DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 March 1924, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOI-TOI. THE LATE MR. SPURR. (From a Correspondent.) The funeral of the late Percy R. Spurr, of Waitoitoi, took place on Friday afternoon in the Urenui cemetery, the Rev. G. H. Gavin conducting the ceremony at the graveside. The number of people present from far and wide to pay their last respects showed the popularity of Mr. Spurr, each individual feeling his death as a personal loss. The bearers were Messrs Musker (chairman Mimi School Committee). T. Taylor, C. Willison, G. Baker, F. C. Rowe, and J. Phillips. As the cortege left the home the coffin was covered with wreaths from the Legion of Frontiersmen, Mimi School Committee, Urenui Cricket Club, Messrs. Weston and Billing, and a number of beautiful wreaths and crosses from private friends too numerous to mention. teachers and children formed a guard of honour, as the hearse neared the road, where some 20 car-loads of people followed, and as they neared Urenui were met by late comrades—Frontiersmen, footballers, cricketers, and many others, making the biggest gathering at the cemetery since the unveiling of the soldiers’ memorial.

The late Mr. Spurr was a man of sterling quality, always working for the good of the district he lived in for so many years. Since the beginning of the Mimi school, which he was chiefly instrumental in getting established, he has been secretary, and has always been leader in everything for its benefit, and the present picturesqueness of the grounds was chiefly due to his untiring efforts. He was honorary ranger l of the Afforestation Department, taking a warm interest in tree planting. He was also on the board of directors of thg Waitoitoi dairy factory for several years, secretary to the Urenui branch of the Farmers’ Union, a member of the Ati Awa Troop of Frontiersmen. and a member of the Urenui Cricket Club in the olden days. In fact, Mr. Spurr was the one man in the district who could least be spared, as he was never too tired to do a kind action. Long will he be remembered as a good husband, father, brother, and friend. He leaves a widow, six children, and his brother Aubery, who all have the deepest sympathy of the district in their very sad bereavement.

MEREMERE.

(From a Correspondent.)

Sincere sympathy was expressed at Mcremere at the* untimely death of Allan Looney, who was killed on his way to echool on Friday morning. His horse had turned a complete somersault, pinning the boy to the ground, death being mercifully instantaneous. Allen was a fine, bright, straightforward, happy-go-lucky lad of 13. who enjoyed life to the full, and who tackled work or play in the same manner and with his whole heart. He will be sadly missed from hie home, his school, and the district. The sympathy of the district and the affection in which he was held, was shown to his parents by the attendance at the church service held by Mr. Oxbrow; by the number of wreaths and floral tributes offered,- and by the school flag being flown at half-mast for three days. Six of his school-mates acted as bearers, and the funeral was the longest that has ever moved from Meremere.