THE FUNERAL OF JOHN EDWARD THACKER.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume XXIV, Issue 2063, 19 June 1896, Page 2

THE FUNERAL OF JOHN EDWARD THACKER.

This funeral took place on Tuesday last at 12.30 p.m., an honr selected to

suit the Many visitors elpecte'd from n long distance. Riding up the Okain's road rriight be seen strings of horsemen from the Akaroa side, whilst the neighbouring bays furnished a full 'quota. Every possible arrangement had been made at the homestead for the comfort and convenience of visitors, and what struck one most was the great distances that had been ridden by settlers to show their ; last tribute of respect to the departed pioneer. Prom Christchurch c„mo Messrs TT.'Joynt, Anderson (2). Geo. Williams, Thomas, IDPriest, filacke, Mrs Langhorn and many others. From the the Peninsula Messrs Buchanan, J. Montgomery, Coop,-Piper (2), McGregor, E. E. Lelievre, Menzies, Kay, Leonardo, Jas. and Steel Hay, ; Daly, B. Barker, Chappell, Vangioni, Le Valliant, Noonan,' Fairbrass, Jadob* son, Duxbury, Enight (2), Ricbfield, Dalglish, P. Callaghan, M. O'Connor Boleyn, Wallace, H. G. Robinson, Black, Kingston, W. Raddinge, Kearney and many more. The whole population of Okain's were of course present, and a great concourse from Le Bon's, Laverick's and all the

labouring localities, and altogether there must have been 700 or 800 people to witness the ; closing scene in the pilgrim's

life. The coffin was borne to the grave, a distance of more than two miles, dn the shoulders of men working on the estate, some 25 in number. It was not only in this particular thai the "warta syropathy existing between the deceased and those he employed was manifested, for amongst the mourners were not. a few

labouring* men who had left the"Service of the deceased mauy years ago, but who came many weary miles on this occasidn to pay their last respect of esteem. The day was a peculiarly delightful one, and the counlry looked exceptionally beautiful considering t-he season. The turf in the pretty cemetery was delightfully fresh, and some oi the graves were 'decorated with fresh flowers. The deceased was laid to rest under a massive headstone of polished 1 red granite, which he brought with him from the Old Country after his recent trip. It already contains the names .of five sons that have gone before' him, and is 'a"massive and solid monument that looks as if it would stand the woar and tear of ages. The coffin was a very handsome rimu 'one, and was adorned with the most beautiful flowers. Amongst those send* ing floral gifts besides members of the family, we may mention Mesdames Wallace, Miller, Priest, Hay, Guthrie, C. Moore, Emslie, the Misses Williams, Gar forth, Mason and Hay. The flowers were in most cases tastefully made into wreaths and crosses. We particularly noticed a wreath of iry and shamrock from Miss Pearson, and a pretty white cross from his little friend Mis Hazel Emslie, grand d-Tighter of his tried friends and old shipmates Mr and Mrs John Anderson. The solemn procession left the house at 1230, headed'by the Rev. T. Jasper Smyth, who, in the unavoidable absence of Mr Blnkiston, conducted the service. The first portion of the beautiful -burial service took place in the church, and was read in a clear voice and impressive manner, many grown-up persons being moved to tears. As the coffin was brought in, Mrs Vv alker played with great pathos the * Dead March ia Saul.' After reading the 90'h psalm, the' hym'u commencing' Jefus lives, no longer now"; can thy terrors, death, appal us?' was sung; and then the lesson, taken from the 15th Corinthians, was read, after which the procession left the church for the Cemetery, where the remaining portion of the burial service was conducted. The hymn, 'For ever with the Lord.; amen so let it be," was then sung ; and immediately after, the Rev. -J. Striyth gave a short address, which was -as follows :—••' My dear friends, before we separate I wish to say a few words. It is not customary for a minister of Ike Church of England to give an address at the grave, for the beautiful service which Tte have just read is so full of consoling truths that we -can add very'little to it —a lesson more for the comfort of the living than for the benefit of the dead. There are, however, exceptions, and I think the present occasion is one, for we have now laid in the grave the remains of one who held a very prominent position not only in the Peninsula but iv the history and development df Canterbury-; and the large attendance here from all parts of the country shows the esteem, respect and affection which was universally felt for the late John Edward Thacker. I could not help noticing the tears which fell from the eyes of many grown-up persons as I read the service, which was an eloquent tribute to the deceased. Those tears were Chrisi-like, for He himgelf, who sympathised with human sorrow, shed a human tear. Soon after I came to Akaroa I made k his acquaintance, and Vith his well-known genial manner, he always gave me a hearty welcome to his 'hospitable house. Not "knowing him so long or so intimately as most of you, I am not qualified to speak of him as I could wish-: nor is it necessary, for a long obituary notice has appeared in the local and Christchurch papers ; and, indeed, such a life as his was, could not be v hid under a bushel, for he was in every sense of the word a public man—taking a fair share and an intelligent and active interest in various public duties ; and while attentive to his own duties he was not forgetful of oUters. !J.ffvi:::< prospered in ths v:6rtf '

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"yonder was built; and I have been told 'of instances where he often besiuwed charity, the recipient not knowing from, -whence it came, letting his right hand do "what the 1 left knew nothing of. Tarn glad "to know that his end was peace. HTf'el RUre'hemust have had some presentiment that his end was drawing near, for he -was'Tnost attentive in attending public worship and in'receiving tbe 'holy communion. "Most of'you kiftiw that he was one of the early settlers, having come out in one of the first four historical t-hips. In his early days he led a very eventful life, and full of energy and pluck, lie soon made his mark among the men -of "his time. - Sis death has removed one who will be ~ missed and often remembered with feel- ■ ings of love and respect both here and elsewhere. We trust and hope that our loss will be his gain. " % * Peace to his ashes and eternal happiness to his departed spirit.' On behalf of all assem- ' bled here, I express our deep and heartfelt sympathy with his widow and children. May tbe God of all comfort and consolation support them under ' their bereavement, (andnri the vast assembly many audibly said ' Amen.'" The ker then turned to the sons and daugh-, ters and said : "To yon, his 'children, ■'let me say I know you loved your father, • and that as a.family you are united, and tne best way for you to show those around you how you revere his memory is to be united in following the noble -example he has set you." The benediction was then pronounced, and brought a solemn and impressive service to a •close, those present taking their depar- > ture to their respective homes.