Individual Notes
Note for: James Willcocks Pye, 19 MAR 1861 - 3 APR 1902
Index
Burial: Date: 5 APR 1902
Place: Geraldine Cemetery
Individual Note: From ships "Atrato" passenger lists
Second name from Cemetery Record
Date of Birth from Donald Pye
*Located a Birth Record for a James Millcocks?(think transcribed W as a M) Pye, Date: Jun 1861, District: Newton A(in Devon), Volume: 5b, Page: 158*
Return of Freeholders of New Zealand, October 1882 shows James Willcox Pye, Occ: Storeman, County: Geraldine, Area in each County: * (unsure what this means), Value in Pounds: 105, Total Value in Colony: 105 pounds
*Marriage Details Date: 1882, Folio No: 3496*
Pye - Shannon. November 14th 1882 at St Marys Church, Geraldine by the Reverend James Preston. James Wilcox Pye of Geraldine to Eliza Jane Shannon of South Rakaia
The Geraldine Guardian 13th April 1895 shows
I.O.O.F. - The man, Charles Ramble, who died rather suddenly at Orari Gorge Station recently, at one time was a member of the Victoria Lodge, I.O.O.F., Geraldine, but had not at the time of his death, been a member of the lodge for over a year. Under these circumstances his family was not in any way lawfully entitled to benefit from the lodge, but albeit, Mr J. W. Pye, D.D. seeing the case was a needy one, send word to the Geraldine Lodge. The result was that the local lodge has received from the Grand Lodge a cheque for the sum of 10 pounds, to be devoted as they think fit for the benefit of the bereaved family. A committee, we understand, has been appointed with Mr Pye to see that the money is spent to the best advantage of the Ramble family
Wises 1896-97 shows Pye James W, Draper, Geraldine
1896 Geraldine Electoral Roll shows James Wilcox Pye, Geraldine, Draper, Freehold
The Geraldine Guardian 18th January 1896 shows
Geraldine Floral, Horticultural, and Industrial Association
Patrons - A. E. G. Rhodes, Esq, C. G. Tripp, Esq, Rev. A. B. Todd, H. B. Webster, Esq, Patronesses - Mrs Angus Macdonald, Mrs M, C. Orbell. President - Major Moore - Vice-Presidents - Messrs L. H. Orbell, A. White, E. Hawkins, J. W. Pye, Secretary - Mr L. H. Orbell, Treasurer - Mr J. W. Pye. Committee - Messrs R. H. Orbell, J. H. Dean, J. Kennington, J. McIiroy, John Pye, E. Logan, Jas. Crafar, J. Pizzey, H. R. Howard, J. Elliot. Auditors - Messrs R. H. Pearpoint, B. R Macdonald
The tenth annual show under the auspices of the Geraldine, Floral, Horticultural, and Industrial Association was held in the Volunteer Hall on Thursday last. Compared with last year's show the exhibits were not as large, but were much better than could be expected considering the exceptionally dry season this year.
...... Continued
The lady class stewards - who are deserving of commendation for the work they did - were Mesdames Hawkins and J. W. Pye.
...... Continued
The Exhibits
There was only three entries in the Gardeners' Class for roses, 12 varieties, and the first prize went to Mrs Clinch, and the second prize to Mrs J. Pye.
...... Continued
In the amateurs class Mr J. W. Pye took the most prizes. ..... and Mr J. W. Pye's was the sole entry for group staged for effect. ..... In the amateur class Mr J. W. Pye carried off the bulk of the prizes. The only prize not entered for in this class was for best collection of native ferns...... Mr J. W. Pye exhibited some nice petunias. ....
The prize list is subjoined :-
Class A - Gardeners (open to all)
..... POT PLANTS .... Group of pot plants staged for effect (1st prize presented by Mr A. White, 2nd by Dr T. Evan?) 1 entry, J. W. Pye 1 ; begonia, 1 foliage and 1 tuberous (1st prize presented by Mr J. Pye, 2nd by Mr J. H. Dean) 1 entry, Mrs H Clinch 1; ..... CUT FLOWERS - 12 roses, 1 of each (1st prize presented by J. Farrell, 2nd by Messrs Nairn & Sons), 3 entries, Mrs Clinch 1, Mrs J Pye 2; ..... picotees or carnations, two entries, Mrs J. Pye 1; Gladioli, one entry, Mrs J. Pye 1;
FRUIT - .... red currants, 1 entry, Mrs J. Pye 1; .....
