THE LATE MR LETHBRIDGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 260, 1 November 1929, Page 6

THE LATE MR LETHBRIDGE

COUNTY COUNCIL TRIBUTE At the Rangitikei County Council’s meeting on Thursday the chairman (Mr K. W. Dalrymple) referred to the death of the late Mr B. P. Lethbridge, since the last Council meeting. The deceased gentleman had been connected with most of the leading public positions in the Rangitikei district and his work on the Rangitikei Patriotic Association and Wanganui Hospital Board, would serve to keep his memory alive for many years. The health camp at Turakina had done a considerable amount of good to the younger generation who had attended the camp. It was difficult to realise the amount of good the 2ate Mr Lethbridge had accomplished in helping the needy. The chairman then moved the following resolution: “That this Council place on record its deepest regret at the death of the late Mr B. p. Lethbridge, who was a member of this Council for 19 years (being chairman for 10 years) and who represented the c.ounty on the Wanganui Hospital Board and the Wanganui-Rangitikei Electric Power Board (on both of which local bodies he held the position of chairman), for several years, and the Council further express to Mrs Lethbridge its most sincere sympathy.’’ Cr. Coleman seconded the motion and referred to the deep interest that the late Mr B. P. Lethbridge had taken in hospital matters. Messrs H. H. Richardson (county clerk) and S. A. R. Mair (engineer) spoke of their knidly association with the late Mr Lethbridge as officers of the Council. dhe motion was carried in "silence. AN IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL One of the most generous hearted men and finest Christian gentlemen it has ever been my privilege to come in contact with.” This was the tribute of Rev. R. H. Catherwood on Wednesday as he committed to the grave ih’e mortal remains of Mr B. P. Lethbridge of Turakina. The funeral was one of the most largely attended ever seen in the district, the cortege stretching for about a mile. All sections of community gathered at the house and cemetery to pay their last respects to one whom they held in the highest esteem, and that the children realised the loss the younger generation had sustained was touchingly demonstrated as the’ body was borne to its last resting pace. The children, at intervals along the route, stood at attention and saluted with heads bowed.

Mr Catherwood conducted a service at Ann Bank, the home of the deceased, and in thb' course of his remarks mentioned a wish which Air Lethbridge had expressed. “I don’t want anything black and gloomy,” he had said, “because there is nothing black and gloomy in Heaven.” He asked the minister just to wear his “old grey suit,” and expressed a desire that his body be borne to. the grave on a farm lorry and lowered into the grave by his own loyal and trusted farm workers. “Was not that,” said Mr Catherwood, “a final outpouring of the spirit which had actuated the man’s whole life.”

In the whole proceedings the' desires of the deceased gentleman were carried Out. An old open lorry driven by one of the employees was entrusted with its precious burden; other employees acted as pall bearera and touching simplicity generally characterised the services.

One of the County Council lorries w.<s required to carry the host of flora] tributes, the scene on route to the cemetery and at the grave side, also being an impressive and memorable one.

It would be well nigh impossible to present a list of all those present, many prominent people coming -long distances while, the Rangitikei district was strongly represented. All the organisations with which Mr Lethbridge had been connected were represented and these also sent wreaths. The list of public bodies is: Wanganui Education Board, Marton Borough Council, Wan ganui Aero Club, Rangitikei Advocate directorate, Turakina Dairy Co., Rangitikei County Council, Manawatu A. and P Assn., Marton Girl Guide Company Turakina School, Turakina Girl Guido Company, Turakina Presbyterian Church, Wanganui Hospital Board Turakina Piunket Society, Turakina Caledonian Society, Medical and Nursing staff of Wanganui Hospital. Turakina Tennis Club, officers of the Health Department, Turakina Rifle Chib, Bonny Glen Church, Wanganui-Rangitikei Electric Power Board, Rangitikei Patriotic Society, Rangitikei Advocate staff.