FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR G. P. PIERCE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9090, 23 May 1891, Page 2

FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR G. P. PIERCE.

Auckland on the day of the funeral, says the Star, was under a cloud, almost the entire city have gone into mourning for the decease of our highly-respected late fellow- townsman, Mr George Patrick Pierce. Places of business were in many instances^ closed, or partly so, while at frequent intervals along the main thoroughfares there were many signs of mourning, flags half-mast high, knots of crape on doors and a pretty general suspension of business.

The coffin, as it was seen at the residence of the deceased, opposite St. Sepulchre's Church, Kyber Pass Road, was covered with wreaths contributed by sorrowing friends, including floral tokens from all the Masonic Lodges throughout New Zealand, forwarded with telegrams and letters of condolence to the bereaved ones.

Shortly after 2.30 p.m. the coffin was conveyed from the residence of the doceased and borne to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by six Past Master Masons, representing tbe English, Irish, and Scotch Constitutions, the Masonic fraternity generally being present in very large numbers. It was arranged that the Masons should form two lines leading from Mr Pierces residence to the^ church, and that the coffin should be carried between these lines. After the coffin entered the church the Masons took up their positions in conveyances down Kyber Pass Road, to precede the hearse, and after the family the Board of Directors and the staff of the New Zealand Insurance Company. The Masonic craft was verjr fully represented, almost every Mason in Auckland being present. After the service had concluded the coffin was carried to the hearse by six Masonic Pastmasters. The Masons to the number of about 300 headed the procession, then followed carriages contrining the Von. Archdeacon Dudley, Revs. H. S. Davis, William Calder, Rev. Dr. Purchas and Dr. Challinor Purchas. The hearee came next, then followed five carriages with the chief mourners.

On arrival at the Purewa Cemetery the Masons formed in lines, through which the coffin was borne to tbe open grave, and there received by the Right Rev Dr Cowie (Bishop of Auckland), the Yen. Archdeacon Maunsell, Revs H.-S. Davis, Dr Purchas, R. Burrows, and W. Calder. The concluding portion of the burial service was read by Archbishop Dudley, the Rev R. Burrows and Bishop Cowie, after which the children of the Parnell Orphan Home, under the matron, Mrs Barrance, sang the hymn, " Christ will gather in His Own," with much feeling. After his Lordship had addressed the mourners, the obsequies concluded, and the vast assembly dispersed.