THE LATE PREMIER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 144, 18 June 1906, Page 5

THE LATE PREMIER.

THE HOMECOMING. A QUIET LANDING. <By-Telegrapa.—Special- to- "Star.* , ! WELLINGTON, Sunday. Yesterday broke bleak and cheerless, with a wet sou-wester misting the harbour and the hills into a sombre greyness fittingly appropriate to the occasion. Business in the city was practically at a standstill, for everybody's thoughts turned to the vessel that somewhere in the labouring seas was speeding homeward with the body of New Zealand's greatest statesman. The tension, which had been growing day by day, was evidenced in the subdued restlessness with "which those who had to work went about their avocations, whilst those who had not for the most part spent their time upon the water front, their eyes searching out across the murky harbour to the distant point which would first disclose the homeward-bound vessel. Tt was known by noon that the steamer would be late in arriving, but people were loth to accept even this official statement, and lingered through the grey afternoon in tired expectation. Late in the day H.M.S. Encounter returned to harbour without having picked up the Oswestry Grange, and her arrival was, of course, taken for the signal that the steamer was at hand. Later, the warship again put to sea. Night fell blackly, and wore almost again to morning before the belated steamer's lights wound round the point. After a brief delay the vessel was berthed speedily and quietly at the Glasgow quay. The quay had been roped off, and a strong detachment of the police and permanent artillery were engaged to keep back the crowd that had gathered, and. to ensure the respecting of the wish of the Premier's family that his home-coming should be purely a home-coming, and not a public function. A LAST LOOK AT THE DEAD STATESMAN. At the wharm, the Ministers, members of Parliament, and a few old privileged retainers had gathered, and these only were allowed to board the vessel for a last look at the dead statesman before the heavy coffin was removed to the Ministerial residence in Molesworthstreet. It was two o'clock in the morning before the body was removed from the ship, but the people waited quietly to respect even this dark and solemn detail. The hearse drove quickly to the Premier's house, followed by a wailing crowd of Maoris, with no beat of drums, no ornate ceremony, nothing of the glamour of ostentation nor the pomp of pageantry. THE PREMIER HAD COME HOME. It is difficult to write the incidents of a day which was in many respects one of purely personal moment. There was a trying scene when the Tutanekai, carrying the members of Mr Seddon's family, joined the Oswestry Grange down the harbour, but such incidents as these, though they were the main features of the occasion, are inevitably sacred. MR SEDDON'S FAMILY. The very many friends of his family will learn with ever deepening syrn pa thy and pain that Mrs Seddon is prostraTea almost £o the verge of serious illness, and that other members of the family are also stricken far more sadly than is generally known. It is painful, too, even -while it evidences the extraordinary affection which the man inspir ed among his colleagues and political associates, to note the outward evidences of emotion which they cannot help but display to thoee of us who have worked amongst them in session and out of session. It is really almost the most pitiable part of the whole sad business.

COLLEAGUES BOWED WITH GRIEF. It is those who are left who are the sufferers. "Honest Tom Duncan," as his constituency and the House alike love to call him, is bowed inches lower, the bluff and genial Roddy McKenzie has saddened out of recognition almost. "Jimmy Carroll" ia thin and worn. The merry Junior Government Whip has grown old hearted, and, what is true of these is true of every old-timer. In the city one dare not speak to them almost, and it is hard to convey the absolute pathos of the position from this point of view. HE WAS A MAN.

"Did you know him, sir?" asked a white-bearded old Coaster this morning, tremulously. "He was a man. I remember him. just a few months ago, going to see Charley in the hospital at Hokitika. Charley was nearly through, but Mr Seddon cheered him up. Charley was lying there, just dying, and Dick went in and said to him, in his big, kind way, '"Charley, you're not going to see mc like that; you've got to sit up and talk like you used to. And Charley/ he continued brokenly, "he stretched out his two withered old arms, and Dick Lifted him up and held him for an hour. He cheered him up properly, and before he went ;ie told him, 'if you are going, Charley, you're not afraid. Mc and Jock (that's mc) won't be long after you." And I'm left," added the old chap in an absorption that was heedless of listeners. It is a bald and cheap little story, perhaps, but gives an idea of the personal hold that the late Premier had upon so many of his constituents altogether outside his political doings. The anecdote is one of many of its class, and the little episode was a spontaneous tribute to the memory of the Premier of more value than a thousand studied laudations. NO CHANGE IX THE FEATURES. One member of Parliament -who paid his last respects to "the old man" last night says that there is no change in the features, and that he is sleeping calmly, "'just the same well-remembered friend." Tho body lies in a heavy casket, with a glass lid. WEALTH OF FLORAL TRIBUTES. Floral tributes continue to pour in from everywhere, and the florists are being taxed to the utmost to fulfil their orders. DEATH BEDS OF TWO PREMIERS. Mr. Frank Andrews, the Premier's secretary who was with him when he died, has now had the painful experience of being present at the death beds of two Premiers, for he was with Mr. Ballance also when he passed away. THE.TOWN IN DEEP MOURNING. People are already beginning to assemble in large numbers, and t£e town is draped in elaborate mourning. On the front of the Post-Office, sombre draperies sway gloomily. The column* of tie Go.verament bull dings Wbl teen, draped

