LATE MR. T. S. RUSSELL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 7, 9 January 1946, Page 4

LATE MR. T. S. RUSSELL

LAST TRIBUTES PAID HUNDREDS ATTEND FUNERAL Leading citizens in many walks of life were present yesterday afternoon at the funeral of the late Mr. T. S. Russell, Deputy-Mayor of Wanganui. The gathering of mourners was one of the largest seen in the city in a long period. It was fully representative ol all sections of public life in the city and showed a widespread desire to pay respects to the memory of one who had held an honoured place in the public's regard. Christ Church was crowded for a service which preceded the funeral at Aramoho. The casket was draped with a Union Jack, in token of Mr Russell being a returned serviceman. “It is not my usual custom to speak at such a service,” said Archdeacon J. R. Young, “btit this is a special occasion when we remember one who has been so closely amongst us, was here as a vestryman, people's warden in the church, and was a regular attender and devout worshipper; so I thought I would vary my usual custom.” Archdeacon Young referred to Mr. Russell's service to the community, to his work as a member of the Rotary Club, how, when suggestions were called with a view to perpetuating the memory of leading citizens, the belief was expressed that it would be easy in Mr. Russell’s case, a man of straightforwardness and honesty, to name some place "Russell Square.” Tom Russell was a man of a type the city could ill-afford to lose. Two hymns were sung in the church, the organiste being Miss E. Rose. The cortege included the Mayor of Wanganui, Hon. vV. J. Rogers, members of the City Council, Mr. C. R. White (town clerk), Mr. L. F. Row (city engineer), Mr. W. J. Stone (manager of the Gas Department), and Mr. F. J. Best (city treasurer?. There was a full representation from all the City Council and Tramway Departments. Among others present were: Messrs. C. S. Smith (president of the Wanganui R.S.A.), C. S. Jeffs (Wanganui Chamber of Commerce), A. H. Collins (Wanganui County Council), G. H. Trott (Waitotara County Council), W. Emia (Maori community), E. A. Millward (chairman of the Wanganui Harbour Board), R. P. London (president of the Wanganui Rotary Club), Dr. H. L. Widdowson (medical superintendent of the Wanganui Hospital), J. C. Small (“Heritage,” Wanganui), Superintendent N. ' M. Ross and Deputly-Superintendent W. W. Brown (Wanganui Fire Brigade), G. P. Hawkins (chairman of the Wanganui Fire Board), G. Murch (a former town clerk of Wanganui), F. G. Seddon (Wanganui-Waitotara Patriotic Committee), L. J. Brooker (Wanganui Native Department) and F. J. Hill, Automobile Association (Wanganui). Other bodies with which Mr. Russell had been associated with were all represented in the large gathering. The pallbearers were Messrs. C. S. Smith. E. W. Merewether, A. Maras, A. J. Pritchard, R. P. London, and S. Guthrie. Archdeacon J. R. Young also officiated at the graveside. An R.S.A. service was held at the graveside which was conducted by the president, Mr. C. S. Smith. At the conclusion of this service members ol the R.S.A. filed past the open grave and each dropped a red poppy as a final saltue to an esteemed member. A Masonic service followed, being conducted by brethren of Lodge Moutoa. So numerous were the wreaths that five cars had to be engaged to accommodate them.