THE LATE PREMIER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 145, 19 June 1906, Page 3

THE LATE PREMIER.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE FUNERAL. CROWDS POURING INTO WELLINGTON. (Special to .the "Anckland Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. The people of New Zealand will look no more upon their dead Premier's face, for his coffin has been finally sealed, and, whilst it will probably lie in state in the Parliamentary lobby for some time amid the wealth of floral tributes which are pouring in from every quarter Of the colony, there will be no public opportunity for a last look at his face. People arc already beginning to pour into the town from all quarters to attend the funeral, and accommodation bids fair to be at a premium before Thursday. Belated stories of the grand old man's end are still filling the newspapers as they are won, often from almost unwilling lips. MR SEDDON - !? LAST SPEECH.

Ilis last public utterance was apparently a few brief words addressed to the j steerage passengers of the Oswestry ! Grange. As he boarded the vessel in tlie early hours of the very Sunday morning that he died a number of the steerago passengers who had heard of the great man's fame, and who were on their way to this country, gave him ft rousing cheer as he boarded the steamer. Ever mindful of such little spontaneous tributes, Mr Seddon paused upon the gangway, and addressed the passengers. He said: "I thank you very much. Under the circumstances I should not have thought of addressing you here; but, taking into consideration the extreme lateness of the hour, your welcome is all the more appreciated, and I am very much obliged to you." The Premier was specially touched at this incident. When Mr Seddon came on board the Oswestry Grange he is ascribed as having been walking noticeably slowly. He spoke to two women in the steerage, and mads the remark that it was a fine night for starting a voyage. He was astir early in the morning, after a restless night. The doctor was about in the morning, and was to and from the surgery several times; but as his lips are •sealed against any statement, it is not known whether this had any bearing upon subsequent happenings. When the Premier died the fact was not communicated to the steerage passengers, and the first intimation that anything was wrong did not reach them until 7 o'clock, when they noticed the alteration of the ship's course. They were then informed that Mr Seddon was seriottsly unwell, and- that it had been decided to proceed to Sydney with all possible speed to secure the best medical advice. Every pound of steam was put on, and the steamer made a speedy passage back. The fact that the Premier had already expired was kept secret, and no communication was allowed with the shore until the relatives had been communicated with and the coffin was brought on board, where the body was embalmed.

MR. SEDDON'S LAST HOURS. Captain Taylor, of the Oswestry Grange, in conversation with a "Post" reporter, said: "Mr. Seddon arrived on board late on Saturday night, looking x-erjr tirod. but appearing to he in-bright., spirits. The waiting and accompanying crowd gave the Premier three .'lifters, but he would not give them a speech, though he thanked them for their kindness to him. Mr. Seddon soon retired to rest, and he awoke in the morning refreshed. Asked what he intended doing, he said he would put in a quiet day. 'I'll rest to-morrow, and then get to work. We'll put in some hard work when we start.' The smoking-room was set r..part as the Premier's workroom for the voyage, and there the two private secretaries, Messrs. Andrews and Matthews, laid out a mass of papers, which were never touched by Mr. Seddon. Fine weather prevailed on Sunday, and the Premier and his family spent a very quiet day. About noon Mr. Seddon had sent for the Chip's doctor, complaining of some slight pain, especially under tb.3 left arm. The medical man .sounded the statesman thoroughly, and reported that he was very much run down, ond must have a period of absolute rest, otherwise there I was nothing to be alarmed about. The Premier admitted that he was very tired. Throughout the afternoon there were no signs of illness, no premonitions of the eoniing end. Shortly after sixo?loen on Sunday evening r.he Premier and Mrs. Seddon, their daughter May, and Mr. . Andrews, were in Mr. Seddon's cabin, just off the saloon. Mr. Seddon was reclinig on the couch, nibbling at a biscuit. An animated general conversation y. as «oing on, when, without the slightest warning, the Premier straightened himself, and, whilst in tin act of putting a hand towards his heaU, exclaimed Ult, mother.' Immediately his head fell over to the right, and lay upon his wife s shoulder. So passed New Zealand s Prime Minister. Miss Seddon immediate]} called the captain, who summoned the ship's doctor/but death had left it* unmistakable mark upon the now placid features." FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS.

