AIRMAN'S FUNERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22350, 22 February 1936, Page 14

AIRMAN'S FUNERAL

COMMUNITY'S SORROW LATE MR. M. C. MoGREGOR IMPRESSIVE TRIBUTES PAID [nV TKLKOKAPH —OWN CORBESPONDENT] PALMERSTON NORTH, Friday A restrained demonstration of the community's sorrow at the passing of a great airman marked the funeral of the late Squadron-Leader M. C. McGregor, M.C., D.F.C. and bar, at Palmerston North to-day. The occasion afforded proof of th<s affection felt by the city and the Dominion for a man whose eminence in his profession was but ono phase of a great personality. In view of tho aviator's distinguished association with tho Air Force, a full military funeral was accorded him. The casket, which had been brought from Wellington by motor-hearse, was met inside the city boundary and transferred to a gun carriage, the team and riders being drawn from the ,7th and Bth Batteries, Royal New Zealand Artillery.

The pall-bearers were officers of the Now Zealand Air Force and a detachment drawn from the Air Force provided an escort. This was followed by a party of Union Airways pilots in dress uniform and by a large group of returned soldiers and representatives of all services in the Great War.

The cortege was led by the Palmerston North Garrison Band and as it moved toward the Opera House, where a service was held, hundreds of citizens lined the streets, all silent in their tribute. Flags were flown halfmast on "business premises throughout tho day. The Opera House was packed. On the stage were a large number of floral tributes from private persons and organisations throughout the Dominion. The casket was placed on the stage, which was occupied by Air I<orce officers, Union Airways pilots and representatives of the forces. "Wo are met here to-day to pay tribute to the memory of one who was New Zealand's most famous aviator, ancl who was ono of the most gallant gentlemen of any generation," said the Rev. J. Hubbard, who conducted the service. "It has been given to few men to excel in peace equally as in war, but that came to the lot of SquadronLeader McGregor." . After the impressive service the casket was borne by Air Force officers to the hearse. Hundreds of people stood bare-headed when tho procession started. It passed through a long lane of mourning citizens and secondary school boys and girls. At the cemetery a firing party from the Boys' High School Cadets stood with bowed heads and reversed arms as the coffin was borne to the graveside. At the conclusion of the service there the party fired a volley over the gra\e and tho Last Post was sounded. The Air Force officers present included Wing-Commander T. M. Wilkes. Director of Air Services, Squadronleader G. L. Stedman and SquadronLeader L. M. Isitt.