LATE MR KENNINGTON

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVII, Issue 152, 30 June 1913, Page 8

LATE MR KENNINGTON

THE FUNERAL CEREMONY

The funeral of the late Mr William Kennington took place at the. Kai- ' tuna cemetery yesterday afternoon. About twelve o'clock residents of the whole countryside concentrated at OkaramiOj where the deceased had, not long prior to his death, erected a pretty dwelling-place amidi picturesque surroundings, and in close proximity to tli© old homestead, Where latterly one of the sons had taken up his residence. Adjutant Sharp (on special duty from Wellington) and; Ensign i Seaman (officer in command >at Blenheim) represented the Salvation Army at the funeral. Both officers gave appropriate addresses, and Adjutant ! Sharp read the burial service. Suitable Scripture portions were selected' and read fro*n the 90th Psalm and Revelations xxii. - The great concourse stretched out all over the cemetery,' some having come long; dii»tances to pay their last tribute of respect to the pioneer settler. Mr Kennington, in the initial stage of his career, had great difficulties to contend with, in common with all pioneers; but resolutely and determinedly he faced the issues. He started with a borrowed horse and dray, which by grim perseverance and grit he soon paid for. The outfit was utilised for road formation. From.a position of penury 'he, by indefatigable labor, rose to be on© of the wealthiest farmers in Marlborough. '.' Prior to the cortege leaving Mrs Kenmngton's home, Adjutant Sharp conducted a short service conjointly with Ensign Seaman, the* family assembling around the casket. The late Mr Kennington! was ever interested in the work of the Salvation^ Aiany amongst the downtrodden poor' and deserving needy. Many of those ministered to by the Salvation Army possess lives full of potentialities of incalculable value, and, probably that is the reason why the Salva-; tion Army is the only beneficiary in the will besides the widow; and1 members of. the family. To the deceased no honest toil was undignified or humiliating, and this" is a priceless heritage for any i sons to have bequeathed to them from an industrious father. Mr Kennington was not illiberal to any deserving case or charity, and the money given was never misused.