TABLES ..... short carrots, 4 entries, T. Grindall 1, Mrs J. Pye 2; ..... autumn onions (prizes presented by Messrs A. Yates & Co.) 1 entry, Mrs J. Pye; spring onion, 3 entries, Mrs J. Pye 1;
Class B - Amateurs (open to amateurs only)
POT PLANTS ... double geraniums, 2 entries, J. Norton 1, J. W. Pye 2; 6 bicolor or tricolor geraniums, 2 entries, J. W. Pye 1, J. Norton 2;.... petunias, 1 entry, J. W. Pye 1; ornamental foliage pot plant (1st prize presented by Rev A. B. Todd), 1 entry, J. W. Pye 1; 4 pot plants, not otherwise specified, 2 entries, J. W. Pye 1, no second prize was awarded; tuberous-rooted begonias, 1 entry, J. W. Pye 1; .... new or rare pot plants (1st prize presented by Mr P. D. Herdman), 1 entry, J. W. Pye 1; variegated hydrangea, 1 entry, J. W. Pye 1; 3 coleus, 1 entry, J. W. Pye 1;
CUT FLOWERS - Six varieties roses (1st prize presented by Messrs Nairn & Sons), 2 entry, J. W. Pye 1, L Orbell 2;
The Geraldine Guardian 6th February 1896 shows
Geraldine Town Board
Interviews
...... Continued
Mr J. W. Pye applied for permission to make alteration to his premises. - Granted.
...... Continued
The Geraldine Guardian 18th February 1896 shows
I.O.O.F - At the last meeting of the Victoria Lodge, I.O.O.F., the installation of officers took place, when the following were installed by District Deputy, Bro. J. W. Pye :-N.G., Bro. Bowkett; V.G., Bro. J. Broughton; Secretary, Bro. Thomas; Treasurer, Bro J. Pye. The N.G. afterwards appointed the following :- Conductor, Bro Turner; Inside Guard, Bro. K. Prouting; Auditors, Bros. Preston and A.R. Hardy
The Press 26th November 1897 shows
Geraldine Fire Prevention - A meeting of the Geraldine Fire Protection Committee was held on Monday. Present - Messrs J. W. Pye (in the chair), J. McCaskey, R. Taylor, R. A. Burrows, J. McIlroy, R. Sawle, A Fyfe, J. Slattery, E. Beckley, R. Y. Fergusson and others. The Chairman explained why the meeting had been called, and read the correspondence that had passed between the Underwriter's Association and the Town Board, stating that the former insisted on the Board procuring a steam fire engine at a cost of 500 pounds before a reduction could be made in insurance premiums. After considerable discussion, Mr Fergusson proposed, and Mr McIlroy seconded - "That the Secretary write to the Town Board and recommend the Board not to entertain the Underwriter's Association's offer, and would recommend the Board to procure a good manual so as to keep the Brigade in force and to protect town property as far as possible." Carried. Mr Borrows proposed, and Mr Taylor seconded - " That it be a recommendation from the Committee to the Bazzar Committee that if any surplus funds remain after the erection of pavillion they be handed over to the Town Board for the special purpose of assisting in procuring a fire engine, and that a deputation be appointed to interview the Bazzar Committee." Carried
The Press 1st January 1900 shows
The annual meeting of the Geraldine Terminating Building Society took place on Friday night, the chair being occupied by Mr J. W. Pye (president). The annual report and balance sheet showed the society to be in a flourishing condition. The profit and loss account having increased to 127 pounds 12 shillings and 8 pence, now represented a profit equal share to 16 shillings and 9 pence per share. The share lists was slowly increasing every year. Messrs J. W. Pye, John Pye, and J. M. Sutherland, the retiring directors, were re-elected without opposition. Mr W. M. Moore was re-elected shareholders' auditor. The Chairman mentioned that a ballot for an appropriation would take place in about three weeks time.
