DEATH OF A TOWNSMAN
THE LATE MR. JOHN ROLFE
Very general regret and sympathy with the bereaved wife and family were expressed on Sunday when it became known that Mr John Rolfe, clothier and outfitter, had succumbed during the morning. He had been of a generally robust disposition, but since Christmas had suffered from a succession of colds, which developed into an attack of influenza. Heart trouble followed, and was the actual cause of death.

Mr Rolfe was a well-known townsman, being a Newburian born and bred, who commenced business on his own account 32 years ago in Northbrook-street, removing later to premises in Cheap-street. In his younger days he was an energetic worker in St Nicholas Sunday School, in association with the Rev. W.B. Banting, of whom he was a great admirer. Mr Rolfe was a member of the Masonic body, and attained to the highest honour in the Loyal Berkshire Lodge of Hope, that of \Worshipful Master, which office he filled in 1901. He was an active member of the Conservative Club, being a member of the executive committee. He was also interested in the management of the Gordon Boys' Brigade.

He leaves a widow and a family of four children.

The funeral took place yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, the first part of the service being conducted at the Parish Church, the Rector of Newbury (Rev. Lionel Majendie) officiating.

The mourners were: Mr Leslie Rolfe (son), Mr Robert W. Rolfe (brother), Mr J. T. Ransley (brother-in-law), Mr B. Diddams (nephew), Mr Benjamin Sargent (father-in-law), Mr J. W. Hodder, Mr H. Smetham, Mrs A. Brind (sister).

Among those present in church were a large deputation of Masons, including Bro. A. Camp (Worshipful Master), Bro. W. Jenner Clarke S.W., Bros. W. H. Saltmarsh, J.W., Bros. W.R. Davey, J.D., Bros. G.K. North, I.G. and Bros. G.J. Cosburn, G. Gardner Leader, J. H. Wilson, E. Turner, J. Howard, S. Knight, E. Gould, W. Edmonds, Buchanan, G.H. Huson, W.H. Beames, S. Burton and J. Legg.

There follows a long list of other present and a long list of those bringing floral tributes.

The body was enclosed in an oak polished coffin, with brass fittings, and plate inscribed

JOHN ROLFE
Died May 17th 1908
Aged 55 years.