SIMPLE FUNERAL AT CHEVIOT FOR MR. G. W. FORBES

Grey River Argus, 21 May 1947, Page 7

SIMPLE FUNERAL AT CHEVIOT FOR MR. G. W. FORBES

P.A. CHRISTCHURCH, May 19. “It is with a simple gathering, such as this, that Mr Forbes would have had you remember him,” said Rev. V. L. Leaning, Vicar of Cheviot, in an address at a servic'd at Mr Forbes’s home, Crystal Brook, to-day. The service was conducted from the porch of a bungalow built to replace a tent which was Mr Forbes’s first home when he took up his block of land in Cheviot settlement. A large number of his friends from within the Cheviot district and further afield attended. Members of the family and leading personalities in politics were also on the porch, and many friends were assembled on a lawn in bright sunshine. Nearly 100 wreaths were placed on the lawn at the end of the drive. As befitted the character and life of Mr Forbes, the service, both at his home and at the graveside in Homeview Cemetery, Cheviot, was simple. Mr Forbes was given a funeral of a highly respected citizen, without, any pomp or ceremony, but the representation acknowledged his long and faithful service, both to the State and the electorate of Huiunui, which he represented in Pailiament for 35 years. The chief mourners were Mrs Forbes, Mr Robeit Forbes, Miss Bertha Forbes, and Mrs Clutha Mackenzie, and the pahbearers were the Prime Minister, Mi Fraser; the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland; Messrs Gillesm'e. M.P. (who succeeded Mr Forbes as ber for Hurunui), W. Wade (Waimate), a nephew; Clutha Mackenzie (Happy Valley), a son-in-law; and W. Thomson (Christchurch), lifelong friend. Parliament was represented by the Minister of Rehabilitation, Mr Skinner; the Minister representing the native race, Mr Tirakatene; Miss M. B. Howard (Minister-elect), Mr T. H. McCombs (Under-secretary to the Minister of Finance), Messrs Watts, Macfarlane and McAlpine, M’s.P. A Minister in the Forbes’ Cabinet, Mr R. Masters, came from Stratford, to pay his last respects. Paying a tribute to the life? and work of Mr Forbes in the national and district spherse, Rev. Mr Leaning said he had in his short time in Cheviot learned of the graciousness and fairness for which Mr Forbes was known to those with whom he had long associations. “We remember him as one whose life was given to service of his country, as one who loved his country,” said Mr Leaning. “He was a great New Zealander. It took a man of great courage, strength and ability'’ to meet the heavy demands of public life as he did. I will not dwell on his attainments, nor public career, except to say that, to many, he was a good friend and neighbour, and that his share in the life of this country is an example of good citizenship. 11 is true he did great things concerning our country and Emr ut his true greatness was concerned with his influence and sincerity. Such was the character of Mr Forbes.” It was a source of gratification that God had allowed Mr Forbes to spend his last few years contentedly about his home and on his farm. All who knew him admired and respected him. At the service at the home Mr Leaning was assisted by Ven. Archdeacon A. J. Petrie, of St. Mary’s, Merivale, and Rev. J. Hay, Vicar of Glenmark.

A further tribute to Mr Forbes was paid by Archdeacon Petrie at the graveside. Before the home service finished, “Lead, Kindly Light,” which hymn, Mr Leaning said, was "very dear to Mr Forbes,” was sung without accompaniment, Mrs Forbes and Mr Leaning leading the singing.