-verainent

Join BeJlance, in Parliament Grounds, is also swathed in black. Parliament Home is transformed. The lower panels are painted in black and surmounted with wreaths of native ivy and weeping wfllo-w tendrils. A mourning: border runs round the main archway at the entrance, crowned with white letters, "K.J.5.," set plainly on an ebon field. A line of ; rosettes, black and white, gird the front, and the windows are draped. In the main lobby a bier, is waiting for the coffin.

THE FUNERAL ON THTJRSD&T. It has been decided that the funeral will be in Wellington at 2.30 on Thursday next. In the meantime the body will lie in state in Parliament House. The Sydney-street Cemetery has been selected for the interment. It is intended to hold a- mass memorial service in the Town Hall on Sunday next.

THE LANDING.

More, than an hour was occupied in the difficult work of putting the body in the outer coffin, and moving it to the gangway. About half-past one twelve artillerymen went aboard to act as bearers, and the body was carried down to the wharf, Mr Hall-Jones preceding it. All stood bareheaded, a group of officers of the military staff and H-M.s. Pioneer standing at the salute. The coffin was covered with the New Zealand ensign, and the hearse with the Union Jack. At the barriers of the wharf there was a crowd, of one or two thousand people, who had waited four or live hours. They reverently parted to let the hearse pass, and followed silently to the Ministerial residence in Molesworth-street. HJVI.s. Encounter, which had returned to port, in response to a wireless message from the Pioneer, fired a salute of 20 guns as the body left the wharf, the post office bell tolling at the same time.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS.

THE LYING-IN-STATE. ROUTE OF THE PROCESSION. WELLINGTON, this day. There is considerable disappointment at the announcement that Mr. Seddon's bodly will only lie in state for three hours on Thursday. As a matter of fact, it is not absolutely certain that even this will be done. It is understood that the family are not anxious for any public display of the remains. If only three hours are granted, not a tithe of the public will be able to take a last look at the dead statesman.

Special steamer and train arrangements are being made to convey visitors to Wellington. The distance from the house to the cemetery is so short that an extended route is being settled for the procession. The body will be taken from Parliament House to the Cathedral, and thence by Pipitea-street to Thorndon Quay, and thence up to the cemetery. There will be a large volunteer display, which will include 800 cadets.

The Maoris are holding a large tangi. Wreaths and other floral tributes are pouring in from everywhere, and are being shown massed together in the lobby -" the House. LATER. NO "LYING IN STATE." (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. It is now certain that, for reasons outside domestic ones, there will be no public lying in state of the late Premier's body. -The coffin has been finally sealed, but it may he lodged with the wreaths in the lobby of the House of Parliament.

BURIAL SITE FIXED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The site for the Premier's burial has been definitely fixed in the Observatory Grounds, adjoining the Sydney-street Cemetery. The mound overlooks Thorndon and the liarbour, and occupies a commanding position.

MEMORIAL SERVICES OK THURSDAY.

The deputy-Mayor of Auckland, Mr. C. Grey, in common with Mayors of all other local bodies, received the following telegram from the Hon. Hall-Jones to-day: "It has been suggested by many local bodies and citizens, and by those who have already made arrangements to do so. that some uniform action should be taken throughout the colony to hold a memorial service at the time fixed for the funeral of our late Prime Minister. On their behalf, I am requested to ask you to join with them in this last tribute to a noble man.— (Signed) Wm. Hall-Jones."

The citizens are invited by advertisement appearing elsewhere to observe Thursday as a day of mourning. A special church parade ia to be held on Thursday, and a united memorial service under the auspices of the Ministers' Association is to bl held in the Baptist Tabernacle. A meeting will b- ; . held tonight to arrange for a returned conmemorial service.