The Ashburton Guardian 3rd March 1900, page 2, mentions J. W. Pye as a Judge for the horse racing at the Rangitata Race meeting
NZ Gazette shows James Wilcox? Pye, Place: Geraldine, Date: 1904, Occ: Justice of Peace, Source: NZ Gazette 1904, Page: 3007
The Cyclopedia of New Zealand shows
Mr James Wilcocks? Pye was born in Devonshire, England in 1861, and came with his parents to New Zealand in the s.s. "Atrato" to Port Chalmers, whence they moved to Timaru. His father, Mr John Pye, was one of the earliest settlers in Geraldine, and was for many years gardener to Mr C. Tripp, of Orari Gorge station; he planted the majority of the trees now in front of the station, and is now following the occupation of gardener and seedsman at Geraldine. Mr J. W. Pye was educated at Geraldine, and was afterwards a clerk in the Road Board office. He was in the service of Messrs Morrison and Dunlop of Geraldine for seven years, and was afterwards for three years with Mr Dunlop. In 1887 he started business in a very small way on his own account by buying the drapery business of Mr. J. S. Waite. This he carried on till 1892, when he built the present large and important building, which was his own property, and thereafter carried on business of general draper, milliner and dressmaker, with a boot, shoe and general furnishing emporium. His staff of employees never numbered less than nine, and in busy times, it consisted of twelve members. He also ran a cart into the country. Mr Pye imported largely from England. In addition to making a great success of his business, Mr Pye took a great interest in the welfare of the town. He was chairman of Geraldine Town Board, and chairman of the Domain Board. Mr Pye had been an Oddfellow for twenty five years, had passed through all the chairs of order, and was a member of the Grand Lodge in virtue of his position as District Deputy Grand Master for South Canterbury. Mr Pye was a Freemason, and had been a member of the Geraldine Southern Star Lodge, S.C., now called the Geraldine Lodge, and held the office of senior warden. He took an interest in all outdoor sports, and started the Horticultural Society, of which he was a vice-president. Mr Pye was married in Geraldine, in 1882, to a daughter of the Mr John Shannon, a very old resident of Rakaia, and had one son. Mr Pye died on the 3rd of April 1902.
The Temuka Leader 6th August 1901 shows
Bachelors' Ball at Geraldine
"Daisy" writes as follows to the Christchurch Weekly Press:- Fate was very unkind to the bachelors of Geraldine for the ball which they gave to their lady friends on Wednesday, July 24th. A more awful night could not hardly be imagined. Rain, hail and sleet overhead, and several inches of mud under foot. But everybody seemed to have made up their minds they would be there, and the result was a very large attendance. Dancing commenced shortly before nine o'clock, and continued with great vigor till nearly four the next morning. An energetic committee had been to great trouble in decorating the hall, with excellent results. A large supply of ferns had been obtained, and the manner in which these were displayed clearly proved that the committee possessed artistic taste. The floor was in good order, and the music supplied by Messrs Owers (violin) and Heap (piano) satisfactory. Mr G. H. Bryant catered. The secretary (Mr A. M. McLean) showed that he was the right man for the position, and certainly deserves great credit for his work. Mr Harry Howard carried out the duties of M.C. Miss L. White and Mr Baughen played the extras. Amongst those present were Mrs Bethune, Misses Innes, Syke, Storey, Davis (2), H. Morrison, Pye, Stevenson, Riordan (2), Herlihy, Bennington, Farrell, Tozer (2), White, McQuillan, Bourne, L. Howard, M. Richards, Annals, Byrne, McCaskey, and Johnston. Among the gentlemen were Messrs J. W. Pye, McLean, Hallam, Martin (2), A. Walls (Christchurch), Clouston, Rodman, H. Brain, J. Riordan, A. W. Smith, Berry (2), Rudman, Davies, Taylor, Pratt, C. Moore, W. McKnight, and G. Bethune. The large number who braved the elements were well rewarded for their trouble, and the Geraldine Bachelor's Ball will be remembered with kindly feelings for some time to come.
The Temuka Leader 21st September 1901 shows
Operation at Temuka Hospital
A most serious operation was performed yesterday by Dr Hayes, at the local hospital, on Mr J. W. Pye, of Geraldine. The operation was done for the removal of a growth, and part of the back bone had to be removed to enable the operating surgeon to gain access to the part. The operation was successfully performed, and considering it's very serious nature, the patient is as well as could be expected, and good hopes are entertained of his recovery His complete recovery will, of course, necessarily be protracted, however, well he progresses. Dr Moore administered the Chloroform, and Dr Hayes was ably assisted by Dr Bowe. Misses Linton and Quinn officiated as nurses. Dr Hayes considers Mr Pye one of his pluckiest patients he has ever had to deal with
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The Geraldine Masonic Social has been abandoned this year owing to the illness of Bro. J. W, Pye, W.M.
