THE OPAPA DISASTER.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16845, 28 September 1925, Page 12

THE OPAPA DISASTER.

FUNERAL OF WAIROA VICTIM. (Special lo the Herald.) WAIROA, this day. A sad sequel of the Opapa railway disaster was in evidence at Wairoa, on Friday afternoon, when the mortal remains of the late E. V. Iggulden, of Frasertown, were laid to rest in the Wairoa cemetery in the presence of the largest concourse that has been seen there for many years. The remains had been deposited in St. Andrew’s Church on Thursday night, and tlie church was crowded to the door on Friday afternoon, by the relatives of the deceased, friends from all parts, local and visiting Foresters and Masons, and representative citizens. The Revs. W. R, Wilne (Wairoa) and Nightingale (Frasertown), conducted 1 the first part of the Presbyterian Church burial service. The Ilev. Mr Milne paid a high tribute to the deceased as a man, and one who could be ill-spared, as a citizen, as a father, and as a worker for his church. He commended the orphaned children to the God of the fatherless ones and to the prayers of the people. At the close, the organist, Mrs J. F. Haughton played the “Dead March,” while the bier was being removed to a waiting motor hearse. The cortege was long one, and included 40 motor cars. At the cemetery gates the Masonic body led, and the Foresters in mourning regalia., followed behind the relatives. Within the cemetery proper, both bodies formed into two lines through, which the hearse passed, and they then closed in bfhind. Tire serVice at the graveside was conducted by Rev. Mr Nightingale (the deceased’s minister), and the Rev. W. R. Milne. At the close, a very touching Foresters’ service was read by P.C'.A. Bro. Leslie Mcllrov. This was followed by a most impressive Masonic service read! alternately by Messrs F. T. Ager, M. South (Nuhaka), W. Taylor and R. M. Mowat. The coffin was then lowered into the grave and the members of the Masonic Order cSst their sprigs of acacia on it as they filed past. There was a large number, of beautiful and costly wreaths sent as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased.

Great sympathy was shown for tlie aged father of- deceased, who was also present.