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Late Mr. A. Gardiner, Forth
The funeral of the late Mr. Alexander Wilson Gardiner, who died at his home at Forth on Wednesday after a painful illness, extending over many years, took place yesterday afternoon. Mr. Gardiner was well and favorably known in the district, where he had loved most of his life. He was 68 years of age. He was a member of a Coastal pioneer family, his father, the late Mr. A. Gardiner, having been among the early settlers in the district. Mr. W. Hawkey (Methodist) conducted the last rites and a brief service was held at the residence. There was a large attendance, many having travelled long distances to attend. The large number of wreaths included one from the U.A.O.D., Ulverstone. The carriers were Messrs. D. Robertson, R. Lehman, E. Thompson and E. Duncan and the pallbearers Messrs. F. Turner, A. A. Brothers, G. T. Delany and F. McGuire. Chief mourners were Messrs. E. R. Gardiner (son), Walter and William Gardiner (brothers) John Russell and F. Geale (brothers-in-law), and a number of nephews. Senator Herbert Hays was among those present.Headstone
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Late Mrs. M. A. Gardiner
Mrs M. A. Gardiner, who died at the home of her son-in-law, Mr. L. Lehman, Kindred, was the fourth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Russell, one of the pioneer families. She went to the district when 13 years of age with her parents and resided there for over 70 years. She was married in 1883 to Mr. Peter Gardiner, who died 39 years ago. There was a family of three sons - Alex and William (Victoria) and John, who was killed in the last war and five daughters - Annie (Mrs. P. Smith, Abbotsham), Margaret (Mrs. F. Mitchell, Forth), Rhoda (Mrs. R. Lehman, Kindred), Bernice (Mrs. Edwards, Sprent) and Louie (Mrs. Connors, Kindred). There are 27 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. There are still four sisters and three brothers of deceased living. They are Mrs. S. Moore (Smithton), Mrs. A. Gardiner (Melbourne), Mrs. A. Hearps (Sydney) and Mrs. F. Geale (Kindred), Messrs. William and Edward Russell (Ulverstone) and Mr Ernest Russell (King Island). The funeral took place at the Forth Methodist Cemetery on Thursday afternoon in the presence of a large gathering of relatives and friends. The chief mourners were the daughters and sons-in-law, Mrs. Geale (sister), Messrs. William and Edward Russell (brothers) and Messrs F. Geale and T. Edwards (brother-in-law). Services were conducted at the home and graveside by Rev. J. B. H. Robson, B.A. The casket was borne by four grandsons, Harley Smith, R. Loone and R. and W. Edwards and the pallbearers were four nephews, Messrs. Dave and Arthur Robertson and John and Thomas Russell.Headstone
Mr. Alex Gardiner
As announced in yesterday’s issue, the death of Mr. Alexander Gardiner caused quite a shock to this small community, and the news was more hard to believe because only a few days ago Mr. Gardiner had proceeded on a trip to Hobart, apparently in good health and spirits, and yesterday the widow and family were recipients of many expression of sympathy. The deceased was perhaps on of the best-known figures on the North West Coast, and until lately, year in and year out, in all kinds of weather, he invariably occupied the driver’s seat on the mail coach running between Forth and Leith railway station. His was a notable personality in the early history of the Forth, having arrived first in the district as far back as the year 1859, when he was engaged in the construction of the roads between the Don and Forth. He was a native of Scotland, and came to Tasmania in 1857, having been engaged to work for the Mersey Coal Company. In 1859 he went back to Victoria, and there was married to Miss Bain, who survives him. Mr. Gardiner did not stay on the mainland, but returned to the Forth, where he settled, leasing a farm of 170 acres from the late Mr. J. Dooley. He afterwards purchased 350 acres at Kindred, but some years afterwards he came to live on the township, previously having a hotel at Latrobe. He was for a considerable time the licensee of the well-known Bridge Hotel, and conducted it well. In whatever business he was engaged his courteous demeanour and good character never failed to give him the respect and esteem of those with whom he was brought into contact, and though quiet and unobtrusive