MR. EDWIN BANNISTER'S FUNERAL.

Evening Post, Volume XLIX, Issue 115, 16 May 1895, Page 2

MR. EDWIN B ANNISTER'S FUNERAL.

— -• — The high esteem in which the late Mr. Edwin Bannister was held throughout the district was evidenoed by the large and representative gathering which followed his body from the pretty homestead at Woodlawn up the winding tree-bordered road to tho picturesque Johnsonville Cemetery yesterday afternoon. Especially large was the gathering of his late brethren of the Oddfellows' Order, who marched before the coffin wearing their insignia of mourning. A detachment of these bore tho coffin, at their own special request, all the way from the houße to the grave. These bearers wore Brothers Chanman (2), Cunliffe, Farley, Hayhow, H. and W. Clark, Henry, N. Ball, F. Seagar, W. Platte, and Collotte. Tho pall.boarors were Past Provincial Grand Masters Brothers S. Walters, J. Martin, J. Smith, jun., T. W. M'Kenzie, and G. Godbor, Grand Master Brother J. Avery, and Corresponding Secretary (the office deaeased had so long held) J. Kershaw. Other District representatives of the Order were Brother I. Clark, who acted as marshal and warden, and Brother R. Smith. The lodge representatives wore : — Antipodean Lodge (of whioh deceased was a member), G.M. Bro. Howe, P. G.M. Bro. Max ton, and Secretary A. Guise; Britannia Lodge, P.P.G.M. Bro. G. Godber, P.S. ; Kainaponra Lodge, Bro. Geo. Thompson, Trustee ; Pahantanui Lodge, P.P.G.M. Bro. J. Pearoe; Rechabites, Aoting-Distriot Chief Rnler, Bro. Goudin. The coffin bore the insignia of deceased's rank in Oddfellowßhip, and was covered with wreaths. Large numbers of wreaths had been sent, amongst others being wreaths from :— Mr. J. E. FitzGerald (Con-troller-General), Mr. and Mrs. Harold Beauchamp, Mr. and Mrs. Rogen, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Woods, Mr. and Mrs. George Poynton, commercial department Evening Post, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. FitzGerald, Mr. and Mrs. E. Peagar, Mr. and Mrs. J. Blundell, Mr. and Mrs. L. Blundell, Mr. and Mrs. John Wa ker. Miss Dora Mostyn, Mr. Dalzeil, Mr. and Mrs. John Waters, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Cave, Mont, and Edith Bannister, Herbert Stace, Mr. and Mrs. I. W. Lovelock, H. M. Bannister, W. E., G. H., E. J., and Ethel Bannister, Mr. and Mrs. Bromley, Mrs. Drake and family, Masters George and Spenoer Bmumtor, Mr. Charles W. Bannister, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Bannister, Mr. J. Bannister. The ohiaf mourners were Messrs. Robt. E., J., and H. Bannister (sons), Messrs. 1. W. Lovelock, William Rowlands, and W. Staoe (sons-in-law), and Messrs. W. Everett and J. Waters. Amongst the large procession whioh followed were many prominent residents of the city and district. Amongst them were Dr. Newman, M.H.R., His Worship the Mayor of Wellington, Messrs. A. Worburton (Managing Direotor New Zealand Times), E. T. Gillon, J. Blundell, L. Blnndell, C. W. Tanner, W. C. FitzGerald, H. Beauohamp, U. Grady, Bramleigh, Geo. Allen, G. Fisher, H. P Word, W. M. Cook, Majendie, A. and J. Wall,J. Chapman, Walter E. Woods, G. Wilson. W. Drake, Geo Hobbes, S. Everett, H. Stebbings, Fitohett, W. Moxham, the Rev. J. Murray, and many other old and well-known residents. The body having been oarried into the ohuroh a servioe was oonduoted by the Rev. Mr. Monokton, assisted by the Rev. Otto Fitzgerald, and the solemn hymn, " Days and Moments quickly Flying, Blend the Living with the Dead," was sung. The Churoh servioe at the grave was conoluded by the Rev. Otto Fitzgerald The grave is npon the hill-top, from which a splendid view of rolling hills, with the township nestling at the spectators' feet, was visible in the waning light. The Ohuroh Servioe finished, Bro. J. O. Kershaw read, with impressive effeot, the Oddfellows' ritual, wreaths were piled upon the grave, and the oonoourse streamed down the hill-paths out of the oemetery, the oity folk to return by the special train whioh had brought them out, and which was in waiting at the John■onville Station, and the oountry settlers to Boatter by their waiting horses and traps all over the district. At the meeting of the Antipodean Lodge, held last evening, the Lodge was draped in blaok in memory of the late Mr. Bannister. The usual "harmony" waa postponed by speoial resolution as a mark of esteem, and resolutions of sympathy with the widow and Family were passed, as well aii of thanks to the Distriot Offioers and the Britannia Lodge for their part in regard to the funeral.