THE LATE MR. PERCY SMITH.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 April 1922, Page 6

THE LATE MR. PERCY SMITH.

THE LAST SAD RITES. The high esteem in which the late Mr. S. Percy Smith was held by his fellow townsmen was born testimony to yesterday afternoon by the representative attendance at the service at St. Mary’s Church, New Plymouth, and tbe numbers who followed his remains to their last resting place at Te Henui Cemetery. The service at the church was conducted by the Ven. Archdeacon Evans and the Rev. F. G. Harvie, and was of a most impressive nature. Prayers for the repose of the dead were offered by Archdeacon Evans, and the Rev. Harvie read a passage —the doctrine of the resurrection—from I Corinthians, 15th chapter. The old church, full of poignant memories, was filled with a reverent hush as St. Paul’s inspiring message was read by the vicar. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” the passage ran, concluding with the peculiarly appropriate message: “Therefore, my brethren, be ye steadfast, un moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” The pall-bearers were Messrs. W. H. Skinner (representing the Polynesian Society and the New Zealand Institute), W. C. Weston (representing the various park boards), F. Carrington and D. Wilson (representing past and present officers of the Lands and Survey Department), E. W. M. Lysons (representing fellow passengers by the ship Pekin), and W. Atkinson. The chief mourners were Mr. Maurice Crompton Smith (Wellington), Mr. Bernard Crompton Smith (Havelock North), sons of deceased, Miss Ethel Smith (daughter), Mr. Tyrell Smith (grandson), and Mr. Gordon (nephew), Feilding. The casket was covered with a number of beautiful wreaths. Representatives of various public bodies and institutions followed the cortege, including the members and council of the Polynesian Society, tbe New Plymouth Borough Council, represented by the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson), members of the Harbor Board, High Schools Board, Beautifying Society, whilst, by special request, Mr. W. H. Skinner represented the Canterbury Philosophical Society. Members of the Lands and Survey Department were also present, besides other representative citizens. The High School boys lined the entrance to the cemetery, the deceased having been for many years a member of the Board of Governors. At the graveside the last rites were performed by the Ven. Archdeacon Evans.