The day of the funeral of the J,ite Premier is to be one of mourning in this city. Thp Acting-Mayor (Mr. C. D. Cray) advertises requesting citizens to observe that day as one of mourning, and that memorial services be held in the various churches during the time fixed for rhe funeral. As a matter of fact, several services had already been arranged for. The Auckland Ministers' Association decided to hold a combined one in the Tabernacle, while the Masonic brethren will meet in the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church to hold a service to the memory of the former Grand Master of the New" Zealand Constitution.

The military memorial service will be held at St. Matthew's Church at 2.30 p.m. on Thursday, and the linos of the burial service will be closely followed. Bishop Xeligan will give an address, and the service win be conducted by the vicar, the Rev. W. E. Gillam. The various Auckland Consuls, members of a number of public bodies, permanent force, and volunteers, officers of H.M.C.S. Iris, and crew of the American warship Baltimore, will attend the service. So great is the demand foT seats that the general public cannot be admitted until the officials have been seated. Members of public bodies are requested to present their cards upon entering the church. The anthem "Blest are the Dead," from Spohr's "Last Judgment,* , will be sung by the choir.

The cadet forces will probably be asked to parade at St. Paul's Ghurch, where Archdeacon Calder will preach and Canon Nelson conduct the service. An augment-. Ed chair. -wiX}. render; special ftnl

"MEMORIAL SERVICES.

WELLTNGTON, this d»y» At the city churches yesterday many references were made to the colony's loss by the death of *Ir. Seddon, and expressions of sympathy were made -with, the bereaved widow and family. Numerous appreciations were given utterance" to of the deceeased services to the country. The Maoris intend to present Mrs. Seddon with an address of sympathy and condolence. The Maoris also propose to collect subscriptions for the erection of a Maori technical school at Porirua to perpetuate the deceased stateman's memory. Maoris are rehearsing laments to be chanted at the funeral. DUNEDIN, this day. Memorial services were held in all the city and suburban churches yesterday. At His Majesty's Theatre Mr Paul, ex-president of the Trades and Labour Council, delivered a special sermon on "Mr Seddon from a Labour point of view." CHRISTCHTTRCH, this day. Memorial services to Mr. Seddon were held in all the Christchureh churches, and immense congregations attended at the principal churches. The Commanding Officer of the district is arranging for a special church parade at King Edward's Barracks, Christchurch. of all volunteers of Canterbury on the day of Mr. Seddon's funeral. WATHI, this day. The Waihi branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation held a memorial service on Surylay afternoon. The united choirs and band attended, and resolutions of sympathy were passed, also one in connection with Australia's kindness to the late Premier. HAMILTON, this day. Feeling reference was made yesterday in all the Hamilton churches to the death of Mr. Seddon. A meeting will be held to-day to arrange a memorial service for Thursday. The Mayor of Hamilton leaves to-morrow for Wellington to attend the funeral.

THE ONEHUNGA CHURCHES,

References were made in all the Onehunga churches on Sunday to the death of the Premier. At St. Peter's Anglican Church, the Rev. Mr. Smallfieni made feeling references to the life-work of the great statesman. At the Weslyan Church the Rev. Mr. Slade's sermon was a panegyric on the departed Premier; the prearher spoke of his ability as a statesman, and his high ideals as a man, and related some interesting personal experiences, as an island missionary, with the late head of the Government.

At the Onehunga Roman Catholic Church -on Sunday morning, the Rev. Father Mahoney's sermon was a eulogium of the life of the late Premier. The rev. gentleman said that from the beginning to tne end of his political career the Premier was consistent in his attitude on the question of education, and he had advocated the fairness of the Catholic claims, and had he been unrestricted their reasonable requests would have been granted long ago. He had sometimes been accused of doing tMng3 to catch the Catholic vote, but flly knew he was simply actuated by a sense of justice—to do his duty and show impartiality. They had good reasons t.o honour the memory of tne maru It wouM' be m&ny years *re suth a statesman again filled the office.

