Obituary

Mt Benger Mail, 27 October 1937, Page 3

Obituary

LANCE-CORP. KENNETH ROBB PRIVATE ALBERT KINASTON The bus accident which occurred in the Kawarau Gorge on Saturday last and in which twelve local boys were involved, two with fatal results, has cast a over the whole district and much sympathy is felt for all concerned. To the parents of the boys who met their death the heartfelt sympathy of the community goes out. Both Mr and Mrs Kinaston belong to two of the oldest families of the district and with their family are held in the highest esteem. The deceased son, Albert, was a very popular young man. Of an unassuming disposition he made many friends. He was a member of the Young Farmers’ Club and through his interests were essentially in his father’s farm, he found time to engage in healthful recreation, of which football and military training formed the greater part. Mrs Robb and the late Mr S. Robb took up residence here many years ago and upon the death of the latter three years ago, Mrs Robb continued the business of Robb’s Motors assisted by her sons of whom the deceased, Ken, was the eldest and her mainstay. He was a very popular young fellow and member of Court Rorburgh, A.0.P., the members of which paraded at the funeral. The tragic deaths of these two young men has shocked th , whole community and its attendance in such large numbers at the funeral was a striking tribute to the esteem in which their parents are held and the grief shared with them.

The funerals of both took place on Monday afternoon with full military honours. That of Private Kinaston was from the Presbyterian Church. At the Anglican Church it was joined by that of Lance Corporal Robb and the two hearses preceded what was the longest funeral procession ever witnessed in the district there being over 100 cars. At various points en route to the cemetery members of the Municipal Band in uniform, were stationed while at the cemetery the control of traffic and the parking of cars were effectively handled. The service at the graveside of Lance Corporal Robb was conducted by the Rev. J. A. G. Simpson, (Auglican) and at that of Private Kinaston by the Rev. D. Heggie (Presbyterian). At their conclusion a firing party fired a salute of three rounds blank and the Last Post was sounded by Bandmaster W. Haughton. Both caskets were draped with Union Jacks and the pall-bearers were members of the local platoon. The floral tributes were very numerous and were taken to the cemetery in special cars.

The whole of the funeral arrangements were in the hands of Lieut. A R. Alexander whose organisation of all the details left nothing to be desired. The chief guard of honour was provided by the local platoon under command of Lieut. Alexander. The firing party was provided by the Otago Regiment in bivouac at Clyde and was under the command of Warrant Officer Fitzgerald. Detachments were also present from the Otago Mounted Rifles in bivouac at Gore under the command of Lieut. McKinlay and from the Southland Motor Cyclists Platoon at Invercargill under the command of Lieut. Neill. The Southland Command was represented by Capt. Greville, N.Z.S.C. and the Southland Area by Lieutenant Cockerill, D.S., N.Z.S.C. Major Leckie, the recently appointed commanding officer of the Southland Company who commanded the N.Z. troops at the Coronation, was also present.