DISTRESSING FATALITY

Opunake Times, 11 January 1935, Page 2

DISTRESSING FATALITY

TO WELL-KNOWN FARMER 1)1ST ll ICT" S SYMPATHY Although it is often our sorrowful duly vo chronicle tne death of a Avert known member of the Coinnainily, seldom have "'e faced the task undej' such heart-rending' circunistancfs as those in connection aa ill l the cutting' short of the life oi one of the brightest young gentlemen aa it h Avhom we haA’e yet come iu contact. Mo refer vo the late Mr Rickard Peter Fleming, of Rahotu, aged 30 years, who was killed on Tuesday

morning. Almost every resident in the district is aware that the fatality was caused as the result of the deceased being thrown from his seat on a milk waggon, due apparently, to (he horses taking fright and giving the driver a sudden jolt Avhich precipitated him cm to the road, the heavily laden A'ehicle passing over his chest causing almost instant death.

Although no one actually saw the accident happen the attention of Mr Arthur Itotigers was drawn to the scene when deceased's two horses and vehicle arrived home unattended. Losing no time, Mr 1 lodge is made investigations and on finding the gravely injured mau, secured medical assistance which, under the circumstances; was of no avail.

WIDESPREAD SORROW THE LAST RESPECTS As ;i mark of the esteem iu which he was held throughout, the district ami to express sympathy with the sorrowing relations. hundreds of residents attended the funeral ceremony which took place at the Okato cemetery yesterday afternoon. The first portion was held in the Catholic Church at Pungarehu, the long cortege moving off after a brief service. At the Church and also at the graveside, Dr. Richaid Gilhooley (a cousin of the deceased) officiated, those in attendance being Dr. Kelly (Pungarehu), and Fathers Kennedy (Upuuake), Miuogue (New Plymouth), Torrastal (Inglewood), aud Doolaghfy (Taihape). The six pall-bearers were all cousins of the deceased. Members of the Manchester Unity were present to pay their last respects fo one of their brethren. Cheerful Disposition.

It would be difficult to imagine a more clieerful, friendly, aud charitable soul than “Dick” who was one of the most popular young men in the coastal district of Rahotu. His friends were legion as was aptly illustrated yesterday. Nothing unkind towards his fellow-men came from his lips and his actions were always straightforward _and manly. From his earliest boyhood he had that cheerful disposition tliat made him popular amongst his school chums at the Rahotu school and Inter on, when a continuation M his studies took him to the Sacred Heart College, at Auckland, both masters and pupils found in him a model example of the clean, healthy country lad. Turning his attention fo farming pursuits, he assisted on his father’s farm at Rahotu until a few years ago when he took over a portion of the homestead which he had been successfully working up fill the time of his death. Several years ago he married Miss May Doody, of Pungarehu, wtio, with one lit tie son, is left to mourn the loss of a loving and thoughtful husband. To fhe young widow and family and relations throughout the district we other along with all residents, our heartfelt sympathy in the great loss so suddenly sustained. Vale.