OBITUARY
From Our Own
Correspondent
PINETOWN,
March 13, The funeral of the late Mr. George Munro, who died at his
residence, Preston House, Pinetown on Friday, took place at St. John's
Churchyard, Pinetown, on Saturday afternoon last.
A large number of
mourners and friends followed the cortege to the graveside to pay their last
respects to the deceased. The coffin was carried to the grave by four sons
of the deceased, and the Vicar (the Rev. F. Stead), conducted the burial
service.
There was a large number
of wreaths, and the funeral arrangements were in the able hands of Messrs.
Adlam Reid and Co.
The late Mr. George Munro
arrived in Natal by the sailing vessel, “Udore”, in 1864, and was
accompanied by his brother Donald Munro, who both went out to the Umgeni
brickfields, where they joined their brother John, and were some time
engaged in brick making.
Towards the latter part
of 1868 the deceased set out from Durban with the late Archie Campbell for
the Tati Goldfields with a cart and six oxen. From there he returned during
1869, and took up building and contracting on the Natal Coast, also tobacco
growing and transport riding for a considerable period. In 1875 he was
married to Selina Jane Davie, niece of the late James Sanderson, of Preston
House, Pinetown, the marriage ceremony being performed by the Rev. Posselt,
of New Germany. He then lived at Umgeni for about 12 months, and
subsequently settled down in Pinetown, at Preston House, being engaged in
farming pursuits for the remainder of his life. His farm to-day is one of
the best known landmarks on the Durban-Maritzburg Road.
The deceased gentleman at
the time of his death was in his 78th year, which he would have celebrated
in May next. To mourn their loss, he leaves a wife, five sons James, Alfred
George Malcolm and Willie; four daughters - Mrs. Dryden, presently living in
South-West Africa, Mrs. Clendenning, Mrs. J. Crawford and Mrs. Barrett who
all attended the funeral with the exception of Mrs. Dryden.
The late Mr. George Munro
was of a kindly disposition and well beloved by those who knew him. He had a
wonderful and retentive memory, and could relate reminiscences and tales of
the early day by the score. He was widely known throughout Natal, and was
one of the oldest pioneers in the Province.
The following is a list of wreaths : From His Loving Wife and Family: Grand Children, in loving memory; Laura, Dick and children; Ben, Bella and children; Mr and Mrs Schenk; Mrs WH Nichols and family; Mrs Scott and Sharp and family; Mrs Clendenning (sen.); Mrs Ponting; Eddie and Sybil: Mr and Mrs Gordon Calvert and family; Mr and Mrs PJ Philpott and family; Mr Richards and family: Mr and Mrs Murgatroyd and family; Mr T A Clendenning; Mr and Mrs Vincent Brackie and family; Mr and Mrs Boast and Hazel; Mr and Mrs H Westermeyer and Alma and Dave; Managing Directors and Proprietors of the “Natal Mercury''; Alfred, Gladys and family; T J Grant and family; C A Day: Mr A H Lewis; Mr and Mrs D U Campbell and family, Mr and Mrs J T King and family, Mr and Mrs Wylie and Donald; The Knowes Family; I and C Gaillod: Alick. Daisy and family; Percy T and Ethel Swales (Eshowe); Nan, John and lan; Mr and Mrs Bardone and family; Messrs Adlam and Harding; Pinetown and District Caledonian Society; A H Milne and family: Bert end Stella; Mr and Mrs David Jack; Pinetown and District Farmers' Association; Mr and Mrs Campbell and Lilian, Mrs Barrett, Iris and Dan; Messrs Russell and Marriott; Mr and Mrs Harold S Adlam; Mr and Mrs CR Barrett; Mrs J Coote Field and family; Mr and Mrs H Higgs and family; Jessie Scott; Misses Baytopp; Mr and Mrs T H Baxter; Mr and MrsM Harris; Mr and Mrs H G Paige: Mr I and Mrs W S Gillitt; Mr and Mrs. R F J Gillitt; Mrs Tipler and family; Mr and Mrs Ernes and Olivier; Mr and Mrs J W Robinson and family : Mr and Mrs J B Hulme and family; Mr and Mrs F J Volek; Mr and Mrs Fred Dawson; All at Rose Cottage; Mr and Mrs Beggs and family; A number without cards; Mr and Mrs W Wright, Mr and Mrs Chas Kirk; Mrs Horton and family; M. Lawrie; Mrs Freeze and Mr and Mrs Alan Davidson; Mr and Mrs Forrest and Natalie; Mr and Mrs N W Charlton; Mrs Crompton and family; Mr and Mrs. W F Drimmie and family; Mr and Mrs Saveall; Mr and Mrs W Adam and family: Mrs Erny: Mr and Mrs A Butt; Alfred Dacomb and children; Roso Marian and children; Mrs A Guy; Messrs Lyle and Quinn.
Transcribed from The Natal Daily News published on 13th March 1923.
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