"LOVED BY ALL."

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 65, 17 March 1936, Page 5

"LOVED BY ALL."

CHURCHMAN'S FINE TRIBUTE. IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON", Monday. The fun<jfal of the late Rt. Hon. Sir Francis Henry Dillon Bell took place to-day at St. Paul's Pro-Catliedral, which was crowded out with one of the largest and most representative congregations ever seen in Wellington. Practically every section of the community and all shades of political thought were represented. Those present included Major A. F. Purvis, representing the GovernorGeneral, the Prime Minister, the Hon. M. J. Savage, the Attorney-General, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, the Hons. W. E. Parry, F. Langstone, and Mark Fagan; Judges Reed, Ostler, Blair and Kennedy; and prominent members of both Houses, including the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates. The legal profession was well represented, as well as public bodies, Government Departments, civic authorities, and commercial and other interests.

The chief mourners were Sir Francis' son, Mr. Cheviot Bell, and Mrs. Bell; his daughters and sons-in-law, Judge Johnston and Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. G. H. F. Rolleston, Miss Bell, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Denniston; Mrs. Warwick Blundell, a grand-daughter, and Mr.. Blundell; Mr. Nigel Johnston, a grandson; Mr. E. D. Bell, a brother; Mr. A. K. S. Mackenzie, a nephew, and Mrs. Mackenzie. The pall-bearers were relations, Mr. Charles Gill, his personal servant, and members of the staff of Sir Francis Dillon Bell's firm for over 40 years. The service was conducted by Bishop Sprott, and Canon James preached the panegyric and also officiated at the Ivarori Crematorium.

Canon James referred to the passing of a link with the colonisation days in New Zealand and also to Sir Francis' of public service, both in civic and political life. He paid 'a, tribute to Sir Francis as a leader of the legal profession for half a century in New Zealand. He was a lover of men and was loved by all men. He was remembered particularly in St. Paul's, where a Toe H lamp was dedicated to his son, who fell in the Great War.

Members of Toe H participated in the cs thedc 1 er vice.