CANON’S TRAGIC DEATH

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11738, 28 January 1924, Page 12

CANON’S TRAGIC DEATH

ON HIS WAY TO CHURCH. On his way to church, the vicar of Brighton, Canon F. Dormer Pierce, died with tragic suddenness. He was 53 years of age. He had run to catch' a tramcar after leaving the vicarage about 10.30, and the exertion apparently brought on heart trouble. Out of breath as he took his seat, the vicar fainted after the car had gone a few yards. He fell sideways against a woman, who, seeing that he was ill, rendered what assistance ®he could. The car was stopped and a policeman called, and he supported the semiconscious man as the car moved on towards a neighbouring police station. Before medical assistance could be summoned the vioar had died in the constable’s arms. Ho passed away tranquilly without speaking. He had previously suffered from heart weakness. One of the churchwardens, Mr D. .1. Saunders, wa® present, and he had the sad duty of breaking the news to Mrs Dormer Pierce, the oanon’s wife, whom he mot just as she wan leaving tho vicarage, following her husband to church. At St. Peter’s the senior curate, tho Rev. G. F. Bopd, informed the congregation of the death of tho vicar, who was to havo officiated at the service, which was continued without a sermon.