Preparations for the funeral are proceeding apace. The route will be as originally outlined—from Pari-ament House to the cathedral, and thence by way of Pipitea-street to Thorndon Quay, and up Bowen-street to the cemetery. Collins has the street arrangements in hand. There will be a fulAmrade of the volunteers and cadets, who will line the route of the procession. The Permanent Artillery will provide the firing party, and minute guns will be fired from the forts. The warships Encounter and Pioneer will also send detachments ashore to assist. The general public will be admitted to. the cemetery, but the site of the burial will be enclosed and strictly reserved for the relatives, the Ministry, and prominent officials. Many members of the House of Representatives and the Legislative Council are already in Wellington, and it is anticipated that the Lower Chamber will be very largely represented. It is anticipated that the procession will extend over two miles, and the funeral will be the largest ever seen in! the colony. The Maoris are assembling in strong force. On Thursday morning they will hold an elaborate tangi in Parliament Buildings, at which only their people will, be admitted. Mr Andrew Black has offered bo sing a suitable requiem at the graveside or in the cathedral, and the offer will probably be accepted. The Garrison Band will play Beethoven's "Marche Funebre" as the funeral march.

A BUST OF MR SEDDON. Talking to a "Star" reporter in Sydney on Monday last, Mr Illingworth, the stated that arrangements had in gtogrtm iter !th» carri»gr of a^.

bust of the deceased Premier. The work was to be entrusted to Mr Ulingworth, 1 who saw Mr Seddon on Saturday in connection with the matter, the idea being that the sculptor should proceed to New Zealand, where Mr Seddon would give him sittings. The work was to be subscribed for by friends of Mr Seddon in Australia. Now, of course, the bust will have to be done from memory, aided by portraits.

MR SEDDON'S LAST SPEECH. WHAT MISS GRACE PALOTTA REMEMBERS. "COME TO GODS OWN COUNTRY!" SYDNEY, June 11. This afternoon a "Star" representative had a chat with Grace Palotta, the actress, who was one of the little com? pany which, on Saturday night, at Paris House, heard Richard Seddon's last speech.

At the Criterion Theatre that evening Mr Seddon witnessed the production of "The Man From Mexico," and at the end of the second act went behind the scenes. There he had a conversation with Miss Palotta and the principals. Miss Palotta said: "He came round and spoke so nicely, and said, 'Come to God's own country,' and we will give you a right royal welcome. He was so kind, and he was so pleasant. I told him we were, going to New Zealand, and he assured mc we would get a great reception. It seems so sad —almost too sad to be true." "And then he made a speech, did he .not?" "Yes, after the theatre we had supper at Paris House, and then he made a beautiful speech. I know one thing in particular, though. He said he was proud of being an Englishman, and was proud of his nationality, but loved New Zealand best—'God's own country.' To think that those were almost his last words to us seems to mc to be impossible, and yet they were."

TRIBUTE FROM THE LABOUR PARTY. ON DEMOCRACY'S ROLL OF HONOUR. RICHARD SEDDON'S NAME FINDS A UNIQUE PLACE. MELBOURNE, June 11. In the absence of Mr Watson (leader of the Labour Party), Mr Hughes made the following reference to Mr Seddon's death:— "He was a man who may be ranked among leading statesmen of the Empire. He certainly did more in the way of placing democratic legislation on the Statute Books than any other man the English-speaking world has known. He was a man whose strength of character was tempered by most discerning judgment, and a man who had the singular felicity of enjoying the respect and confidence of nearly every section of the community. In that roll of honour which democracy treasures up the name of Richard Sedon will always find a distinguished and almost unique place."'

SERVICES IN AUCKLAND. At a large number of city and suburban churches memorial services will be held on Thursday afternoon. The mili-tary-memorial-service will be held at St. Matthew's Church at the hour fixed for the funeral, the whole of the troop* of the Auckland garrison, volunteer and Permanent Force attending, while veterans and South African contingenters will also take part. An address will be given by Bishop Neligan, Senior Anglican Chaplain to the forces, and the service will be conducted by the vicar (the Rev. W. E. Gillam). The following is a list of those with whom communication has been entered into regarding representation at the service:—The Governor's A.D.C. (Captain Boscawen). tlie Mayor of Auckland and City Council, the Consuls and Consular agents, the enptai" and officers of H.M.c.s. Iris, the captain and officers of U.S. Baltimore, the judge of the Supreme Court, the stipendiary magistrates, the Crown Prosecutor, the city coroner, representatives of Government Departments (Customs, Railways, Lands. Agriculture, Post and Telegraph and Insurance), representatives of beards (Education, Harbour and Grammar School), representatives of the University College Council, local members of both Houses of Parliament, Mayors and Councils of suburban boroughs, and the senior Nonconformist military chaplain. Accommodation Mill be provided for the veterans. Seat-holders of St. ' Matthew's congregation will be admitted by the tower door up to a quarter past ' two p.m. Official representatives will be ! admitted by the west doors.

