FAIRBURNS.

Northland Age, Volume 19, Issue 31, 3 November 1921, Page 3

FAIRBURNS.

(From a Correspondent). Last Monday evening a meeting was held here in connection with the proposed formation of a County Memorial Club. Mr. Allen Bell was present, and in a few brief words put before those present the details of the scheme. He stressed the fact that it was at the request of the returned men that the memorial was to take the form of a Club, while at the same time such a Club would provide what was felt to be an urgent necessity in Kaitaia and the surrounding districts. The Chairman, Mr. A. Stevens, commended the scheme to the serious consideration of the people and asked them to contribute as generously as the times would allow. He explained to Mr. Bell that a Roll of Honour and Memorial Tablet were being erected in the district, and that this in addition to other calls would be sure to have a restraining effect upon the liberality of the people. However, Fairburns always gives a sympathetic ear to any forward move, and we feel sure that the settlers will give this movement the support it deserves.

It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of one of our oldest and most esteemed residents, in the person of Mr. Charles Richie Walsh. Last Friday morning he passed quietly away in the Mangonui Hospital, where he had been ailing for some considerable time. On Friday evening the body was brought from Mangonui to the residence of Mr. Dick May, with whom Mr. Walsh had been living up to the time he went to the hospital. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, when a large number of people gathered together to follow the remains to their last resting place in the Fairburns Cemetery, where according to the old man’s wish they were laid. Messrs Gibbings, Foster, R. B. Coulter, T. Coulter, J. P. Coulter, A. Switzer, E. Prosser and H. Parker were the pall-bearers, and the Rev. Bycroft officiated at the graveside. Mr. Walsh spent a large part of his long life, full of the most varied experiences, on the gum fields. There seems no end to the anecdotes told of his doings, all giving evidence of his remarkable character, ever forgetful of self and ever remembering his fellows. All who knew him loved him, and theie are few indeed in the Far North who have not heard of him.