OBITUARY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12064, 20 July 1917, Page 6

OBITUARY.

GEORGE MAY. The late Mr George May, whose remains were interred at Limvood Cemetery yesterday, landed in Lvt.tolton by the ship Cashmere in IHo-l. lie was a native of Berkshire, England. He settled in Lvttolton for a few years, where he was engaged as a storeinan, and subsequently engaged in tlio carrying business from L.vttelton to Christchurch, round tlio old Sumner Road, lie took a very active part in promoting the interests of the Methodist Church in the early sixties, occupying the position of superintendent of the Sunday school. He rendered very fine service by leading the psalmody of his church with the clarinet, his effort iii that direction Vicing the first in which a musical instrument was used in a Methodist service in Canterbury. In 186'1 he removed to Broadfiekls. where ho engaged in farming pursuits. Later ho settled at Weedons. In both districts he was instrumental with others in starting Sunday school, and took the most active interest in church effort. Forty-two years ago he moved to St Albans, where he engaged in the carrying business for thirty-two years, retiring on account of advanced years. His musical gifts were again devoted to the church in St Albans Lane, where as a. member of the choir his services were much appreciated. For ten years he lived a retired life, passing away peacefully on Tuesday morning, honoured and respected by all who knew him. He is survived by one son and five daughters. Yesterday the Rugby Street Methodist Church was crowded, when a brief service was held, in which the Revs A. C. La wry, W. C. Oliver and W. Baumhor took part. A very line tribute to the sterling character of the deceased was paid by the Rev W. Batimbcr, of Nelson, an old friend and co-worker. The casket was then removed from the church to Limvood, where the last rites were performed by the Rev A. C. La wry and Major Newby, of the Salvation Army. The Rev Mr May was the oldest initiated Freemason 'in Canterbury, and was devotedly attached to the craft. He was a member of the Concord Lodge from its inception, and a number of its members attended the funeral, when the funeral service of Uie institution was read.