FUNERAL OF A VETERAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XV, Issue 5174, 17 June 1878, Page 2

FUNERAL OF A VETERAN.

Donald McKenzie, who, as a man, soldier and Freemason, was one of the oldest in the colony, expired on Friday last at his residence, Onehunga. Amongst his last wishes was that he should be buried with Masonic konours. The request was conveyed through the officers of Lodge Manukau, and of course it was complied with. The deceased wa3 born in the year ISOO, and consequently at the time of his death was 78 year 3 of age. His father was a soldier in the 42nd Highlanders (the famous "Black Watch"), and young McKenzie, on the discharge of his father, joined the regiment when 19 years of age, and ia November, 1819, he. was initiated a Freemason in the 42ud Highlanders' Lodge, hailing uuder the Grand Lodge of Scotland. This lodge has since become dormant. Mr. MeK.enzie served with the regiment (in which he was born) during the trying times of 1815, when the famous battle of Waterloo wa3 won and lost. He did not take au active part iu that famous tight and victory, but he was on the scone the preceding day, and was uuder fire. He was then connected with the baggage guard, which was several times attacked by the French troops. He was amongst the oldest settlers in the Pensioners' Settlement of Onehuuga. On the opening of Lodge Manukau, S.C., of Onehunga, he resumed his connection with Freemasonry, aud, as already stated, one of his latest wishes was that he should be recognised as a Mason, with the customary mortuary ceremonials. The Masonic Brethren responded in a most fraternal spirit. Not only did Lodge Manukau muster in full strength yesterday, but every lodge in Auckland, including Lodge Remuera, was fully represented by officers and brethren, and at least 150 members of the craft took part in the procession. Captain Burns, of the Artillery Company, kindly placed the excellent band of his corps at the disposal of the parade, as a recognition of the military claims of the veterau, and they added largely to the impressiveness of the Bolemn cortege. The Lodge Manukau was opened, and raised to the third degree, after which the order of procession was formed in the lodge. Brother M. Niccol, R.W.M., presided, and Brother Hendry ably officiated as Marshall. The procession, headed by the band, playing appropriate solemn selections, marched through the maiia street of Onehunga and up the by street to the late residence of the deceased. Here the procession opened and the officers came to the front, and after the coffin containing the deceased was taken out, the line of march was re sumed to St. Peter's cemetery, the band playing the Dead March in "Saul" aud other approprate solemn tunes. The son and grandchildren of deceased followed the coffin in the capacity of chief mourners. At the entrance to the cemetery the procession again opened out aud the coffin was carried up the centre, where it was met by the ltev. Mr. Tomlinson, incumbent of St. Peter's. The remains were taken into the church, where the portion of the burial service of the Church of England appointed to be read iu churches was read by the rev. gentleman. Upon the removal of the coffin to the grave the brethren formed a cordon round it, while the Rev. Mr. Tomliuson concluded the ritual, consigning the body of the deceased to the earth in the sure and certain hope of a resurrection. The R.W.M. then, in a feeling and impressive manner, gave the solemn aud impressive address from the Masonic ritual, after which the brethren cast their acacia sprigs into the open grave, and gave the grand honours of the Order. There was an immense concourse of people present duriug the ceremony, probably the largest that was ever collected on such an occasion in Onehunga. The residents were greatly gratified at the marked respect paid to

sl, tu* "fftt no doubt bringing back many lectionß to their breasts, and whileth streets were lined with the ycmne S$ healthy, the aged couples looked wiftfS on and attor the procession from 2? cottage doors. At the conclusion of thl if 106 ' ' 3r #thren marched back to the lodge.room, where the lodge was d-i closed, and the visiting brethren took thS departure for home, some by train and othera by cabs. The large attendance, in the face of such inclement and unpromising weather was highly creditable to the breU&Ttft&