THE LATE CULONEL GORTON.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9651, 3 January 1910, Page 4

THE LATE CULONEL GORTON.

A MILITARY FUNERAL

The late Colonel Gorton was accorded a military funeral yesterday. An immense crowd of people assembled along the route taken by the cortege from the well-known homestead 1 ‘ Rangiatea' ’ to* tbs Greafcford cemetery where the interment took place. Mourners were present in great numbers prom all parts of the Wellington province to pay their tribute of love and esteem. The assemblage, military and civil, testified eloquently to the universal esteem in which the late Colonel Gorton was held. MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY.

Since the aad intelligence of the Colonel's death was announced a great number cf messages have ,been received by his family. The private secretary to His Excellency the Governor telegraphed “Am directed by His Excellency the Governor to state he has learned with mixed feelings of tiie death of Colonel Gorton Sorrow at the loss of bo notewortny a figure, but relief to know he Is no longer suffering. His Excellency desire to : convey his sympathy to Colonel Gorton's relatives.”

Among other messages were:— From an old partner : “Please allow me to tender to yourself and family my most sincere sympathy and deepest condolence in your very sad bereavement. ” —John Stevens. From Mrs J. G. Wilson : “Deepest Sympathy from us all. We mourn our dear old friend but not his release from suffering.”^ The German Consul (Mr F. Krull) Wanganui, “wired: “We Ksend £yon deepest sympathy in irreparable loss you have sustained in the loss of your husband. He has served his country well and shall be missed by many.” From Palmerston Chamber of Commerce: “Sincere sympathy to yon and family in irreparable loss_ of a great and true man and good friend. A grand life lived. Peace be with a noble soul.”

Oao of the first messages to arrive was one from an old comrade at New ■ Plymouth: “Deeply regret to hear of Colonel Gorton’s deash. Please accept sincere sympathy. —Thos. Furlong, late 27th Regimaat, New Plymouth. All other messages were couched in terms of affectionate remembrance and deepest sympathy. A Maori mat by Mr T. U. Marumaru and family with & meuioriam notice in Maori, the interpretation of which was: “This is a symbol of remembrance for our great and elder friend who has returned this day to the distance beyond, with the spirits. ” FLORAL TRIBUTES. A large number of beautiful floral tributes were sent. Among them were emblems from the following —Captain and Mrs Hewitt, Palmerston North; Mr and Mrs D. G. Riddiford, Miss Bennett, Mi and Mrs and Miss Wilde, Marton; John Stevens, Bulls; Rangitikei Racing Club (of which deceased was President for 15 years); Mr and Mrs W. F. G. Levin, Greatford ; Lionel Abraham, Mr and Mrs J. M Joimton, Mr and Mrs Harold Cooper, Palmerston; L. Berry, Wellington; Mrs Willis, Woodemieaa; Mr and Mrs L M. Taverner, Greatford ; and Manawatu Golf Club (of which the Colonel was at one time President) and always one of the most enthusiastic members. Wreaths were also sent by the Manawatu A. & P. Association, Manawatu Auctioneers Aasooaitiou and Manawatu Racing Club. THE PROCESSION. The cortege moved off shortly after 2 o’clock. The casket of oiled rimu with plain nickel furnishings was borne to the gun carriage by a de : taohment of the New Zealand Permanent Artillery, who formed the Guard of Honour and the firing party. The order of the procession was as follows: Permanent Artillery, under Major Hume and Lieutenant Standish; Marton Band, assisted by several members of Wanganui Garrison Band, under Conductor Orean ; gun carriage and the chief mourners — 1 Messrs Norman, Leslie and Edward Gorton, sons—; E. H. Levett, son-in-law; and Captain Edwin, R.N. ; Captain Hardy, representing His Excellency the Governor; and the Hon. Jas. Carroll, senior member of the Ministry, representing the Legislature; Feilding Mounted Rifles, under Captain Levin and Lieutenants Dick and Taylor; Royal Rifles, under Captain Batten ; A large number of veterans and prominent settlers of the district on foot; then came vehicles and horsemen, the cortege being fully 2 miles in length. On leaving the homestead the Band played the “Dead March in Saul” and on the road to Greatford played “Rock Hill.” At the Cemetery the “Dead March” was repeated and the casket was borne to the grave side by Messrs J. G. Wilson, R. Aldworth, L, M. Taverner, W. F. G. Levin and Lionel and R. S. Abraham. Before the burial a short service was conducted by the Rev. Sola at St, Martin’s. After an impressive service at the graveside the Permanent Arti’lery fired three volleys and Trumpeter Nicholas played “The Last Post. ”

The military arrangements for the funeral were successfully carried oat by Captain Levin.