LATE MRS J. R. BRUNT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 77, 31 March 1931, Page 10

LATE MRS J. R. BRUNT.

(Contributed.) The gracious personality and sweet smile of the late Mrs J. Russell Brunt will ever be a fragrant memory to the wide circle of friends, mourning her sudden passing within the veil. Born in Birmingham, England, in 1863, she arrived in Christchurch with her parents, the late Mr and Mrs Josiah Harband, by the ship Monarch in 1870. As a child she attended the Trinity Congregational Sunday School both _ as scholar and teacher. There her spiritual life was fostered, and she early made a definite decision for righteousness. In 1886, she married Mr John Russell Brunt, of Linwood, and in conjunction with her husband, took a lively interest in the activities of Trinity Church, the work of the London Missionary Society, the Church Missionary Society and the British Israel Association. For many years she was president of the Linwood Branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and a member of the Cathedral Branch of the Mothers’ Union. In later years she identified herself with the Anglican Church. Though in no sense a public woman, she took a keen interest in the politics of the day. She was an ardent supporter of the Reform Party. Many will remember how tactfully she chaired a somewhat stormy meeting at Linwood during the electioneering campaign of 1928. She is survived by her husband, Mr John Russell Brunt, four sons, Messrs Harvey Brunt (Timaru), John Brunt (Nelson), Clifford Brunt (London), Denys Brunt (Wellington), three daughters, Mrs F. C. Penfold (Fendalton), Misses Beatrice and Annie Brunt, two sisters, Misses Harband (New Brighton) and six grand-children.