Wednesday 9 February 2022

Hugh Montgomery, 1878-9/10/1906.

SUDDEN DEATH.

MR HUGH MONTGOMERY.

A painfully sudden death has befallen Mr Hugh Montgomery, son of Mr Alex. Montgomery. Deceased, who was employed as a ledgerkeeper in the offices of the Farmers' Co-operative Association, and till then in the enjoyment of robust health, a few weeks ago was the victim of an attack of influenza, in which several of his companions in the office were also involved, and before he recovered from it, the affection developed a galloping consumption. About a fortnight ago he went to Tekapo for a change of air, and though he was understood to be no worse the day before, a telephone message from Kimbell yesterday morning (the wires between Kimbell and Tekapo being out of order) informed Mr Montgomery that his son was very ill, and him to come up at once. Mr Montgomery engaged a motor car, and accompanied by Mr Alex. Wilson set off at once, but a later message to town announced that the young man died at mid-day, before his father could have reached him.

Widespread regret is felt at the death of the young man, and the greatest sympathy for his father and seven sisters, in their bereavemnt of an only son and brother. The deceased was a very popular member of the Farmers' Co-operative staff, and of several athletic clubs. He was a good cricketer, and had played for some years for the Timaru Football Club, who flew their flag at half-mast on receipt of the news of his death. 

Deceased was also a member of the committee of the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club, who should have held their annual meeting last night. The Club adjourned it as a mark of respect to their late member and committeeman. About a dozen members had assembled, and the president, Mr G. R. M. Jones, at once moved that they adjourn, saying that no more fitting reason for adjournment had ever happened. Their late committeeman was one of the best sports in the district, and his sporting life had been a lesson to every young fellow in the community. He moved that the meeting be adjourned, and that a letter of condolence be sent to deceased's, father and sisters. Dr Thomas, endorsing the chairman's remarks, seconded the motion, and it was carried in silence. The adjournment was made to next Tuesday evening at the same place and hour. 

The deceased was a member of the local Druids' Lodge, and the Lodge is requested to take part in the funeral, which will be held on Thursday afternoon.   -Timaru Herald, 10/10/1906.


The funeral of the late Mr Hugh Montgomery took place yesterday afternoon, and was largely attended. A group of members of the Druid Lodge, to which deceased belonged, preceded the hearse, and behind the chief mourners walked more than a hundred of the staff of the Farmers' Association, members of the Timaru Football Club, Rugby Union, Amateur Athletic Club, Timaru Club, and other societies, and the general public, who thus showed their respect for the deceased and their sympathy with the family. A few vehicles brought up the rear. The Rev. R. Jackson performed the last sad offices at the cemetery. In a brief address at the grave, he spoke feelingly of Mr Hugh Montgomery's love of home life, and to the excellent example he had shown as a true lover of sport. A marked feature of the funeral was the large attendance of young men, many of whom mourned their late comrade as a personal friend.  -Timaru Herald, 12/10/1906.


Timaru Cemetery.



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