CHILD DRIVER’S FUNERAL

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27911, 7 March 1956, Page 6

CHILD DRIVER’S FUNERAL

FOUR HUNDRED MOURNERS ATTEND

Four hundred mourners yesterday attended the funeral of Billy Philp, the nine-year-old driver of a midget racing car, who was fatally injured when giving a demonstration at the Rakaia Car Club’s meeting at Rakaia on Saturday. Billy Philp had been the Christchurch speedway team’s mascot since he was three, and two speedway riders were among the pallbearers while 20 riders were present in cars.

The funeral procession from the boy’s home in Burnside road to the Waimairi Cemetery yesterday afternoon was a mile long. One hundred wreaths covered the roof, bonnet, front mudguards, radiator, and inside of the hearse, and there were dozens more at the graveside.

Three wreaths were sent by the Christchurch Speedway Club, with which Billy Philp had been associated for six years, and there was a wreath of yellow gladioli and chrysanthemums from the Motor Racing Club.

Attached to crimson roses was a note: “Heart-felt sympathy from his football mates.” Another note placed in the middle of pink carnations read: “With deepest sympathy from the South Island Three-quarter Midget Drivers’ Association.” Friends at the Fendalton and Burnside Road Schools, which Billy Philp attended, also sent wreaths.

Billy Philp’s father, Mr W. L. Philp, has now given up his interests in speedway and motor racing. He has sold his racing car, and has given away Billy's midget racing car.