In the Onehunga Congregational Church the Rev. J. M. Stoops, 8.A., said that the colony mourned the death of one who served his generation with a wholehearted loyalty. His service was on the large scale. He must be estimated not ~y the occasional incidents of his career, but by his fixed pnrpose and the net result of his labours. What the colony needed, what the British kmpire required (and Richard John Seddon was emphatically a son of the Empire), was men in every position in life willing to serve not themselves but their fellows. Such men would make the Empire great, would strengthen its relationships, lift the Imperial ideal, and make it what it ought to be, the Empire of the free in reality as in name. The Empire lamented the loss of the foremost of her patriots; the colony mourned her first citizen, strong guide, wise counsellor, and unfaltering guardian. At the close of the service the congregation stood while the o-rnnist played the " Dead Mnrch."

NORTHCOTE.

During an "in memoriam" service at St. John's Anglican Church, Xorthcote, on Sunday night, the vicar (Rev. A. F. Smith) paid a tribute to the late Premier as a man strong and able, with a particularly sound mind and heart, in a particularly sound body, a man born for the service of humanity, which service he rendered to the very moment of his death. A man simple, hearty, manly in the noblest sens?, with keen intelligence, and racy humour, and masterly power in managing men, he was of the noble band whom it is the glory cf the workers to discover and place in the front rank, to head the movement of society. He was ont> of those splendid men, physically and intellectually., whom the ranks of democracy from time to time produce, and who are produced at the critical periods of their country's history. Mr. Seddon was a man of the people, and lived and worked and died for the people. There were special hymns, lessons, and psalms at the service, and the "Dead March" was played after the Benediction.

At the Choral Hall service, in connection with the Auckland Methodist Mission on Sunday evening, special reference was made to the death of the Premier by the Rev. J. Wilson. The audience then rose to their feet while the band gave an excellent rendering of the "Dead March" from "Saul." The pulpit, in which was a large photo of the Premier, was suitably draped, one very significant feature being the blending of the

''Union Jack" with the New Zealand flag.

At the Helping Hand service, sympathetic reference to the Premier was made by the Rev. B. F. Rothwell, who spoke of hia greatness as a statesman, and his goodness of heart.

NATIVE SYMPATHY. At a meeting of chiefs of the Waikato, Kawhia, Thames, Taupo, and Tauranga tribes, called by the Hon. Mahuta, 111.C., and Mr. Henare Kafliao. M.H.K.., an address of condolence and sympathy was agreed upon for presentation to Mr. Seddon's family and the Government. The address is written in the picturesque native style, setting forth the lamentations of the tribes at the death of the father of the Maori people, and according hym honour for the mighty work* performed ioniie Benefit oi the

his love and affection would not be forgotten by the native race; they would retain his words of enlightenment. Death, ruled everything, and could not be averted. They tendered to Mrs. Seddon and her family heartfelt condolences in their sad bereavement. Heaven and earth might pass away, but good works will live for ever.

MASS MEETING EST WAIHL

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WATTTI, this day. A public memorial meeting in regard to the death of Mr Seddon was held in the new Drill Shed yesterday, and was attended by one of the largest concourses of people ever seen in. Waihi. The meeting was open to the public. Mr Donaldson, president of the Liberal and Labour Federation, presided, and sympathetic speeches were delivered bj the Mayor, Messrs. Gilmour, Foster, and Donaldson, the Rev. Father Brodie, and the Revs. Buckland and uPattullo, Dukes, Woolloxall and Perry, and Major Dennis (S.A.) A resolution of sympathy as from that mass meeting of citizens was moved by the Mayor and seconded by Mr Foster. A second resolution recording appreciation of the cordial reception accorded the Premier by the Parliament and people of Australia, and expressions of condolence, were also carried.

A combined choir, under the baton of Mr J. Reid, rendered hymns fitting the occasion, and the Waihi Brass Band, conducted by Mr C. Trttssell, played the "Dead March" in "Saul"' and other appropriate music. The demonstration was throughout very impressive, and the Drill Shed was packed to overflowing.

MR SEDDON AND THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Saturday. The board of directors of the Bank of >Te-w Zealand has resolved, "That the board desires to place on record its deep sense of the very great loss sustained by the colony through the death of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, and to record its high appreciation of the eminent service rendered by him to the colony, and also of the action taken in 1894 by the Government of which he was the head in promoting- legislation whereby assistance from the State was accorded to the Bank of New Zealand, and in thus coming to the rescue of the bank, averting a widespread financial disaster throughout the country. The board desires further to convey to Mrs Seddcn and her family its profound STUipathy with them in their great sorrov." *"

LOCAL TRIBUTES.