The public schools cadets will parade at the Normal School, Wellesley-street, at 1.45 p.m., and will inarch to St. Paul's Church, where a service similar to that at St. Matthew's will be conducted by Archdeacon Calder and Canon Nelson. Collections in aid of the Veterans' Home will be taken up at both services..

The Auckland Ministers' Association will hold a united service in the Baptist Tabernacle at the hour of the funeral, the Rev. Joseph Clark, pastor of the Tabernacle, presiding. A motion of condolence will be moved by the Rev. A. North and seconded by the Rev. J. Wilkins, while addresses will be given by the president, the Rev. W. Gray-Dixon and the Rev. North. The Revs. W. Day, R. F. Macnicol, R. L. Walker, G. W. Smailes, G. B. Munro, and T. Newbold will also take part, and special hymns will be sung. A special memorial service will be held at the Jewish Synagogue at 2.30 p.m. At the Roman Catholic churches no special services will be held, but the cathedral bell will be tolled.

The-Acting-Town Clerk (Mr Sexton) has arranged with Superintendent Wooley to have the Albert-street firebell tolled 61 times (the age of the Premier), commencing at 2.30 p.m. on Thursday.

OTHER OBSERVANCES.

The Government offices throughout the colony will be closed all day Thursday, with the exception of the Post and Telegraph Department. The Wellington Post and Teelgraph Office closes on Thursday from 1.30 till 5 p.m., and all other offices in the colony close for one hour, from 2.30 to 3.30 pjn. All railway trains will stop for ten minutes, from 2.30 p.m., on Thursday as a mark of respect to the late Premier. A special Auckland-Onehunga train service will be run on Thursday for the convenience of suburban residents desiring to attend the memorial service. The public schools and secondary schools will be closed on Thursday. The Auckland Stock Exchange -will close all day. The hotelkeepers of Auckland have decided to close their doors all dayy and

will close their bars entirely during the time that the memorial services are baing held.

Tlie Union Company has decided to issue return tickets to Wellington at rates to members of all labour organisations who -wish to attend the funeral.

No general holiday will he observed by retail traders. The Grocers' Association will observe Thursday as tho weekly half-holiday instead of Wednesday. The drapery and clothing shops will be closed from one to three p.m. Some of the mercers, outfitters, and tailors, who are not members of the Drapers' Association, advertise the closing of their establishments on Thursday at 1 o'clock instead of the usual closing day. " Several of them were expecting to close the whole day, but have made the above arrangements instead. Some of the furnishing establishments will also close at one o'clock.

Inquiry at the Labour Bureau Office to-day elicited the information that those business premises which usually close, on Wednesday afternoon, mny keep open to-morrow, and close on Thursday afternoon, out of respect to Mr. Seddon's memory. A great number of wreaths and pther floral tributes were forwarded to Wellington from Auckland at Webster's, Lower Queen-street. A large number of beautiful wreaths and other emblems from a number of public bodies and prominent citizens were displayed prior to shipment to Wellington as tokens of sympathy with the death of our late Premier. The display was large and varied, and was viewed by crowds of people. Mackaya establishment also forwarded a large number of beautiful wreaths, etc., to Wellington on behalf of public bodies and private sympathisers, some remarkably fine tributes ( being included.

LOCAL TSIBTJTES. At an emergency meeting of the Cambridge Council held yesterday the Mayor (Mr Buekland) presiding, it was resolved to observe that day as a close holiday and hold a memorial service in Alexandra Hall that afternoon. Ministers of all denominations will take part, and everybody is invited. The volunteers and cadets, members of the Borough Council and inhabitants will join in a procession and march to the hall. Captain Walker was appointed marshall of the procession and to generally direct matters. Special reference to the death of Mr Seddon was made at all the churches yesterday, and the funeral march was played.

