WITH THE RENOWN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19769, 17 February 1927, Page 7

WITH THE RENOWN

NEAR SAMOAN ISLANDS DEATH OF BANDMASTER IMPRESSIVE BURIAL SERVICE [By Telesrraph—-Per Press Assn.—Copyright.] MELBOURNE, Feb. 16. A wireless message from H.M.S. Renown states that gloom descended upon the Renown when the marine bandmaster, J. E. Burnett, conductor of the jazz orchestra, died (Hiring the night of pneumonia and pleurisy. The burial service was impressive, the body being brought to the quarterdeck, on which the whole ship’s company assembled To the strains of Chopin’s “Funeral March,” the Marine Guards presenting arms as the cortege passed and thereafter reversing arms as the body was covered with the Union Jack and rested on the guard rails preparatory to committal to the deep. The Benown, whose course was deflected slightly at the request of 'the Duke and Duchess of York, for the purpose of viewing the islands, passed along the southern coast of Upolu, in the Samoan group from whence came a wireless message from the Administrator wishing Their Highnesses good luck and a pleasant voyage to NewZealand. A message was also received from the Samoan native representatives, who are anxious to express personally the loyalty of the people of the islands to the King. The Duke of York wirelessed in reply. “Thanks,” informing them the Renown’s route would take her close to the island. The officers and crew are at present interested in New* Zealand, and pamphlets, folders, boolfs, and facts about the country in thousands have been distributed throughout the ship.