SPIRITUALISTIC FUNERAL.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1285, 23 September 1880, Page 3

SPIRITUALISTIC FUNERAL.

The first funeral of an adult in Auckland conducted according to the mortuary rites of the Spiritualists took place on Monday, on the occasion of the burial of the remains of Mrs Wilkes, of Newton, who passed away at her residence, on September 16. The Star says -.—The funeral cortege left the residence of Mr J. C. Wilkes, West-street, at 3 o'clock, the remains being conveyed in a hearse. The whole ceremony was divested of the sombre characteristics which mai'k the orthodox funeral rites. The coffin, instead of being of the ordinary black pattern. A\as covered with royal purple, and ornamented with white, silver-plated trimmings, and the people in the procession, numbering upwards of 100, carried small bouquets of flowers. The pall-bearers were Messrs Searle, Warburton, Lawson, and Moulden, and in the procession were most of the prominent Spiritualists of Auckland. Messrs. Wilkes, senior and junior, were the chief mourners. On the arrival of the hearse at the entrance to the Presbyterian Cemetery, it was met by the Rev. S. Edger, who preceeded the coffin to the grave, where the funei'al cortege was augmented by about 130 persons, amongst whom were many ladies (carrying bouquets of flowers), no doubt attracted by the novelty of witnessing a burial service conducted according to the Spiritualistic ceremonial. By this time the rain began to descend in a heavy downpour, and umbrellas were called into requisition. The coffin having been placed over the grave, the Rev. S. Edgev delivered a most impressive extemporaneous prayer, consisting mainly of passages from the Old and New Testaments, and having reference to the immortality of the soul. He then asked the assemblage to sing Moody and Saikey's hymn " The Sweet By and By, M which he said the deceased had requested just before her death should be sung over her grave. The hymn was sung by all present, and was followed by another extemporaneous prayer by Mr. Edger, In the prayer he invited the friends of the departed to be joyous and glad, because they were not like those who believed that this grave was her home, but that though far away she was yet near to them. They knew that their earthly frame would go back to the dust and ashes, but that their spirits would return to God and dwell in the glorious home which He had prepared for them. He concluded a long and impressive prayer as neaaly as could be heara in the following words : V Thus we commit to the silence of the solemn graye — not our Biater, for she is not here, but all that was mortal of her in this earthly home, but the spirit will return to God who gave it. We sorro w not, dear friends, as those who think that this can be man's last slumber ; we know better. The human being only dwells for a moment in this bodily state. We commit it to its kindred dust ; but she hath gone to her kindred home, the home of the blessed, the home of the good. " After a few more remarks, the rev. gentleman concluded with the benediction. The coffin was then lowered into the grave, and the bystanders cast in bouquets of fresh flowers. The coffin bore an embossed plate with the words "And the spirit shall return to the God who made it." The name-plate bore the following in bronze letters :— " Sarah Wilkes, passed away September 16tb, 1880, aged 53 years. "

If plenty of salt is given to milch cows, bufcter will be obtained more easily than if salt is only fed occasionally. The ancient mode of butter-making was by plaoing it in a goatskin and agitating- it by the hand or by treading it with the feet. Cure for Mange in Dogs.— Mix equal quantities of tram oil, spirits of turpentine flour of sulphur, and soft soap. Rub the dog well with it. Two rubbings will cur.c the worst case,