Obituary. — We regret to have to record the decease of Mr John Williams Wigzell, solicitor, formerly of Nelson, who died on Thursday, at his residence, Guyton Street, at the age of 36 years, after a most painful illness. The deceased had been a sufferer from pulmonary consumption for a considerable time, but during the last few months it became apparent that he was rapidly succumbing, and that his days were numbered. He suffered very acutely at the last, and the approach of death must have been gladly welcomed. At his own urgent request, expressed previous to his death, and at the solicitation of the members of the Nelson Volunteer corps and Fire Brigade, it was decided that his remains should be conveyed thither for interment. The body was first placed in the ordinary coffin, in the lid of which an opening was left, a piece of glass having been inserted, which afforded a view of the features. The countenance had changed in expression but little, though the body was terribly wasted by the fatal disease from which the deceased had been suffering. Through the agency of certain substances which had been enclosed with the body, it is probable that the features will undergo but little change for a long time. The wooden coffin was next enclosed in a leaden one, which fitted closely to that inside. In this also was a corresponding glass front over the features, and on the polished breastplate was inscribed the name, age, &c, of the deceased. The whole was finally enclosed in a strong wooden case and placed on board the Awaroa, which sailed for Nelson early yesterday morning. The widow and family of the deceased were passengers in the vessel, bound on their mournful voyage. We learn that the relations of the deceased, and also of Mrs Wigzell, reside in Nelson, at which place the corpse will be finally laid to rest. Mr John Anderson performed the undertaker's work, to Mr Horn having been entrusted the manufacture of the lead coffin. We learn that it is the intention s of the former comrades of the deceased in the Volunteers and Fire Brigade to give the remains of the deceased an honorable interment. The bereaved widow and fatherless little ones have our sincere sympathy. The deceased Mr Wigzell had been till lately in the office of Mr S. T. Fitzherbert, solicitor, of this town. -Wanganui Chronicle, 7/7/1877.
The Funeral of the Late Mr J. W. Wigzell, which took place on Sunday afternoon, was a very large one indeed. The Lady Barkly towed the Awaroa, which brought the body from Wanganui, into port about three o'clock, when a procession was immediately formed in the following order: — Firing Party from City Cadets, Artillery Band, Hearse (attended by four senior Volunteer officers), Mourning coaches, Nelson Volunteer Fire Brigade (in uniform and wearing crape on their arms), Oddfellows, City Rifles, Artillery Company, Naval Brigade, Cadet Corps, Foresters, Masons (in carriages), private carriages, and horsemen. On arriving at (the Cemetery, the Rev. J, Leighton read the Church, of England service, Mr Brighten, Secretary of the Loyal Nelson Lodge, that appointed by the Oddfellows' Order, and the Cadets fired three volleys. The spectators were estimated at between two and three thousand. Through one of the drivers of the private carriages deviating from the line of procession, a little boy narrowly escaped being killed at the Wood end of Collingwood-street bridge. Owing to the exertions of two or three bystanders, however, and the instinct exhibited by the horse, the little fellow escaped with a severe fright and a bruise or two. -Colonist, 10/7/1877.
Wakapuaka Cemetery, Nelson.
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