FATHER OF AUCKLAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3559, 26 June 1912, Page 5

FATHER OF AUCKLAND.

THE LAST SAD RITES. [PER, PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, June 25. The funeral of the Father of Auckland, Sir John Logan Campbell, took place to-day, nearly all the shops in the city being closed during the afternoon as a mark of' respect.

The body was laid to rest as arranged on the crest of Maungakiekie. There were so many wreaths that when the hearse was filled other carriages had to he provided to take the rest, which were convoyed to Maungakiekie and laid on the grave. The Governor and Lady Islington sent a lovely wreath.

The cortege left “Kilbryde” at 2 o'clock. The casket was a rich but simple one of plain oak with silver fittings. After the hearse in the first carriage were Colonel G. F. C. Campbell, a cousin of deceased (chief mourner). Air A. S. Band art, Mr C. L. Arnold, and Canon Mac Murray. Then followed a carriage with Hon. J. A. Colvin (representing the Government), Rev. AV- E. C. Gillam (representing the Bishop of Auckland), and Mr Leo Myers (Acting-Mayor). Mr.J. Court (Town Clerk), Mr H. AY. AVilson and a number of Councillors represented the City Council, and practically every public body and society was represented. There wera 160 vehicles in the procession, including about 46 motor cars, and this number represented about 1000 people. As the cortege passed along, spectators joined in and followed on foot in thousands, so that the road was black with people. The vehicular portion of the procession took 20 minutes to pass one point. Business was practically suspended, and the solemn procession as it wended its melancholy way to the graveside was witnessed by thousands of citizens.

The route was along Gladstone Road, St. Stephen’s Avenue, Manukau Road,* and up the Cornwall Park drive through the One Tree Hill Domain. It was linked practically the whole way by people, and at various points there were dense crowds, while the upper slopes of Maungakiekie were thickly thronged with people. Before the beautiful burial service of the Church of England was read, the officiating clergyman, Canon MacMurray, read a short dedication service, the grave not being in consecrated .ground.