THE FOXTON TRAGEDY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9647, 25 October 1911, Page 5

THE FOXTON TRAGEDY.

DRAGGING THE RIVER, The search for the bodies of Miss O'Sullivan, Leslie Robert and Douglas Robert, lost in tho boating accident at the Manawatu Heads on Sunday, was resumed aj; five o'clock this morning. Parties under Constable Sweeney, of Foxton, and Major O'Sullivaii, have been sewing the river on each side. Mr G. Langlcy also went out in the launch lent by Mr Lawton, the pilot. Messrs Hunter and Cody, of .Wellington, have arrived to assist Major O'Sullivan, and thero is no lack of willing helpers, Hope.- arc still entertained that the nodies may be found in tho river. There is a continual sand drift, and it is possible that this may have covered the bodies, in which case the grappling irons could pass over without disturbing them. If this is so, tho further action of the water should eventually bring tho remains to tho surface . A number of Fox'ton residents arrived in Palmerston this morning for the purpose of attending tho funerals of Mrs Robert and Mrs Groveami her two children. The two survivors —Mr Robert and Mr Grove—arc still far from well, but they have sufficiently recovered to return to Palmerston. ; ' THE funerals:

To-day the town wore an aspect of mourning, flags'being flown at half-mast from many buildings, and from the band rotunda in the Square. The funerals took place about tali-past two this afternoon, and the two processions were made up of a great number of sympathisers. Floral emblems were received from near and far, including a number from school children, and were so numerous that special carriages woro required to carry them. The coffins were placed in separate graves in the Palmcrston cemetery, the offices of burial being cor.ductccl by the Rev. H. G. Rosher, The pall-bearors were: For Mrs Robert-Messrs J. Senior, G, Toretenscn, W. Kirk, E. H. B Holben. Cam. Turner and J Moimscv; for Mrs Grove—Messrs W. Dawick. Rert Pratt. W. Turner, Litchfield, F.Kirk, and W. A. Browning. Tho employees of Messrs Dunk and Pringlo acted w bearers for the two children, Rex Eugono Grove and John Hardy Grove.

Many kindly messages of condolence continue to be received' by the bereaved relatives. The Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, has expressed his deep sympathy. Among those who contributed to the wealth of beautiful wreaths were the following organisation; and persons closely associated'with the families:— For. Mrs Grove and children—All Saints' Missionary Society, College street school children and teachers, besides a number of young friends of the deceased children, Messrs Dunk- and Pringlo's staff, Messrs Millar and Giqrgi's. the Hon. R. McKenzie, Mr and Mrs Dunk and family, Mr and Mrs Duhl, Mr and Mrs James Grovo (Wellington), Mr and Mrs F. Grove (Wellington), Mr and Mrs Fitall (sister of the late Mrs Grove). Mr C. J. Adams, and Mr W. Mason Bayly.

For Mrs Robert:—Lodge Manawatu Kilwinning (Freemasons), Whakaronga Cheese Factory staff and suppliers, Mr Robert's employees, Terrace End School children, Homing Pigeon Club, staffs and firms of Messrs Nathan and Co., Holben and Kirk, C.\ W. Batson, Dunk ajid Pringle, Keeling and Mundy, Browning and Co., Ivlbunsev and Co., Millar and Giorgi, Messrs E. R. B. Holben, W. Kirk, and Dawick Bros, The above are but a Tew of those who forwarded tokens of respect. In addition many messages have been received voicing the sorrow of a wide circle of friends.

At tho Chamber .of Commerce last night Mi' R. Gardiner moved that a vote of sympathy bo accorded the bereaved relatives in connection with the boating fatality. Mr G W. Harden seconded the resolution, which was carried in silence, all those present standing. The meeting of tho laymen's missionary movement, representing all the Protestant churches in Palmerston. also expressed its sympathy with the relatives of the victims.