THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR BERI.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2887, 29 October 1895, Page 3

THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR BERI.

The funeral of the late Mr Joseph Beri took place last Sunday. There was a very large attendance, and as the deceased was a very old member of the Temuka Rifles he was accorded a military funeral. The corteqo left his late residence at 3 p.m. The firing party of the Temuka Rifles, fourteen in number, under Sergeant Carr, marched at the head of the procession, then followed the fire-engine of the Temuka Volunteer Fire Brigade, of which the deceased was a member. The fire-engine was utilised as a gun carriage, and on this was placed the coffin. On the coffin were placed the deceased’s volunteer belt, cap, and helmet, and also his helmet as member of the fire brigade and the Union Jack. There was also a number of floral wreaths. The fire ■ engine wai drawn by Mr Gunnion’s pair of horses, and Mr Gunnion himself in a fire brigade uniform drove them. The fire brigade in full uniform, acted as pall-bearers. Then came the carriage containing the wife and children of the deceased, and next to this the remainder of the fire brigade, followed by the Oddfellows, marshalled by Mr J. W. Pye, of Geraldine. After these came the remainder of the Volunteers, under Captain Cutten’s command. The past and present Officers of the Rifles, including Major Young and Lieutti. Findlay, White, and Whitehead, marched with the corps. Then came the general public, after which came a large number of carriages, the whole procession being marshalled by Staff-Sergt. Major Jones, of Timaru. The procession, which was witnessed by a large concourse of people, moved along to the Roman Catholic Church, where the Rev, Father Fauvel conducted the service for the dead, and while the funeral was leaving the church Miss Quinn played “ The Dead March in Saul.” The funeral reached the cemetery at about 4 p.m., and here the Rev. Father again officiated, after which the firing party discharged their fire-arms three times over the grave. The large number of floral Offerings which sympathising friends had sent during the previous days were deposited on the grave after it had closed over an honest man and a good citizen. VVo tender the widow and orphans of the deceased our sincere sympathy in their bereavement.