At the meeting of the Savage Club on Saturday evening, the president, Bro. Stanley Milroy, referred in eulogistic terms to the late Premier, dwelling ,, especially upon his social' characteristics, and not his political career. Mr Milroy concluded -with "Peace to his ashes, may the turf rest lightly on his head." All the 2SO members then rose to their feet, and stood while the orchestra played with muffled drums "The Dead March."

At the Birkenliead Methodist Church, yesterday special reference was made to the late Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon by the Rev. G. S. Cook. At the close o"f the morning service the "Dead March:" in "Saul"—was played by the organist,.-Mr Utting.

The following resolution was adopted by the secretary of the Birkenliead Sugar Workers' Union held last Friday evening, and wired the Acting Premier, the Hon. Hall-Jones: "That, this Union desires to 'express its deep sorrow at the loss the colony has sustained in the death of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon. The members of this Union, feel that by his death they have lost a sincere friend and one who has always taken a deep interest in the workers of this colony. We would ask you to- convey to Mrs Seddon and family our heartfelt sympathy and deep sense of sorrow at the irreparable loss they and the colony have sustained."

A special meeting of the Birkenhead Borough Council, presided over by Cγ. W. Wallace, passed the following resolution i "That this Council desires to express its sincere sympathy with. Mrs Seddon in the sad bereavement of her husband, the Eight Hon. R. J. Seddon, and to record its sense of the great loss the colony has sustained in the demise of so eminent a statesman." A wreath will be forwarded per Mr A. Kidd, in the unavoidable absence of Mr E. W Alison, M.BLB,

A euchre party in aid of the S.P.W.C. and RCA. has been postponed on account of Mr Seddon's funeral.

The Auckland Druids District Lodges have passed the following resolution which is being forwarded to Mrs. R. J. Seddon by Mr. J. S. Dickson, president: —"This meeting of No. 6 District of Druids expresses to yourself and family, its sincere sympathy in the great loss sustained by the unexpected removal by death of a devoted husband and a loving father. May the great Giver of all good, give you comfort and consolation, enabling yoii to bear your sudden bereave■ment."

At a meeting of the committee of the Waihi Miners' and Workers' Union, it was resolved to hold a sympathetic meeting in the recreation reserve on the day of Mr. Seddon's funeral. It was also decided to ask the co-operation of the Borough Council, the Liberal and Labour Federation, School Committee, Friendly Societies, Fire Brigade, etc.

Amongst the large number -who left Onehunga by the s.s. Earawa on Sunday to attend tne funeral obsequiee in Wellington were Messrs. W. Massey, M.H-R., P. Lawry, M.H.R., J. H. Greenslade, M.H.R., C. H. Poole, M.H.R., Major Harris, M.L.C., Hon. S. T. George, Judge Palmer, and Justice Edwards.

The following has been addressed to the Hon. Hall-Jones, Premier:—"Dear Sir.—The Grey Lynn branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation offer their sincere expressions of condolenca at the untimely decease of our great leader—a loss to. Netv Zealand and the Empire. Please convey our most sincere sympathy to Mrs. Seddon and family.—Signed on behalf of the Federation, F. J. G. ELLISDON, President."

Members of the Wharf Lompers' Union, to mark their sense of the loss sustained by the death of the Premier, are forwarding a beautiful "WTeath to Wellington. Messrs. C. H. Poole, iLH-R., and J. K. Kneen, secretary of the Seamen's Union, are taking the WTeath to Wellington.

The Old Chums and School-fellows' Association at their last meeting passed a vote of condolence to Mrs Seddon and family in their beTeaTement.

?ho sittings of the Magistrate's; Court will Ibo held on Thursday. Cirll Ikulmm

Mr L. K. Phaiipe, provincial president of the New Zealand Farmers , Union, wired , to the Hon. Hall-Jones: "Accept deepest sympathy from New Zealand Farmers* Union, Province of Auckland, in sudden death of our Premier." Also to Mrs Seddon: "Accept deepest sympathy from New Zealand Farmers* Union, Province of Auckland, in your present sad Bereavement."

The Auckland branch of the New Zealand Association passed the following resolution:—"That the Auckland New; Zealand Natives' convey their sincere expressions of loyal sympathy to yourself and family in this your bitter blow. The world mourns with New Zealand in her irreparable loss, her staggering blow in the death of your illustrious husband, oufl statesman and hero. If world-wide expressions of tender sympathy and magnificent appreciation of your late hu3« band's true worth can carry solace ta the afflicted ar.d cause a ray of light to penetrate the intensely dark gloom that rests upon you and upon our beloved native land, then that solace is yours a hundred fold. Silently and alone —apart from all other lands—New Zealand mingles her unrestrained tears witn yours over the grave of her noble dead."