he was always ready to assist in any movement calculated to benefit his town and district. Only a year or so back he and Mrs. Gardiner celebrated the jubilee of their married life, and there was a large gathering of friends to offer the old couple congratulations. Early in 1910 the late Mr. Gardiner gave up active business, retiring in favour of his son. Walter. The deceased was a prominent member of the Forth Masonic lodge, and had been an Oddfellow for many years, and had at one time held the office of W. M. He took a deep interest in political matters, and was also a member of the old Forth and Don trusts. He had reached the age of 73 years, and leaves a widow and seven sons and five daughters, all of whom, with one exception, are married. There are also 45 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Mr. Gardiner’s death removes one of the Forth’s oldest residents, and his cheery face will be greatly missed by both travellers and residents. He was at his best when telling of the early days and the strenuous lives the older hands used to lead. The funeral will leave his late residence at 3pm on Sunday (tomorrow), and members of the Lodge of Peace, No. 7, T. C., and the local Oddfellows’ lodge are requested to attend. The interment will take place in the Congregational Cemetery.TRIBUTE
A striking tribute of respect was paid to the memory of one of the Forth’s oldest residents yesterday afternoon, when the funeral of the late Mr. Alexander Gardiner took place. It was the largest seen on the Forth, and long before the appointed hour hundreds of people were to be seen wending their way to deceased’s residence. When the cortege started for the Cemetery, fully five hundred people must have been present. Some sixty members of the Oddfellow’s lodge and a number of the brethren of the Masonic Lodge of Peace preceded the hearse, while behind it followed the deceased’s sons, sons-in-law, and numerous grandchildren as chief mourners. In the cortege there was practically every male inhabitant of the little town. The pallbearers were Messrs. F. McCarthy-Clerke, W. C. Stuart, J. W. Thomas, and D.C. Whitchurch, and the carriers were four members of the local Oddfellows’ lodge – Bros. W. Kennedy, R. Pearce, M. Sullivan and F. Heazlewood. Amongst those present were Mr. John Hope, M. H. A., who came from Scotland in the same ship as the deceased, and has maintained a close friendship with him up till the time of his death, also Mr. F. J. Flight, who has now the distinction of being the Forth’s oldest resident. The Wardens of Leven and Penguin and several councillors from those municipalities and Devonport were also in attendance. People from as far away as Westbury, Longford, Burnie and Launceston were to be seen, while the districts round the Forth were largely represented. The burial service was conducted by the Rev. F. A. Woods, while Bros. J. G. Pike read the Oddfellows’ ritual over the remains of one who, by his honesty of purpose and quiet way of doing good, had endeared himself to many, who consider that they have lost their best friend. The beautiful floral wreaths were so numerous that it was found necessary to have a special vehicle to carry them.IN MEMORIAM
GARDINER – In loving memory of my dear husband and our dear father Alexander Gardiner, who died January 26th 1911. A painful shock, a blow severe, to part with one we loved so dear. My loss is great – I will not complain, but trust in God to meet again. Another year has gone dear father, Thy place is vacant still, often we think of thy loving smile, forget you we never will, kind words will never die. Inserted by his loving wife, Margaret Gardiner and son and daughter-in-law W. M. and K. Gardiner.Headstone
OLD RESIDENT PASSES
One of Forth’s oldest residents, in the person of Mrs. A. W. Gardiner, Sen., passed away at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Flint, Upper Castra. The deceased lady has been a resident of this district for a great many years, and leaves a grown-up family. Her husband, the late Mr. Alexander Gardiner, predeceased her several years ago. The funeral will leave the residence of her son, Mr. W. M. Gardiner, at 3pm today for the Congregational Cemetery.LAST RITES
The funeral of the late Mrs. Gardiner took place on Wednesday at 3pm. A very representative cortege followed the mortal remains of the deceased lady to their last resting place at the Congregational Cemetery.