The following letter has been sent to the Premier by the head office of the New ZeajfCd'i Loan and Mercantile Agency ,< GW ~ Limited: — Wellington, June \2k J906. Sir, —We have received the following Oltble message from our London 6ffie&—"At a special board meeting j calleu, for the purpose the following resolution was unanimously passed: 'New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd., desires to express its sorrow at the death of the eminent statesman and great New Zealand leader, the Right Honourable R. J. Seddon,

and to record its appreciation of the valued services he lias rendered to the industries of the colony. Tlie directors also tend their deepest sympathy to Mrs Soddon and family.— (Signed) William Charles Dawes, chairman.' The company's local directors and the chief inspector for New Zealand, on behalf of themselves and of the- company's staff in the colony, sincerely join in this expression of appreciation and sympathy. — We have. etc.. sir, your obedient servants—(Signed) N. Reid. W. Fraser (local directors). M. Macpherson (chief inspector for New Zealand).'' At. the sitting of the Native Land Court at Otorohanga all the chiefs of the Ngatimaniapoto present gave expression to their regret at the death of the late Premier, who they said was not only the Tino Rangatira of the pakehn,' but of the Maori also. His kindness would ever live in their memory, and his name would not be forgotten. They could only console themselves by reciting their old Maori proverb, "E hinga ana he Tetelcuva. E ara ana he Tetekura" (signifying that a great warrior chief has fallen, and that someone has to take his place).

The following resolution was passed by Avondale District School Committee:—"That the Avondale School Committee deplores the sudden and untimely end of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand and Minister of Education, and desires to express its heartfelt sympathy with Mrs. Seddon and her fnmily in their great affliction and bereavement."

The Onehunga branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation at a largely attended meeting adopted the following resolution, moved by Mr. D. A. Sutherland, seconded by Mr. O'Donoghue: "That the Onehunga branoh of the Liberal and Labour Federation of New Zealand beg to place on record our sorrow at the great loss of our leader and friend, the late Premier, and that this branch tender to Mrs. Seddon and family their heartfelt sympathy, and trust that God may grant her strength to bear the irreparable loss." The resotion was carried in silence, all members standing. It was also decided to forward a wreath to be placed on the Premier's coffin, and that the branch b« represented at the late Premier's funeral. The meeting then adjourned out of respect to their late lender and president. Our Whangarei correspondent writes: "Captain Sfcsadman has been instructed by the Officer-in-Command of the Auckland Volunteer district to arrange a memorial service, in regard to the death of the late Hon. R. J. Seddon. The whole of the Whangarei and Hikurangi Rifles, Marsden Mounted Rifles, and the schools' cadets are expected to take part, and also the Whangarei and Hikurangi brass bands, as well as the general public. It has been arranged that the service will take place in the Christ Church Anglican Church."

A meeting of the Pukekohe branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation on Saturday evening (Mr Geo. Ballard, pre-

sident, in the chair) agreed that this i telegram be forwaitfed to Mrs Seddon: — "The Pukekohe branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation unanimously desire to convey to yourself and family their heartfelt sympathy in your bereavement. We feel that the removal of your' noble husband is not only a lobs to this colony, but also to the Empire, and that he -will be remembered by future generations as one of the greatest men who ever lived." At the monthly meeting of the Board of Management of the Auckland Typographical Union on Saturday night, the chairman (Mr H. W. Brooks) made feeling reference to the great loss sustained by the"Yorkers of New Zealand through the death of the Premier. After other members had spoken to similar effect, the following resolution was passed in silence, the members standing: "The Auckland Typographical Union of Workers wish to express their deep regret at the decease of the Bight Hon. K. J. Seddon, and to place on record an,

acknowledgment of the great work he has accomplished in his many public capacities, but more especially as Premier cf New Zealand for the past 13 years. The Union also desire to convey their sincere sympathy to Mrs Seddon and the members of her family in their sad bereayement." When the Grey Lynn Borough Council met last night the Mayor (Mr J. Farrell) made feeling reference to the death of Mr >Seddon. He said the name of Mr Seddon would be long remembered in this colony, and no monument made by hands would ever be* as lasting as the efforts he had made to uplight his fellowmen. The Mayor moved, "That the Grey Lynn Borough Council desires to place on record its deep sense of the loss sustained by the colony through the death of its' Premier, the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, and also to record its high appreciation of the eminent services ren- . dered by him to t\e colony throughout his long" Premiership. The Council also desires further to convey to Mrs Seddon and family its heartfelt sympathy and condolence in this their hour of trial and sore affliction.". The motion was seconded by Mr Donald and agreed to in silence, all present standing. It was also resolved that tho firebell should be tolled on Thursday afternoon, after which the Council adjourned as a mark of respect for the departed statesman.

