MANAIA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 16 September 1925, Page 6

MANAIA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.; LATE ME W. T. AEMITAGE. The popularity of the late Mr W. T. Ai'nucage was weii manifested yesterday at Lernoon, when liis remains were laid to rest in tlie Manaia Cemetery. The cortege was the largest seen for many years in Manaia, friends and sympatnisers of the deceased and tne bereaved ones being present from all parts of Taranaki and as far as vVanganui. 'there were over 90 cars in the funeral procession,’ as well as over 200 pedestrians. The cortege was headed by the Manaia Municipal Eire Brigade, under Superintendent G. White, the late Mr Armitage being the first captain of the Manaia Municipal Eire Brigade many years ago. He had since held office, up to his death, on the Fire Board, and took a keen interest in all Eire Brigade matters. The . Manaia Municipal Brass Band was also present in full muster, following the Fire Brigade, the deceased being also a keen supporter of the band. The pall-bearers were Messrs G. Meuli, J. S. McKay, E. R. Putt, A. G. Bennett, B. C. Bennett and N. C. Innes.

At the Octagon a very large gatherI ing of Maoris had assembled to pay their last respects to the deceased, who was a great friend and' favourite with the natives. The women wore their green mourning on their heads, and when the cortege was approaching they gave the lament for the dead, which was most touching, and then the party formed in the procession. At the finish of the funeral service at the grave they gave the final lament, and placed a mat and permanent wreath on the casket. Beautiful wreaths were sent from friends and relatives from all parts of Taranaki and Wanganui, including the various clubs and local institutions to which Mr Armitage belonged, an extra motor lorry having to be commissioned to carry them. The burial service was most impressive, Rev. J. D. Smith officiating. The Masonic Order was also present in large numbers, the deceased being a member of the Craft. Their service was most impressive, and was led by W.M. A. E. Washer (Ngamotu). who read the prayers, assisted by W.M. F. G. Hancock (Hawera), and the Benediction bv W.M. G. Liddington (Taranaki). Manaia and district will mourn the loss of a good citizen, and they extend to his bereaved widow and family their deepest sympathy in their very sad bereavement. At a special meeting of the Mali a.ia iPublio iLibtrary Committee on Mondav night the chairman, Mr. T. A. Bridge, moved a resolution (of svmpathy and condolence to Mrs. T. W. Armitage and family in their very sad bereavement and spoke of the late Mr. T. W Armitage’s great help to the library, for which be was also auditor for many years. The motion was carried in silence, all standing. The Manaia Brass Band and the Fire Brigade have passed similar votes. FIRE BRIGADE BENEFIT. At a meeting of the Manaia Municipal Fire Brigade held last week it was decided to give a- benefit fancy dress football match and Darktown hire Brigade to ex-Fireman T. Dee, to take place on the Manaia Domain on Labour Day. A grand procession will he held and the march to the grounds will start from the fire brigade station at 1 p.m. It is also intended to hold a hard-up dance on the same night for the same object. Further particulars will be published at a later date. No doubt the object is a worthy one, and the public will rally up for this good cause.