THE LUTE MR PEPPER.

Thames Advertiser, Volume XXVI, Issue 7958, 29 October 1894, Page 2

THE LUTE MR PEPPER.

[from our ow.v correspondent.] Tapu, October 26. One of our oldest audmost respected settlers, the late Mr John Pepper, has gone to that bourne from whioh no traveller returns. I would crave your indulgence by allowing me to devote this letter to a short sketch of'tjjfte late lamented and es'eemed gentleman. Mr Pepper cast in his lob with us about 23 or 24 years two, and in the very early days was foremost in his endeavours for the benefit of the district,and ever since, excepting about 2 years, when he was j with Mr R, Coombes at Kauaeranga, he was identified with every movement connected with the benefit of the place. As a Christian man he had few equals, and it is greatly to his kind instruction on the Sabbath, that our rising generation have been taught the way to eternal life. As a business man he was ever ready to place bis battery at the disposal of those wishing fo have a test of new ground. His remains were brought here to-day. to be interred (at his par? ticular request); the Rev. Dr O'Cal*. laghiin. accompanied by Mr R. R, McGregor, V!r'R. Coombes, and a few Thames friends came with the body, which was deposited at his late residence until 330 pin., ihn time fixed for his burial. At tint lime ihore was the largest gathering that has been in Tapu for many a day to pay the last tribute of respect to his remains. Dr O'Callanhan rend most impressively the first portion of tho burial service at the houso, and lln processioD, headed by the school children, proceeded to the cemotery. On the way the children sang that pretty hymn, " Si fe in the arras of Jeans," and thf rmnahi'iig portion of the service Dr. O'r&lluglmn read at the cemo'e-y. Rf paused during the reading lo make a few remarks as to the last wishes of Mr IVpncr. He said that on last SfiUirday, when he visited him, he thought it necessary to inform him that his hours in this world were numbered, and that h" would he glad to do anything in his power Mr Pepper would wish, i After a little time In said he would be glad if Dr. O'Callaghan wonld read the service at his grave, and ask the children to sing the 610f.h hymn, which the rev, gentleman had just recited— " Father, in thy gracious keeping Leave we now our brother sleeping." We will miss his genial presence for many a day. After the service MrR. McGregor rend tho will in the 'pnesejocp of a few friends at the late residence.