The Fatal Accident in the lower Harbour; FUNERAL OF THE CHILDREN.

Otago Witness, Issue 1764, 12 September 1885, Page 18

The Fatal Accident in the lower Harbour; FUNERAL OF THE CHILDREN.

Wednesday afternoon being fixed for the interment of the four children of Captain Ferguson, and also of the little daughter of Mr Arthur Jackson, who lost their lives at Dowling Bay on Sunday last, the whole of the business placesjin Port Chalmers were closed during the afternoon, while the children attending the District High School were granted a holiday in order that they might attend tho funeral of their late schoolmates. The funeral procession was the largest ever seen in the port, as nearly 1000 persons were present. The funeral cortege left the residence of Captain Ferguson in Magnetic street at 3 p.m., headed by nearly 200 boys who attend the District School. Next came the hearse, covered with white plumes, in which were tho remains of the five children, tt was followed by the immediate relatives and intimate friends of the parents, and then came a large concourse of citizens, including his Worship the Mayor, members of tho borough council, the corporation employes, Captains Cameron (Union S.S. Co.), Anderson (Shaw, Savill, and Co.), W. Thomson, M'Farlane (harbour-master), M'Callum (deputy-harbour-master), Dr Drysdale, Messrs Elder, Mill, and Thomson (members of the Harbour Board), the officers and members of the Loyal Prince of Wales Lodge, 1.0. F., and many others. The bells of the Episcopalian and Presbyterian churches were tolled as the procession passed through the streets, and on arriving at the entrance to the ceraptery the coffins of tho children were taken from the hearse and carried by the boys attached to the school and deposited in Captain Ferguson's family grave ; the funeral ceremony being performed by the Rev. John Riley, who, at ite conclusion, stated that he had intended to have delivered an address, but owing to the inclemency of the weather he would be compelled to postpone it until Sunday evening next. The Presbyterian church choir next sang the hymn ** In tLe sweet bye and bye," and the Rev. Mr Ryley pronounced the benediction.