WAIROA NEWS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22616, 20 April 1948, Page 6

WAIROA NEWS

FINAL RESPECTS PAID FUNERAL OF MR. OSLER (S.R.) WAIROA, April 20. The largest concourse of mourners yet to assemble in Wairoa in order to pay their final respects to a prominent citizen gathered yesterday when the late Mr. James Mitchell Osier was laid to rest. When the funeral moved off from. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church more than 100 cars were present. A special conveyance was necessary to convey the floral tributes to the graveside, and even then the local florists found it impossible to meet the demand, of a large number who wished to send an expression of regret in tangible form. In addition, the family have been the recipients of hundreds of messages of condolence. Tne service at St. Andrew’s and again at the graveside was taken by the Rev. D. E. Duncan, who paid a tribute to the memory of the decased, who, stated the minister, would always be remembered for his charity and generosity. Lodge Waikaremoana was present in full force .and as a mark of respect the business houses in Wairoa closed for two hours to allow their staffs to attend. Prior to the committal of the body to the grave a lament was played by Piper P. Wilson on a set of pipes that had been presented to the newlyformed Highland Pipe Band by the deceased.

The death occurred in Wairoa on Sunday of Mrs. Jeanie Cornforth, relict of the late Mr. H. W. Cornforth and father of the Misses E. and N. Cornforth and Messrs H. and F. Cornforth, at the age of 72 years. During her early life Mrs. Cornforth .was a keen worker in the interests of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and was a most popular resident of the district. The funeral took place today, the Rev. D. E. Duncan taking the services, at the church and later at the graveside. . Mr. R. Hunt, who has been receiving medical attention in Wellington, has sufficiently recovered to enable him to return to Wairoa. Fie was accompanied by Mrs. Hunt. The Mayor of Wairoa, Mr. C. V. Chamberlain, who has been attending the Municipal Association’s conference in Dunedin, has returned.