DEATH OF AN ALL BLACK.

MR. W. CUNNINGHAM. MEMBER OF FAMOUS TEAM. The death occurred on of Mr. W. Cunningham, a well-known and popular ex-All Blackr Rugby representative. Mr. Cunningham was admitted to the hospital on Thursday suffering from acute meningitis and his condition gradually became worse, there being little hope held irom the outset of his recovery. As a footballer the late Mr. Cunningham first came into prominence in 1889, in which year he represented Auckland. He played for Goldfieids that season, and toured with the Auckland team to' Dunedin. Representing the Auckland province from 1899 until 1913, he established a record for the number of years any player has taken the field as an Auckland representative. In 1902 he came to Auckland and played for the old City Club for one season and then joined Ponsonby, with which club he -remained until the end of his playing career. The deceased represented New Zealand in 1901, 1905, 1907 and" 1908. Mr. Cun ningham was not originally chosen in the 1905 All Blacks, but after that team't Australian tour it was found that tlie side iacked a lock and he was selected to fill the position, which he did with great credit. He played in the majority of matches m Britain.

Mr. Cunningham worked for the Hai hour Board for a number of years and was then engaged at the Auckland Farmers' Freezing Works, where he was employed at the time of -'Lis death ■ The funeral took place at Hillsborough cemetery yesterday afternoon, and was tended by a very" large gathering of citizens and sportsmen. Among those present were: Mr. j Arneil, president of the Auckland Rugby Union, the vice-preiit dent, Mr. H Frost, chairman and members of the executive of the Auckland Rugby Union- Mr. J. Clarkin, representing the New South Wales Rugby Union; Mr. E. McKenzie, representing the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Wairarapa Rugby Union; Mr. J. Donald, captain, and members of the Wairarapa Rugby football team; and representatives of the Thames Rugby Union. The pall-bearers were Sir. F. Murray, a New Zealand representative footballer of the early days, and Messrs. G. Nicholson, G. Gillett, and G. Tyler, members of the 1905 All Blacks', team. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. Jasper Caldar, who made feeling reference to Mr. Cunningham, both as a citizen and a footballer. When the coffin was lowered into the grave a hlue and white jersey (Auckland's representative colours) was thrown on to the lid, this providing a singularly touching feature to the burial ceremony.