The Temuka Leader 28th December 1901 shows
We are glad to find that Mr James W. Pye, of Geraldine, is making rapid progress towards recovery. He is still in Dr Hayes' private hospital, but on Christmas Eve he was able to walk down the town, and on Boxing Day to attend the Caledonian Sports. This item of news will we are sure be gladly received by everyone who knows him
*Death Details Date: 1902, Folio No: 1129, Name: James Willcocks? Pye, Registered: Geraldine, June quarter*
Probate Record shows Pye James Willcocks, Place: Geraldine, Occ: Draper, Court: Timaru, Probate No: 606, Date Filed: 16/5/1902, Type: Will, Where: Archives NZ, Christchurch
Timaru Cemetery Records shows Ref: 13900, Name: Pye, James Wilcox, Aged: 40, Address: Geraldine, Birthplace: Devonshire, England, Date of Interment: 3/4/1902, Cemetery: Geraldine Cemetery, Denomination: Anglican, Section: Anglican, Block: A, Plot: 747
Cemetery Record Fiche for Geraldine Cemetery shows Record No: 616
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James Wilcocks Pye husband of Eliza Jane Pye born at Devonshire, England 19 March 1862
Died at Geraldine 3 April 1902
Also his son John husband of Ethel M. Pye Died 26 Jan 1912 Aged 28 years
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Three small crosses dated
19/3/1903
19/3/1904
19/3/1905
The Press 4th April 1902 shows
The death occurred at Geraldine yesterday of Mr James Wilcox Pye who was well known in the district. Some six months ago, Mr Pye underwent a serious operation for cancer, which at first was thought to have been successful, but the disease again asserted itself and the patient passed away as stated above. When the news became known in Geraldine, the business people closed their shops and flags were flown at half mast as a mark of respect for the deceased.
Mr Pye was born in Devonshire, England and in 1851 came with his parents to New Zealand in the S.S. 'Atrato'. For some time he was clerk in the Geraldine Road Board office and afterwards in the service of Messrs Morrison & Dunlop. He afterwards started business on his own account. For a number of years he was chairman of the Geraldine Town Board and Domain Board and was also a prominent Oddfellow and Freemason, beside being connected with a number of other societies. He was made a Justice of the Peace in 1895. Deceased leaves a widow and one son.
The Temuka Leader 5th April 1902 shows
Pye - At Geraldine, on Thursday, April 3rd, ints., James Willcocks Pye aged 41
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Funeral Notice
The Friends of Mrs James Willcocks Pye are invited to attend the Funeral of her late husband, which will leave her residence, Talbot Street, Geraldine, on Saturday, April 5th inst., for the Geraldine Cemetery, at 3 p.m.
E. Prouting, Undertaker
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I. O. O. F.
Officers and Members of the Victoria Lodge, I.O.O.F., are respectfully requested to attend the Funeral of the late Bro. J. W. Pye, P.D.D.G.M. and C.W., Today, Saturday, April 5th. Members meet at Hall at 2.30 p.m. sharp.
C. Moore, Secretary
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Geraldine Lodge, No. 27
Officers and Members of the Geraldine Lodge, No. 27, are respectfully requested to attend the Funeral of the late Bro. J. W. Pye, P.M., Today, Saturday, April 5th inst. Members meet at the Hall at 2.30 p.m.
By order of W.M.
C. Moore, Secretary
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Geraldine Mounted Rifles
The Company will Parade at Drill Shed, Geraldine, Dismounted, at 2 p.m. Today, to attend Funeral of the late Trooper J. W. Pye
J. Maling
Lieutenant Commanding
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Lodge St, George, No. 29
A conveyance will leave Gunnion's Stables at 12.30 p.m. Today for the purpose of Attending the Funeral of the late Bro. J. W. Pye, P.M. Members are respectfully requested to attend. White Ties and Gloves. No Regalia
M. McLeod, Secretary
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Members of St. George's Lodge, Temuka, are informed that a conveyance will leave Gunnion's Stables for Geraldine at 12.30 today to convey members who wish to attend the funeral of the late Bro. J. W. Pye, P.M.
