FUNERAL RITES

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1936, Page 4

FUNERAL RITES

LATE AIRMAN, W. M. O’HARA (For Press Association—Copyright) HAMILTON, June 9. The last rites were this afternoon performetl at the funeral of the airman, Mr W. H. O’Hara, Tasman flier, when his remains arrived at the Hikutaia Roman Catholic Church, from Hamilton, by hearse. A large crowd of over 1000 attended, over 300 motor cars forming the cortege to the cemetery at Wharepa, where the late Mr O’Hara was born and spent the early years of his life. The brief service at the church was conducted by the Rev Father D. Silk (Matamata), assisted by the Rev 'Fathers Lyons (Thames), O’Mera (Paeroa), and Bridie (Opotiki). Returned soldiers, representing the Waikato, Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, and Cambridge Associations, formed the Guard of Honour at the church and at the graveside, where Father Silk conducted the service. The small cemetery was crowded. The body was interred in a grave adjoining the grave of his father, Patrick O’Hara. “The Last Post” concluded a brief service of a simple, yet impressive nature.

The children of the Wharapoa School which the late Mr O’Hara had attended, were formed up at the gate of the cemetery, paying their silent tribute as the cortege passed m. Represented at the church and also at the graveside were Squadron-Leader L M. Isitt, representing the Director of Air Services; Flying-Officer C. E. Kay, Royal N.Z. Air Force ; Major L. Potter, N.Z. Defence Department; also the members of the Aero Clubb, the R.S.A., and the local bodies throughout the whole district. There were wreaths practically surrounding the grave, which included ones from the following ; The members of the Royal Dutch Indies Airways; Lady Miller (Paha); the Western Australian Aero Clubs; the Auckland, New Plymouth and Hamilton Aero Clubs; the New Zealand Machine Gun Corps ;

other R.S. Associations; local bodies, and friends.