TOUCHING TRIBUTES

Northern Advocate, 13 August 1927, Page 6

TOUCHING TRIBUTES

AT FINAL OBSEQUIES,

FUNERAL OF LATE C J. EOOLES.

Testimony to the esteem in which the late Mr Charles William John Eceles was held was evinced in the large number who assembled to do him the last honour -at the funeral, which took place at the Maunu Cemetery yesterday afternoon. Because of his association, the late gentleman was accorded a fire . brigade funeral, to which was added the last solemn rites due to a brother by his parent lodge, the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, In addition the Municipal Silver Band played solemn music at the house, through the town and at the graveside. There was a full attendance of the local members of the Whangarei Fire Board, and representatives from various local bodies, including Inspector Hollis in full dress uniform, representing the Civil Service. The local members of the Manchester Unity Lodge were present in strong force wearing funeral regalia, there being also representatives from the Lodges at Dargaville, Hikurangi and Maungatapere. Other Friendly Society order.s in the district, both male and female, also paid their last respects. Although there was no Masonic ceremony, silent tribute was -accorded.

The Whangaroi Fire Brigade had a full muster, the hose reel being adapted to carry the casket. Timed to leave Donald Street at 2 p.m., there was a big muster of cars long before this waiting to take thoir place in the line. Actually 58 motors followed through the town, the majority continuing to the cemetery. After holding a memorial service in the Friendly Societies’ Hall, the Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows conducted the first part of the ceremony at the house, six Noble Grands acting as casket bearers. While the short journey was made to the waiting motor reel, the Municipal Silver Band played “Nearer My God, to Thee,” this being the first phase of a funeral which was touching throughout.

Covered with the Union Jack the casket was then lashed on to the motor reel. The deceased’s helmet, belt equipment and insignia of the M.U. Order of Oddfellows Lodge wore laid on the flag. A profusion of wreaths almost covered the coffin, a spare car having to be requisitioned to carry the remainder. These wreaths, some of which came from outside Fire Boards, and local bodies, were tokens from all classes of the community. The fire reel was manned by six members, two standing on each side of the bier, and two as after-guard, as well as the driver and undertaker, all wearing white gloves and . cap covers. Upon reaching the business precincts of the town, the band slow marched to the solemn strains of the “Dead March” in “Saul.” All business places en route closed, the County Council suspending session, while hundreds of sympathisers on the sidewalks were visibly affected. Once through the town the pace was quickened. On arrival at the cemetery six members of the Fire Brigade acted as bearers.

The graveside obsequies were conducted by the Bev. E. B. Chambers, who paid a. fine tribute, in simple language, characteristic of the late Mr Eccles’ sterling character as a citizen. The religious service over, Fireman W. Reynolds read the brigade’s service, which was followed by a prayer. At its conclusion the members of the brigade filed by the open grave on the left-hand side, each dropping an evergreen on the casket. Followed the Manchester Unity burial service, read by Bro. M. Ward. Then in turn the brethren filed by on the right-hand side, each dropping a twig of thyme. As the last one resumed his position the strains of the band came stealing over in “Lead Kindly Light,” and so ended one of the most impressive and largely attended funerals ever witnessed in Whangarei.

The chief mourners after the service received a touching bond of sympathy conveyed individually by the Fire Brigade, Lodge bretheren and many other sympathisers.