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The annual meeting of the Geraldine Football Club, which was to have been held on Thursday night, was adjourned for a week as a mark of respect to the memory of the late J. W. Pye, who was president of the club
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Members of the Victoria Lodge I.O.O.F. and Geraldine Lodge No 27 will meet at 2.00 p.m. today at their respected halls to attend the funeral of the late Brother J. W. Pye. Members of the Geraldine Mounted Rifles' parade (dismounted) at the drill shed today at 2 p.m. for the same purpose.
The Temuka Leader 5 April 1902 shows
Obituary
James Willcocks Pye
It is with deepest regret that we have to record the death of Me James Willcocks Pye, which took place at his home in Geraldine on Thursday morning, at the early age of 41 years. The sad news did not come altogether as a shock to the public, for since Mr Pye became so weak that he had to his bed a few weeks ago, it was know (sic) that his case was hopeless, and that his end was only a matter of a few days at most. To show the respect in which Mr Pye was held by his fellow citizens we might mention that immediately it was known that he had passed away every shopkeeper in the town put up its shutters, and flags on every public and private flagpole in the place were run up to half mast. The late Mr Pye had been in bad health for quite two years, but it was not till about seven or eight months ago that it was discovered that he was suffering from an internal cancer. His medical advisor then informed him that he had only a few months to live in the state he was then in, while, on the other hand, if he submitted to an operation, a radical cure might be effected, or he might be given a lease of life for a few years. Then there was the fact staring the sufferer in the face that he might not pull through the operation at all, seeing that it was such a serious one. It was a trying ordeal for one in the prime of life, but Mr Pye faced it with wonderful fortitude, and came through a remarkable operation with a bold face, and with great hope of ultimate recovery. The operation was successfully performed by Drs Hayes and Bowe for the local treatment of the disease but in a few months time, when the patient was apparently doing well, and his friends were hoping for the best, it was discovered that the cancer had taken root in another place, which showed that the disease must have had a firm hold of his system before Mr Pye underwent the operation. When it was found that nothing more could be done Mr Pye was removed to his home at Geraldine, and his last appearance in public was when he visited the local Flower Show in January for a few minutes. Since then he gradually grew weaker, and a short time ago had to take to his bed, where he lingered on till he passed peacefully away on Thursday morning last; one of the greatest comforts to his friends being the fact his death was comparatively a painless one, which would not have been the case without the operation. The late Mr Pye was a general favourite throughout the district, and his death has brought sorrow to many hearts - much sympathy being felt for his bereaved wife, who has had a very trying time for seven months, during his illness. Mr Pye was born in Devonshire, England in 1861, and came to the colony with his parents in 1874, in the S.S. "Atrato," landing at Port Chalmers?, and coming on from there to Timaru. His father, Mr John Pye, was one of the earliest settlers in the township, and for many years was a gardener to the late Mr C. G. Tripp, of Orari Gorge Station, and planted most of the trees now to be seen about the homestead. Mr Pye, sen., afterwards followed the occupation of gardener and seedman at Geraldine, until a few years ago, when he retired. The late James W. Pye first found employment in Geraldine as assistant clerk with Mr Caleb Sherratt at Geraldine Road Board Office, after which he served about five years in Mr Grimmer's store, and was in the service of Messrs Morrison and Dunlop, for seven years, and later three years with Mr N. Dunlop. In 1887 he started business on his own account in a small way by purchasing the drapery business of Mr J. S. Waite. This he carried on till 1892, when he saw the necessity of building the present large emporium known as "Commerce House" to cope with his fast increasing trade. The present building has been added to from time to time as business warranted it, and Mr Pye's aim was to make it as perfect as possible. About a year ago he brought the tailoring business on Mr John Boughton and added about 30 feet to his already large frontage, to make room for same, and he was then carrying on a prosperous business in general drapery, millinery, dressmaking, tailoring, boot and shoe and general furnishing. His staff of employees, which commenced with a dressmaker and a milliner, gradually increased till at the present time no fewer than 22 hands are busily employed in the establishment. In addition to making a success of business Mr Pye took a deep interest in the welfare of the town, and no wonder that, when he first took ill, his fellow citizens freely remarked "Mr Pye is a man we can ill afford to lose." Mr Pye entered the public service in real earnest in September 1894, when he was elected a member of the Geraldine Town Board and Domain Board; the popular vote taking him to the head of the poll for three successive elections, covering a term of