FUNERAL OF MR F, H. GIBBONS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9408, 31 March 1909, Page 5

FUNERAL OF MR F, H. GIBBONS.

The funeral of Mr F. H. Gibbons, which took place at Mar ton yesterday, was attended by a large and representative gathering of mourners from all parts of the West Coast. A large number of residents and business people of Taihape came down by train to pay their last tribute to the memory of deceased. About five years ago Mr Gibbons went to Taihape and the record of his life there practically embraced the history of the progress of the town. His first and best thoughts were always for the advancement of the place and his untimely death is keenly felt. The cortege moved off from Armagh Housa, the home of his bereaved mother, at 2.30, The hearse was preceded bj a full attendance of Masons from Lodge Ruapehu (Marton) and Lodge Otaihape (Taihape). Mr Gibbons was initiated in Lodge Ruapehu and was one of the founders of the latter Lodge, of which he was treasurer up to the time of his death. There were also a number of representatives of the Craft from neighbouring towns. Following the hearse were the chief mourners, a vehicle carrying the floral tributes, and then came a great number of pedestrians and about forty vehicles. The Palmerston Licensed Victuallers’ Association was represented by Mr W. Devine, the Wanganui Association by G. Mr Swan, Orona by Mr D. Barrett, and Manawatu and Rangitikei by several hotelkeepers. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Ven. Archdeacon Towgood, assisted by the Rev. Mr Clarkson, of Taihape. The beautiful Masonic service was impressively read by W.M. Bro. Davidson, of Lodge Otaihape, assisted by P.M. Bro. Garrett, Bro. Clarkson, and P.M. IJ. H. Knapp. The numerous floral tributes included wreaths from Lodges Otaihape, Ruapehu, and Kilwinning (Wanganui), Borough Council (Taihape); Commercial Travellers’ Club ( Wanganui), Rangitikei Licensed Victuallers’ Association, and Taihape Old Boys Football Club. The casket was borne to the grave by four Past Masters—Bros. T. Garrett, J. H. Knapp, J. Oldham (Otaihape), and E. k Dommett (Ruapehu).