Salvation Army bandsmen and songsters paid tribute at the funeral on Tuesday of Mrs. Phyllis Olive Skinner, of St. Peter's-avenue, Rushden, one of their number, whose death at the early age of 31 on Thursday last aroused much sympathy. Mrs. Skinner, a native of Bedford, was the wife of Mr. Arthur Skinner, a painter employed by Mr. Robert Marriott, and a Salvation Army bandsman. Her death occurred after a long illness, and she underwent an operation at the Northampton hospital last week.

Major F. Cocker conducted a service at the Salvation Army Hall, Queen-st., where the Songsters sang one of the late Mrs. Skinner’s favourite hymns. Playing the “Dead March”, the band precede the cortege to the cemetery, where Sgt. Major Dix performed the last rites at the graveside.

The mourners included Mr. Arthur Skinner, the two children, Muriel, aged ten years, and John, aged eight; Mrs. Haines (sister), Mr. and Mrs. W. Ginn (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. T. Ginn (brother), Mr. Haines and Mr. Nichols (brothers-in-law), Miss Peach (aunt), Mrs. Peters (sister-in-law), Mr. G. Brace (brother-in-law), Miss K. Ginn (cousin), Mr. Peach (cousin), Miss Williams (friend).

There were many beautiful wreaths.