six years till October, 1900, when he retired, owing chiefly to illhealth and the demands made upon his time by his extensive business. He had been elected chairman by two successive Boards, and had therefore sat in the chair for four years, during which time he had been instrumental in bringing about many improvements in the town and the domain. Some thought that Mr Pye at the time was spending too much money on improvements, and that the maintenance of the same would be a drag on the ratepayers, and thus his ideal of what the town should be was never reached, though much good work was done in his time. Under his regime the domain was laid out for cricket and sports ground, a cycling track was made, a new pavilion erected and one of the largest public fresh water swimming baths in Canterbury was built in concrete and afterwards improved by fences and bathing sheds. The Serpentine creek in the domain was also widened and improved and a pleasant walk made beside it through the domain, while a number of ornamental trees were planted and flower beds laid down. Several other places in town were also planted with trees and a few ugly places beautified. last, but not least, Mr J. J. McCaskey's high pressure water scheme was initiated in Mr Pye's time, and he did a lot of work along with Mr McCaskey in bringing the matter to a head and setting the machinery going. Indeed it might well be said that the late Mr Pye was always a useful working member on any local body on which he sat, giving heart and soul into everything that he undertook to do. He also took a great interest in athletics and there was scarcely a club in town with which he was not connected as President or Vice President, and he never failed to carry out his duties though he did not actually enter the athletic arena himself. The only sport in which he really indulged in physically was cycling, and he made a very popular captain of the local Cycling Club when it was in existence, leading the members out on many an interesting country tour, but he took no part in racing. He was President of the Geraldine St Patrick's Day Sports Association for many years and held the office of Vice President till the time of his death, and for a short time was an active member of the Geraldine Mounted Rifles. He was President of the Geraldine Football and Swimming Clubs and United Tennis Club and was a very useful member of the Geraldine Cemetery Board, and was one of the originators of the Geraldine Terminating Building Society, holding the office of President for years. About sixteen years ago he - with one or two others - was instrumental in forming the Geraldine Floral, Horticultural and Industrial Association, of which he was Vice President from it's foundation till the present. He was an earnest devotee to Horticulture and was for many years one of the principal prize takers at the local shows. His flower garden which surrounds his late residence, shows in a marked way the fine tastes of the man in this respect, and we believe he found great delight in his love of flowers. The late Mr Pye amongst his manifold duties also found time to deeply interest himself in benefit societies. He was an Oddfellow for nearly a quarter of a century, having joined the Order at Geraldine when quite a lad. He passed through all the chairs of the Order in the Victoria Lodge, and was a member of the Grand Lodge in ? of his position as Deputy Grand Master for South Canterbury, which position he held for six years. At the last Grand Lodge session - which was held at Invercargill a year ago - the late Mr Pye was made Grand Warden and he held this office till the time of his death. For nearly 25 years he scarcely ever missed a meeting of the local lodge, and was one of its most consistent and faithful members, while, through his advocacy in recent years, many new members were added. He was a Mason for 19 years, and had once held the office of Senior Warder in the Geraldine Southern Star Lodge No. 27. He was always an active member of the lodge, and worked himself up to the position of W.M., which duty he was carrying out when his illness overtook him. The late Mr Pye was a member of the Church of England, and was for several years a vestryman of St. Mary's. He had also been a Justice of the Peace since 1895.
The late Mr Pye was married in Geraldine in 1882, to a daughter of the late Mrs William Shannon, a very old resident of Rakaia, and he leaves a widow and a grown up son, who during his father's illness has been in charge of the business. The funeral at 3 p.m. today will probable be a military one, as the deceased was a member of the Geraldine Mounted Rifle corps. Members of the various local bodies, clubs, and lodges, will also be represented.
If it is not too early to mention the matter we would suggest that the citizens of Geraldine should erect a memorial in the town to the memory of the late Mr Pye by means of a popular shilling subscription so that all classes might partake in the giving.
The Press 7th April 1902 shows
The Late Mr J. W. Pye
The funeral of the late Mr James W. Pye who died on Thursday took place at Geraldine on Saturday. It was attended by friends of the deceased from all parts between Christchurch and Dunedin and a very large number of local residents, the procession being the largest yet seen in the district, fully 1,400 persons taking part, despite that a drizzling rain was falling and the day was inconvenient for many farmers and business people.
