FUNERALS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9816, 27 August 1897, Page 2

FUNERALS.

THE LATE MR ROBERT DAWSON.

A very large number of friends of the late Mr Robert Dawson attended his funeral, whicli took place at the Aldington Cemetery yesterday afternoon. Representatives from the various religious denominations, employees of Messrs Ballantyne and Co., and others, followed Ihe body to the grave. The service, which was conducted by the Rev. D. MoNicoll, assisted by the Revs. J. Orchard and VV*. G. Paraonson, was of a very solemn and impressive character. During the ceremony the hymn "For ever with the Lord " was sung. A large number of wreaths were sent by the following:— The Diinetable House employees "a mark of respect and esteem." the Trustee Board of the Durham street Wesleyan Church, the Ladius' Guild of the Church, the Y.P.S. of C.E. of the Church, Mr and Mrs John Ballantyne (Timaru), Mr and Mrs F. Tregear, Mr and Mrs B. Dewdbury and family, Dr. and Mrs C. M. Anderson, Mr and Mis Jaclcson (Timaru), Mr and Mrs Thorn© BalUntyne, Mr and Mrs J. R. Triggs, Mr and Mra K. W. England, Mr and Mrs A. K. England, Mr and Mrs Josiah Ballantyne, Mrs Keuner and family, Mr and Mrs Holdgate (Timaru), Mr ard Mrs W. BaHantyne, Mrs Kelynge England, Mr and Mrs Gurney, Mr and Mrs Griesbaber, Mr and Mrs John King, Mr and Mrs (_'. Gill and family, Mr and Mrs Barrell, Air and Mrs Wilkinson, Mr and Mrs J. O. H. Anthony, Mc and Mis W. Gimblelti, Mrs 15. Jone3, and Mr and Mvs F. Thompson. The pall-bearers, all of whom were connected with the firm, were Messrs Turton (1869), Oswald (1875), Buckley (1877), A. E. Triggs (1879), Rutledge (1875), and Wood ham (1877). The coffin was of handsome polished wood, with silver facings. Among those present were—yen. Archdeacon Cholmondeley, Reva. Gordon Webster, fenny, and ,C. Porter, Messrs Major Cunningham, W. Harris, C. Burgess, E. C. Brown, C. W. Turner, W. Moor, G. J. Smith, M.H.R,, Kitchiogman, Isaac Wilson, Cannon, J. C. Prudhoe, C. S Howard, and W. Harrington. The Rev. D. McNicoll announced that there would be no sermon at the grave, but that a memorial service would be held at the Durham street Church on Sunday evening, September sth.

Mr Robert Dawson, who was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, in 1838, was one of the tfarly settlors of Canterbury, coming to the colony in the year 1863. 'He was licst associated with the staff of Caehel House, Cashel street, and afterwards with that of Dunstable House. On the retirement from the business of Mr John Ballantyne, Mc Dawson became a partner in the firm, aud continued in that position until his retirement, about three years ago, on account of ill-health. • •Iα the early part of bis career in Christchurch he took a great interest in Volunteering. He was also a, prominent member of the Wesleyan Church, acting as local preacher to the Durham street Church, and at the time of his death was Circuit Steward of Durham street and District Secretary of Properties to the Wesleyan Conference. He wae prominent in every kind of philanthropic work, and was very popular with those under him. He loaves a wife and a daughter, the wife of Mr G. J. Smith, M.H.R.