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FUNERAL OF THE REV. R. W. NEWLAND.

[From our Correspondent] Port Elliot, March 11.

The mortal remains of the late Mr. Newland were interred to-day amidst the griefs and sorrows of a vast assembly, who had gathered from all divisions of this district to evince their sympathy on the occa-

sion. There were men of all shades of political and religious creed ; young people of both sexes ; aged sires and matrons, many of whom had come from great distances to evince their high estimation of the memory and appreciation of the exalted public and private worth of the deceased. On no former occa- sion here do we remember so vast a concourse of people congregated towards one common object. The stream of living forms which continued to swell the vast calvacade at every point in the line of the pro- cession had a most impressive and solemn appear- ance, all draped in the habiliments of unfeigned sorrow. The hotels and places of business were The procession must have extended, when it ap- proached the Cemetery, to upwards of half-a-mile ; the horsemen were roughly guessed at 150,and as many more followed in the rear on foot, and in carriages and vehicles of all descriptions, which had their ap- propriate places alloted them in the long funeral train. The arrangement of the obsequies chiefly devolved on the diaconate, and was certainly carried forward with excellent taste and decorum, assisted by Mr. Laurie, whose good offices to the deceased in his closing hours claims from us the best notice. Nothing appeared to have been spared to do full and ample honour to the memory of that noble self-denying life which had been so mournfully terminated. Every possible exertion was made to do credit to the occa- sion, and in all respects these were signally accom- plished. The sad cortege, as it slowly passed along the line of road from Southcote to the last resting place of the dead at Encounter Bay, a distance of seven miles, told its unmistakeable tale of regret in the countenances and solemn tread of the hundreds of mourners who bewailed the loss of, it may be, a friend, a guide, or a councillor. It had been agreed upon by the relatives that the body should not be removed from Mr. Laurie's resi- dence until the funeral, and as three days were allowed to elapse before the interment, intimations were sent to all friends desirous of attending. For this purpose, the body was encased in a zinc shell and inside of a coffin of great elegance and chastity of adornment, upon the lid of which was the simple in- scription— R. W. Newland, Died, 8th March, 1864. Aged 74 years. According to the understood wish of the deceased when in life, the body was deposited in a vault im- mediately under that pulpit where, for so many years, he had dispensed the bread of life, and warned   and encouraged his little flock in the paths of reli- gious duty. The hour of meeting was fixed at 1 p.m. at a point near Port Elliot, about a mile from South- cote, but it was not until some time after 2 o'clock     before the arrival of the hearse, accompanied by a  

small band of mourners, chiefly intimate friends of the deceased, when the procession was formed and fairly under way. The order of procession was as follows :— The undertaker (Mr. Trigg). The Rev. J. Hotham, (of the Congregational Church, Port Elliot. Mr. Hodge, and the Rev. D. Wyclie, (minister Wesleyan Chapel, Goolwa). The members of the churches of Encounter Bay and Port Elliot, on horseback. Mr. B. F. Laurie's private carriage, with the Rev. Messrs. Austin, Cox, Howie, and Manthorpe. The Oddfellows, from Goolwa, in full regalia. The Deacons. The Hearse, appropriately mounted and draped, driven by Mr. Thomas Goode, jun. The chief mourners—Mr. Watts Newiand (son of the deceased), and Mr. F. Mart (son-in-law of the deceased). Long line of carriages, occupied partly by the local magistracy and friends from a distance, among whom were Mr. D. Sutherland, M.P., Mr. R. Davenport (of Battunga), Mr. T. W. Higgins, J.P., Mr. J. Hindmarsh, J.P., Mr. W. Bow- man, J.P., Mr. A. F. Lindsay, J.P., &c. Long line of horsemen and pedestrians. On arrival at the burying ground, the coffin was conveyed from the gate by the hands of the deacons, and placed upon a platform outside the chapel in front of the entrance. This arrangement the weather greatly favored, the day being excessively hot and sultry. Crowds eagerly pressed forward to gaze for the last   time on all that was left of the man whose influence and example had left such an indelible stamp on everything connected with the national and religious interests of the neighborhood. Solemn and still was the scene at this stage—the teachings of death had calmed and sobered the minds and fixed the attention of the onlookers, while they stood reverently uncovered to join in the appropriate service of the occasion. The Rev. Mr. Hotham read in the most impressive manner four verses of the 731st hymn, Congregational hymn book, the vast assembly joining in the sweet strains of music led by Mrs. Thomas Burgess on the harmonium. During the singing the scene was one not quickly to be forgotten. The majority of the congregation evinced the deepest sorrow. The emotions of the heart speedily moistened the cheek, and the faltering quivering lip, told how terribly severe the shock of separation was felt. Mr. Hotham next read portions of the Scriptures contained in the 90th Psalm, and portion of 15th chapter 1st Corinthians. After which, Mr. Howie, of McLaren Vale, implored the divine blessing, seeking fervently aid and direction from on high for the afflicted and bereaved family, and the sorrowing congregation. Next followed a short address from Mr. Manthorpe, and apparently delivered under the deepest emotions of grief. The remarks were few, but exceedingly suitable. He adverted to the public character of the deceased, and the loss the Church and the district must sustain in his removal. Mr. Newiand during his recent visit to Adelaide had told him, speaking of his increasing infirmities, that he had no fear for the future, and therefore he (Mr. Manthorpe) felt assured their departed friend had safely arrived in his haven of peace and rest. The Rev. Mr. Austin next engaged briefly in prayer, imploring that the solemn lessons of the day might be permanently imprsssed on the hearts and consciences of all present. Three verses of the 735th hymn, Congregational hymn-book, were then tenderly and beautifully sung, after which the deacons conveyed the body into the chapel. The Rev. Mr. Cox conducting the closing services of the occasion within the walls of the chapel. Gently and sorrowfully was the coffin lowered to the bed of its final resting-place, amidst the tears and sighs of his heart stricken people. This closed the last sad offices of the day. Few left the cemetery, however, without visiting the vault to take a last look at that grave which now contained all that was mortal of their dear departed friend. By 6 o'clock the vast multitude had dispersed, and ere the sun had set in the western ocean we saw nothing left there but a few remaining friends, who tarried behind to pour out the sorrows of their hearts in solitude and alone. I understand Mr. Austin will preach on Sabbath, the 13th, and Mr. Manthorpe will on the following Sunday preach the funeral sermon. I will send you a brief outline of these services. Your readers will be pleased to hear that Hart, the driver, is progressing favourably, and although it may be some time before he is able to resume his duties, yet it is comforting to his friends to know that he is in the way of recovery.

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