The following societies of which the deceased had been a prominent member took part in the obsequies, namely the Geraldine Masonic Lodge, No. 27, N.Z.C; Victoria Lodge, I.O.O.F. A.C. and Geraldine Mounted Rifles. The members of the Geraldine Fire Brigade and the Alexandra Lodge I.O.O.F A.C, (Temuka) also attended and brethren were present from other Masonic and Oddfellows Lodges in various parts of the colony.
Full choral service was conducted at the Anglican Church by the Reverend S. Hamilton the large edifice being crowded and hundreds being unable to gain admission. The Oddfellows service was conducted by Bro. W. Maslin and the Masonic service by Bro. Doctor Hislop. Amongst those present were the Hon. J. W. Toomey, M.L.C; Messrs F.R. Flatman, M.H.R, C. A. C. Hardy, M.H.R.; representatives of leading Christchurch and Dunedin warehousemen, and merchants and the chairman and members of the local bodies and societies.
Wreaths were sent by the Commercial Travellers of Christchurch, the W. M. and Brothers of the Geraldine Masonic Lodge, the directors of the Kaipoi Woolen Company, Messrs Sargood & Son & Ewen, Mrs Sercombe, Doctor Hayes, Doctor and Mrs Trevanne, the employees of the deceased, the Alexandra Lodge of the Oddfellows (Temuka), Messrs Bing Harris and Company, Mr F. R. Flatman, M.H.R; the Geraldine Mounted Rifles, the Geraldine Rifles, the Geraldine Fire Brigade and the Geraldine Football Club, Miss Black, The Reverend and Mrs Sharp, Mrs Stubbs, Mr W. A. Dawson, Mrs McCaul, Mrs Chapman, Mrs Baughan, Mr and Mrs Finch, Mr and Mrs Gapes, Mr and Mrs Tasker, Mrs G. McLean, Miss Burridge, Mr and Mrs W. S. Maslin, Mr and Mrs Patrick, Mr and Mrs Liogan, Mr and Mrs C. Moore, Mr and Mrs T. Sheratt, Mrs Buckley, Mr and Mrs H. Pye, Miss Harding, Mr and Mrs Williams, Mrs Quinn, Mr and Mrs Cliffe, Miss Fife, Mr and Mrs Bowkett, Mrs A. White, Mrs G. Behune, Mrs Barclie, Mr and Mrs W. Fleming, Mr and Mrs K. McKenzie, Mr and Mrs Twigg, Mrs W. A. Sheratt, Mrs A. Sheratt, Miss McGilroy, Mr and Mrs McGilroy, Mrs and Miss Gibson, Mrs Grindle, Mr and Mrs Arthur Ferguson, Mr and Mrs C. Pye, Mr and Mrs P. Coira, Mr and Mrs Prouting, Mr R. Wark, Mr C. A. Mervey, Messrs Reynold and Kinvig, Mr E. Watts and Mr and Mrs H. Thompson.
Mrs Pye received on Friday, 85 telegrams of sympathy from all parts of the colony.
