FUNERAL AT PAPAEURA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11874, 28 January 1902, Page 5

FUNERAL AT PAPAEURA.

The funeral of the late John Kirk, of Papakura, who died at the Auckland Hospital on January 24, aged 58 years, took place on Sunday, January 26, at the Papakura Presbyterian cemetery, and was very largely attended by residents here and friends from Auckland, und some from the northern districts, where he was well known and much respected. The deceased was a colonist of 22 years' standing, and came to this district about 17 years ago, when his brother James purchased the valuable property adjoining what was known as Chisholm's bush, and although lately he has been chiefly in the north of Auckland yet he has paid* frequent visits to this place, and was thus well known here, and took a great interest in the progress of the district, and specially in the preservation of the beautiful native bush, purchased by his brother, and in which he had an interest. As he usually spent the Christmas season here he came apparently in his usual good health, but soon became dangerously ill with what appeared as rheumatic fever, and after a short but severe illness passed away deeply regretted by a wide circle of friends, who showed their sympathy by sending many beautiful wreaths that were placed on his coffin. The officiating minister was the Rev. T. Norrie, who had known him intimately since his arrval here, and at the grave, in an impressive address, paid an affectionate tribute to his memory, and testified especially to his liberal character, and to his generosity in helping every needful cause, in giving aid to the general advancement of the district. He was purposing to give important assistance in the improvement of the cemetery where his remains are now laid, and it is hoped his benevolent intentions will be still carried out. The chief mourners were his brother James, and his nephew, Hugh Kirk, to whom he has bequeathed a property he had lately purchased. Death has been busy amongst us, and the passing away of the late Mr. R. A. Bullen, whose home was here, although his headquarters were at Wanganui, the deaths of Samuel Hall, an old settler, and of Mrs; Fielding, and on Sunday; last, of Mrs. Pullen, at Drury, these events all'remind us " that here we have no continuing city."—[Own Correspondent.]