NAPIER.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9005, 18 January 1895, Page 2

NAPIER.

It is with deep regret that I commence my Christmas letter with sad news, and that ia to record the death of Mrs Leonard Williams, wife of our bishop elect. No lady in the district could be more lamented, Mrs Williams having been here and iv Giaborne for so many years, and was widely known and beloved. The deceased died from the effects of influenza at Hukarere (where she was staying). The funeral was a most impressive one, as the cortege after leaving " Hukarere" pro- < ceeded first to the cathedral where a large number of people were congregated. The coffin was literally covered with beautiful wreaths and crosses, sent from all p irte of the district. The Dean met the funeral procession at the door of the Cathedral, and led the way to the sanctuary slowly reading the opening portion of our beautiful burial service. The coffin was carried also to the sanctuary. Two hymus were sung by the choir and congregation as the coffin was being borne to Che hcaree again after a,short solemn service. Mr M. Bxrnett played the strains of the Dead March in Saul, after whioh the procession started to the deceased Ij&y'e last resting place. The chief mourners were the Bishop elect, the Rev. Sam Williams, Mr J. N. Williams, Mr Fred Williams, Mr W±\ Nelson, &c ■ . j Miss Browning wan presented by the ] scholars of the Naplor Girl's High School, where she has been teacher foe so long, with an elegant little hob water kettle j (silver). I ant sure Miss • Browning will i value this souvenir from her pupils very j much. , : i

Colonel E-ox-has been inspecting our gallant defenders, and.in consequeuce of his. severe criticism on other forces, the public Cook a keen interest as to what he should say to " our defender?." However, on the whole our gallant Colonel ia considered to have ;let them down lightly. The F Battery .particularly did he give a satisfactory address to. Mr and Mrs Turnbull and family have gone to Nel>4on for a well-earned holiday. Miss Sybil Hughes has gone to Wellington. >. The people taking part in the recent performance of" Messiah celebrated - the occasion by a very enjoyable social on Friday last in the Trinity schoolroom. A number of Mr Maughan Barnett's friends and admirers have presented him with a puree of sovereigns as a token of the esteem in which he is held in musical and social circles. Mr Baruett leaves Napier for Wellington early in January.. Phyllis.