FUNERAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 August 1941, Page 6

FUNERAL

MR. JOHN STEEL.

The funeral of the late Mr. John Steel took place at Karoro Cemetery yesterday afternoon, and the procession, comprising about 130 motorcars whs one of the largest seen at Greymouth. In addition, some 50 cars awaited the arrival of the cortege at the cemetery. Rev. P. Kirkham con- a ducted the service of the Anglican Church at the graveside, and Wor. Bro. T. H. Jones, P.M., conducted the Masonic service. Mr. Kirkham paid a tribute to deceased in the course of an address at the cemetery. The chief mourners were Mrs. Steel and family, Mr. Jas, Steel senr. (father), Messrs Hugh Steel (Christchurch), Harold Steel (Carterton), and James Steel (Greymouth), (brothers). The pall-bearers were Messrs R. R. King (representing the All Blacks), T. Mclntosh (Star Club), M. Olsen (West Coast Rugby Union), W. Reynolds (Auxiliary Fire Brigade)., W. J. Steer and J. Duncan (Masonic Lodge). Among organised bodies represented were: The New Zealand Rugby Union (Mr. W. A. Craddock, President), West Coast Union (President, Secretary and all members of the management committee), Westland Sub-Union (Messrs A. H. Lawn, and E. W. Heenan), Buller Union (Mr. J. McEnaney), Greymouth Golf Club (Mr. F. F. Boustridge), Greymouth Licensed Victuallers’ Association (Mr. A. Beban), West Coast Rugby League (Mr. P. Blanchfield, junr.), Greymouth Fire Brigade (Messrs P. Deere and A. White). In addition, every Rugby Club on the West Coast, and other sporting bodies were represented. Pupils and teachers of the Greymouth Main School lined the footpath as the cortege passed the school. Wreaths were received from over 150 individuals, and from sporting clubs, and floral tributes were received from organisations:—West Coast, Buller and Canterbury Rugby Unions; West Coast Rugby LeagueManager and members 1924 All Blacks; Licensed Victuallers’ Associations, Greymouth and Hokitika; Greymouth Trotting Club’ Canterbury Owners, Breeders and Trainers’ Association; Football teams Greymouth Main School; Rector, Staff and Pupils St. Andrew’s College (Christchurch); Greymouth Golf Club, Greymouth Masonic Lodges, Greymouth Fire Brigade, Greymouth Auxiliary Fire Brigade, Greymouth Jockey Club, Greymouth Surf Club, Westland Rugby Sub-Union and Westland footballers; New Zealand Breweries; Westland Breweries; Robt. Ford and Co. Ltd.

MR S.S. DEAN’S TRIBUTE.

WELLINGTON, August 5. “He was one of the best attacking wing-three-quarters we have had,” said Mr S. S. Dean (chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union), in expressing regret to-day at the news of Jack Steel’s death and in paying tribute to a great player. “A most determined runner, he had a very definite fend, the like of which is rarely seen nowadays. He will be remembered for his great try 'against England at Twickenham —scored after a run of about 40 yards. He injured his ■ / shoulder in the process, but carried . on. His great try against the Springboks will also be well remembered by those who saw it. Jack Steel was very popular with his mates in the teams, with which he was asso- " dated, as’ he was with Rugby followers.” *