FATAL FIRE AT BRUNNER

Inangahua Times, 10 May 1909, Page 2

FATAL FIRE AT BRUNNER

The Funeral. Yesterday w.is a ead clay for the residents of Brunner when they assembled in hrge numbers to show their sympathy to Mr and Mrs Thomns Watchman in theif very sad and .1/ing loss of iwo promising daughters who were the victims of the recent fire. Early in the afternoon people flocked from Greymouth and surrounding places in convey- , ances. The services at the house! of Mr W. Watchman and the ' church were most impressive, the father breaking down complttely and was unable to attend the further mournful functions. The keenest sympathy and regret was felt by all. The circumstances were so sad that all felt keenly the mournful mission they were on. The funeral was a very large one, and the procession was headed by ihe Druids, followed by the school children. Then followed the hearse and mourning coach, and the general j public on foot. There were oyer ] 100 vehicles. The procession was a striking testimony to the grief of the community. At the graveside the Rev Mr Vealie conducted the service in a most solemn and impressive manner. The singing of "Safe in the arms of Jesus "was most heart reaching and many a tear dimmed eye could be seen. One of fcthe most pathetic scenes at the graveside was the grief of the young girls who mourned the loss of a true playmate. Their tears were intermingled by older people who sympathised deeply with the parents. The scene at the graven side jvas one to be remembered as it was very solemn "arid impressive. To the bereaved parents the heartfelt sympathy of the whole community is extended, and it is to be hoped that such expressions will soften the heavy blow that has befallen them. The • grave was covered with wreaths testifying to the great 'esteen in which the deceased I were held.

We regret to learn that Mrs Watchman is still confined to her b>id. The shock has been great, but. she also received a very nasty cut on ihe forehead and. her hands burned.

(Own Correspondent.) Stillwater, May 9. The funeral of the victims of the Brunner fatality took place at Stillwater on Sunday aiternoon between two and three o'clock. The cortege extended from the cemetery, to the Stillwater bridge, friends attending from all around the district. The sympathy of the residents here is heartily with Mr and Mrs Watchman in their bereavement and the eldest gitl is a loss to. the district at large. Though only sixteen years of age she gave promise of becoming an accomplished musician, and was altogether a most lovable girl. Mr Watchman was about to leave Brunner shortly to take up a business in Hamilton, North Island.