FUNERAL OF THE LATE F. W. ARMITAGE, M.D.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1695, 7 June 1884, Page 2

FUNERAL OF THE LATE F. W. ARMITAGE, M.D.

A very largo oompany followed the remains of the late Dr. Armitage on Thursday afternoon to the New Cemetery.' Shortly before two o'clock people from all part* of the neighbouring district congregated near the residence of the deceased to pay their last tribute of respect to his memory. The brethren of Lodge Tauranga, No. 462, 1.0., marched from the lodge and took up their place immediately behind the Constabulary Force, who headed, the procession under the command of Captain Baker. Immediately following the Masonic brethren came the hearse bearing the coffin, which was • covered with the Union Jack. Tl".o chief mourners came next, then the Foresters and the intimate friends of the deceased, then the public took up their places in the general procession — carriages, horsemen, and. those on foot closing the line. In this order all proceeded to the Cemetery, where the Lord Bishop of Waiapu met the procession and proceeded to tho spot chosen within the Cemetery enclosure. The Bishop read the service, and performed the last offices according to the rites of the Church of England . Alter the Church Service had been read the Masonic brethren each deposited an emblem, according to the rites of their Order, on the coffin. The Foresters then took up their place round the grave, and, having read the service for the departed brother, and each member dropped a piece of Jrayrtle upon the coffin, in accordance with their custom, retired. This concluded the ceremony, and the greater portion of those who had witnessed the closing ceremonies returned, a few remaining to com-, plete the last sad duties.