Ashes of Late Judge Ayson

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Prom Our Own Correspondent

Rarotonga. Sept. 21.

THE ashes of the late Judge H. F.

Ayson, CMG, were brought to Raro tonga on September 18 by Mrs. Ayson aboard the “Maui Pomare.”

It was Mrs. Ayson’s own wish that the ashes of her husband should be interred in the Islands which he loved and for whose welfare he worked so long and strenuously.

The late Judge Ayson, who died in Wellington, NZ, on February 1, 1948, aged 63, devoted 27 years to the Cook Islands —first, in 1916, as Judge of the High and Native Land Courts, and, later, as Resident Commissioner. He was Resident Commissioner and Judge from 1922 until failing health forced him to retire at the end of 1943. He was made CMG in 1930.

IMMEDIATELY after the arrival of the “Maui Pomare” at Rarotonga the urn containing his ashes was brought ashore and placed in the Court Room.

Later the same morning, the funeral cortege left on foot for the LMS Church yard.

The urn was carried on a flag-draped stretcher, the pall-bearers being Mr. R.

McKegg, Mr. D. Reid and two Rarotongan high chiefs, Vakatini Ariki and Tinomana Ariki. Following was Mrs. Ayson, carry ing a magnificent spray of purple bougainvillea. She was accompanied by the present Resident Commissioner (Mr.

W. Tailby), Mrs. Tailby and Miss Margaret Tailby. Behind them was a long procession of European and Maori friends.

Companies of Girl Guides and Bovs’

Brigade formed a guard-of-honour at the churchyard. The service was conducted by the Rev. W. Murphy, of the LMS.