Newspaper Article 1898 – Mildred Smith

Quite a gloom was cast over Hastings last week when it became known that Mrs C. A. Smith, of Olrig, had died at the early age of 23.  Mrs Smith – Mildred Gwendolyn – was a daughter of Mr William Nelson, of Waikoko, Tomoana, and for many years attended Mrs Swainson’s school in Wellington.  On December 12th, 1894 she married Mr Charles Alexander Smith, of Olrig, Hawke’s Bay, and on October 2nd last she gave birth to a son.  The funeral, which took place on Sunday, was largely attended by the many personal friends of the family, Mr Ernest Nelson having ridden over 100 miles to be present at his sister’s funeral.  Many beautiful wreaths were sent and the grave was lined with white flowers.  At St. Matthew’s Church (Hastings) the Rev Mr Hobbes [Hobbs] made feeling reference to the late Mrs Charles Smith, who had been a member of the choir.  Special hymns were sung, and the congregation remained standing while the “Dead March” in “Saul” was played.