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Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1140, 1 April 1870, Page 3

Fatal Accident. — "We (Independent, March 24) learn with deep regret of the sudden death of Mr. John Lambert, a well known and muck respected settler in the Bangitikei district, We have not been able to procure the full particulars of the fatal occurrence, but from private information wo gather that Mr. Lambert was riding homewards from Wanganui on the evening of Saturday last, and on approaching the Toll Bar which has been recently erected across the road, near the Putiki swamp, he set spm - s to his horse with the intontion of rushing past it. The keeper of the gate having on more than one occasion been defrauded of the toll by horsemen riding through in a similar manner, closed the gate, against which Mr. Lambert's horse rushed, throwing his rider heavily to the ground, on the other side. Mr. Lambert never spoke after his fall and died in about three hours afterwards. He leaves a widow and two children to mourn his loss, and the district loses in him a most useful and enterprising settler." The Independent of the 26th says : — The remains of Mr. John Lambert who was killed by a fall from his horse near Wanganui,were interred on Tuesday last, alongside those of three of his children, in the cemetery near the Bonnie Glen. The funeral cortege (the largest yet seen in Hangitikei) left his late residence, Moturamarama, near Marton, about two o'clock, headed by the Volunteer Band, playing the Dead March, and a firing party of Rifle Volunteers, and the hearse was followed by the relations, the Cavalry and Rifle Volunteers, and a large body of friends from all parts of the district — Manawatu to Wanganui. All the places of business in Marton were closed. At four o'clock the procession (upwards of 400 persons) reached the cemetery, which occupies a commanding site on the western road, near the estate of A. Milne, Esq., M.P.C. The Rev. JohnElmalie, of Wanganui, officiated, and delivered an impres- 1 sive discourse on the melancholy accident which had cut short the career of one so well known, and occupj ing a position of much usefulness. At the close of Mr. Elmslie's service, the usual three volleys were fired over the open grave of their late comrade and former captain, and the large assemblage dispersed. The deceased was a man in the prime of life (in his thirty-seventh year) and a thorough farmer. He was well known, and his kindly and genial manners made him a general favorite, and his loss will be greatly felt by all. His widow, and two infant children, have the sympathy of all who knew him. Deceased was a leading member of the Harmonic Society, and precentor of the Presbyterian Congregation.