The Temuka Leader 8th April 1902 shows
The Late Mr. J. W. Pye
The Funeral
The funeral of the late Mr James Wilcocks? Pye on Saturday afternoon was one of the largest funerals that has ever taken place in Geraldine, there being close upon a thousand men, women and children - walking eighteen to twenty abreast - in the procession from the English Church to the grave. Had the weather been fine and the roads and river crossings in good order it is safe to say that the number present would have been nearly as much again, and herein we have a grand testimony of the wonderful popularity of the late Mr Pye - although comparatively a young man - amongst all classes in the community. Amongst the visitors present were Mr Hardy, M.H.R. for Rakaia, Mr F. R. Flatman, M.H.R., the Hon. J. M. Twomey, M.L.C., Dr Hayes, Mr John Jackson, Timaru, and a number of members of outside Oddfellows' and Masonic lodges. Commercial men from the city were also present representing their respective firms as follows:- Mr W. F. Roche (Kaiapoi Wollen Company, Mr T. Lewis (Bing Harris & Coy.), Mr S. Anderson (Timaru), Mr W. R. Wark (P Hayman & Coy), Messrs Davidson and J. A. Mitchell (Sargood, Son & Ewen), Mr C. Gill (Butterworth Bros), Mr R. Kinvig (Kinvig & Reynolds), Mr F. Higgott (Duckworth, Turner & Coy), Mr Henry Clarke (M. Harris & Son), and Mr T. Thomson. The cortege moved away from the late residence of the deceased about 3 p.m. a company of the Geraldine Mounted Rifles under Quarter-Master-Sergeant J. Irvine - with arms reversed - leading the van. Then came the Geraldine Fire Brigade in uniform under Captain McIlroy, and behind them members of the Victoria and Alexandovna Oddfellows' Lodges marshalled by Bro. R. Hammond. After these came the hearse followed by the chief mourners in a drag (sic), and the public, mostly on foot. The Masonic Lodge, marshalled by Bro. K. Mackenzie, brought up the rear. At St. Mary's English Church the short service conducted by the Rev. Mr Hamilton was of an impressive character, and the church was crowded to the door. The hymns, "Peace Perfect Peace" and "I shall be satisfied," were sung by the congregation with much feeling, and as the coffin was brought from the church crowds of people lined the footpaths and blocked the main road. In the procession to the cemetery the Masonic Brethren took up a position next to the Mounted Rifles, and the full width of the road and footpath was taken up by those who follow the hearse. At the cemetery the Mounted Rifles, the Fire Brigade, and members of the Lodges lined the pathway, and Bros. J. Pizzy, T. Bowkett, and J. Turner (Victoria Oddfellows' Lodge) and Bros. Roulston, Story, and Bennett (Alexandrovna Oddfellows' Lodge) acted as Pall bearers. The Church of England burial service was read at the grave by the Rev. Mr Hamilton, after which the Oddfellows' service was read by Bro. W. S. Maslin, chaplin, and the Masonic service by Bro. P. W. Hislop, P.W.M. Then the Mounted Rifles fired three volleys and the bugle played "The last Post."
The family of the deceased were recipients of no fewer than 86 telegrams and letters of condolence from different parts of the colony, and very handsome floral tributes from the following:- Dr and Mrs Teevan, Miss Black, Rev and Mrs Sharpe, Geraldine Fire Brigade, Mrs Stubbs, Mr and Mrs Dawson, Mrs McColl, Mrs Chapman, Mrs Baughen, Mr and Mrs Finch, Mr and Mrs Gapes, Mr and Mrs Tasker, Geraldine Rifles, Mrs A. G. McLean, Miss Burridge, Mr and Mrs W. S. Maslin, Mr and Mrs Patrick, senr, Geraldine Football Club, Geraldine Mounted Rifles, Mr and Mrs Logan, Mr and Mrs C. Moore, Mr and Mrs T Sherratt, Mrs M. Buckley, Mrs Nesbett, Mr and Mrs H. Pye, Miss Harding, Sargood, Son and Ewen, Mr and Mrs Williams, Mrs Quinn, Mr and Mrs Cliff, Mrs Fyfe, Mr and Mrs Bowkett, Mrs A. White, Mr and Mrs G, Bethune, Mrs Sercombe, Mrs Barklie, Mr and Mrs W. Flemming, Mr and Mrs Flatman, Mr and Mrs K. Mackenzie, Mr and Mrs Twigg, Employees Commerce House, Mr and Mrs W. A. Sherratt, Mrs A. Sherratt, the Misses McIlroy, Mr and Mrs J. McIlroy, Mrs W. Patrick, junr. Mrs and Miss Gibson, Miss Pearson, Mr T. Grindle, Dorris Cliff, Mrs W. Pye, Mr and Mrs A. Fergusson, Dr and Mrs Hayes, Temuka Alexandrovna Lodge, I.O.O.F., Mr and Mrs Coira, Mrs F. Prouting, Mr and Mrs E, Prouting, Mr R. Wark on behalf of Commercial Travellors of Christchurch, Directors Kaiapoi Woollen Co., C. A. Mewey, Reynolds and Kinvig, E. Watts, Mr and Mrs Thomson, P. W. Hislop, W. M. and Bro. Geraldine Lodge No. 27, Bing, Harris and Co. Mr and Mrs Wickens, Miss Rita Gibson, Mr and Mrs Brooks, Butterworth Bros.