodges, Caledonian Society, Labour Party, Carriers’ Association and athletic and sports bodies followed the chief mourners, Messrs Frank Walker (son), Ronald Grant (son-in-law) and Tom'Giles (nephew). The Hon. R. Semple (Minister of Public Works), represented the Government. The Rev. J. Davie, of Knox Presbyterian Church, conducted the service. Mr Davie paid a striking tribute to the many good qualities of the late Mr Walker, who was held in the highest esteerh throughout the community. Mr A. Riopon conducted the Odd Fellows’ Lodge service, at the conclusion of which the pipers played the lament.

Mrs Walker and family have been the recipients of numerous messages and .floral tributes from residents of the Wairarapa and friends all over New Zealand, including messages from the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage (Prime Minister), the Hon. P. Fraser, the Hon. R. Semple, the. Hon. D. Wilson, Mr J. Robertson, M.P., Mr Ben Roberts, M.P., the Commissioner of Transport, Messrs Alex. McLeod (Freezing Works), A. Parland (Drivers’ Union), and M. Mountjoy (Employers’ Association). The large attendance and wide expressions of sympathy were an ernest of the sense of bereavement the town and district has suffered by the loss of such a worthy citizen. Wreaths were sent by the following: President and members of Wairarapa Caledonian Society, Loyal Masterton Lodge of Odd Fellows (Manchester Unity), officers and members of Stonehenge Lodge of Druids, officers and members of Masterton Independent Order of Rechabites, Masterton branch of the Labour Partv, Masterton Labour Representation Committee, Social Committee of the New Zealand Labour Party. Trades Council and New Zealand Federation of Labour. Masterton branch of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Labour Partv, Eketahuna branch of the Labour Party, Wairarapa Football Association, president and members of the Masterton Amateur Athletic Club, Wairarapa Sub-Centre N.Z.A.A.A., Wellington Centre N.Z.A.A.A.. Wairarapa Carriers’ Association, Reliance Carriers’ Association, Masterton railway staff, outside staff of W.F.C.A. Ltd., Wright Stephenson and Co., Townswomen’s Guild, Carlton House. Petone friends, the Hon. R. Semple and Mr J. Robertson, M.P., besides many others from friends and sympathisers.

The pall-bearers were Messrs I. D. Cameron, W. Moore, P. Lobban. W. Kilmister. J. Henderson. J. Robertson, M.P., E. Gray, and G. L. Thomas.