Mr. Wm. Te Waiatua Rogers forwarded the following message to thej Premier: "On behalf of my people accept our sincerest and heartfelt sorroU for the death of a truly illustrious chief. In the late. Premier we have lost ft staunch friend and a benefactor of o*r race. Whatever political differences we had, we recognised always that he was a father indeed to us. Kindly convey this our expression to Mrs. Seddon and! family. We weep -with them.—(Signed)' William Te Waiatua Rogers, of the Arawa tribe. Mr. Rogers has received the following reply from the Hon. HaliJones to the Aratva tribe's message of sympathy: "On behalf of Mrs Seddom and her family and the Government I tender you grateful thanks for youij sympathetic message of condolence in the great grief that has come to us in the death of our noble statesman and beloved- Premier. His feeling towards the native race, whom he admired and loved, was that of a father for his children:, Their advancement and progress was his great ideal for the fulfilment of which, he laboured incessantly. I know that Mrs Seddon and her children will ba grateful for your loving message."

At a meeting of the trustees of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind, & resolution was passed expressing, on behalf of the trustees and inmates, heartfelt regret at the sudden death of the Premier, and condolence with Mrs Seddon and family. Copies will be for* warded to Mrs Seddon and to the Eon. Hall-Jones.

The WaiM School Committee resolved to observe a school holiday on the day; of the Premier's funeral, and send a letter of condolence to Mrs Seddon and family.

The Auckland Law Society passed the following resolution: "That this council do place on record their sense of the grievous loss the colony has sustained by] the death of its foremost citizen, the Right Hon. the Premier, and their highi appreciation of the distinguished service 3 rendered by him to the people of New; Zealand." *

The Auckland Stock Exchange will close on. the day of Mr Seddon's funeral.

The officials of the Auckland Agricultural Association unanimously agreed! that the secretary be requested to write to Mr 3 Seddon and to the Premier (Mr! Hall-Jones), expressing" their profound aynipathy -with the family in the Ips* they have sustained by Mr Seddon'S death. "*** _. The Hon. Hall-Jones has forwarded! acknowledgments of messages received! from Mr. E. Turner on behalf of the Royal Oiange Order, the Auckland Dis« triet Manchester Unity Oddfellows, and the Mount Eden Ratepayers' Association. In connection with the death, it is suggested at Thames that a women's national subscription, list ba established, limited to one shilling, to., enable women to express appreciation of the late Premier on their behalf.

On behalf of the veterans, ex-contin* genters of Thames, a de* spatched to the Acting-Premier express ing sincere regret at the death of Jdr» Seddon, who always had a kindly wonj for the veterans, and was a good friend; to the members of the South African contingenters. Mr. Hall-Jones has. sent a suitable 'acknowledgment.

The half-yearly meeting of Pride of Waihi Lodge held on Thursday; night was largely attended. Immediately after opening the lodge the Arch. Drulot moved a resolution of condolence with the widow and relatives of the late Pre« rnier, which referred to the active in* terest that Mr Seddon had always taken in friendly societies. The resolutloa, was carried by all standing. "\.

The Ellerslie branch, of the liberal and Labour Federation of New Zealand! forwarded the following telegram to the* Hon. Hall-Jones:—"That this Ellerslie* branch of the Liberal and Labour [Federation of New Zealand, in meeting as* semWed, places on record its deep sense of the loss the fededration and Newf Zealand ha 3 sustained iby the death, of our late worthy president, the Ksrhi* Hon. R. J. Seddon, and we recognise stadi appreciate the colossal services he has rendered to humanity, the Empire fcncfc the colony, and we feel we have lost a true friend and guide in all that-is. en* nobling. To his sorrowing wife ,andt children we offer our heartfelt syms pathy, and pray that the Almighty will, make their burden light."

Mr. P. J. Nerbeny left by the Rarawai yesterday for Wellington to attend the funeral, and bore with him a wreath from the Sailors' Home in the form bit an anchor; from the N.Z. District No. 3 H.A.C.8.5., another in the form of a cross; one from the Auckland branch cf the Liberal and Labour Federation; and! one for the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, to be handed over to its reprei sentative in Wellington.