In moving a resolution of sorrow at the death o2 the Premier, and of condolence with his widow and family, Mr G W. Basley, Mayor of Parnell, made feeJ ing reference to the life and great work of Mr Seddon, and moved: "That the Council of the Borough of Parnell place on record the expression of its deep sorrow for the sudden death of the Right Hon. Richard John Seddon, its sense of the greatness of the man and appreciation of the devoted work he performed as Premier of New Zealand, and that the Council offers its deepest sympathy to Mrs Seddon and her family in her irreparable loss." Councillor Briggs seconded the motion. The members of tlie Council then rose and stood silently while the resolution was carried. The Council decided to attend St. Matthew's Church in a body on Thursday, and it was also arranged that the firebell should be tolled for half-an-hour.

The Auckland University College Council, on the motion of the chairman yesterday afternoon passed a resolution of sympathy with Mrs Seddon and family. It was also decided to close the University on Thursday next.

On the motion of Sir Maurice O'Rorke, the University College Council unanimously passed a resolution: '"That the Council of the Auckland University College, at its first meeting since the melancholy death of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand for a continuous period of 13 years, and visitor of this College at the time of his death, desires to record its appreciation of his public services, and to tender to his widow and family the Council's sincere condolence with them in their irreparable loss." The Newmarket Borough Council last evening unanimously passed the foblowing resolution, after which they adjourned until to-morrow: "That this Council deeply deplores the great loss the country has sustained by the sudden and untimely death of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, and desires to express the deepest sympathy and condolence with Mrs. Seddon and family in their sad bereavement." Mr. Davis, who is at present in Wellington, was appointed to represent the Council at the funeral. It was also decided to forward a wreath. Mr. Win. Johns, president of the Parnell Liberal and Labour Federation, and chairman of the Advisory Board, who has been detained at the Thames through the illness of a relative, leaves for Wellington by the Rarawa this afternoon in order to* represent the Parnell branch, and also the. Advisory Board, at the Premier's funeral. The Board is forwarding a wreath through him.

SYMPATHY AND APPRECIATION. A meeting of returned South African .Contingenters was held last night in the "A" Battery rooms, at which Lieut, j Bosworth presided. There was a good attendance, the business being in connection with the death of the- late Defence Minister. On the motion of Sur-geon-Major King (Ninth), seconded by Lieut. Peacocke (Fourth), it was resolved, "That this meeting of returned Auckland Contingenters desire to tender to Mrs Seddon and family their sincere sympathy in their recent bereavement; also, they desire to express their appreciation of the late Defence Minister's kindness and thoughtfulness to all New Zealand Contingenters duriug the late war.'' The meeting also decided to ask Lieut.-Colonel Chaytor (Wellington) to represent the Auckland members of contingents at the late Premier's funeral. It was further agreed to at once take steps towards erecting a memorial tablet to Mr Seddon, Mr j. F. Jackson being appointed secretary to the committee appointed for that purpose.

HASTINGS, this day. A large number of Hastings sympathisers, including several Maoris, will attend the funeral. A ball in aid of the Veterans' Home at Auckland, which was to have been opened by tie Governor to-morrow evening, has been postponed for a month. TIMARU, this day. At St. Mary's Church Archdeacon Harper, in the course of a long and appreciative reference to Mi". Seddon, mentioned that deceased was one of his vestrymen when he laboured on tho West Coast, and spoke highly of his character as a man, a husband, and a father. NAPIER, this day. A monster memorial service was held in the cathedral yesterday the volunteers attending in large numbers. References to the colony's loss were made in all other churches. The Jockey Club have postponed their races to Friday and Saturday out of respect for -.xr. Seddon's memory. NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. The men employed on the Mount Egmont co-operative railway works subscribed £ 6 for a wreath in remembrance of Mr Seddon. They asked Mr Jennings, M.H.R., to select a wreath and forward it to Wellington.

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' TRIBUTE.'

(By Telegraph.—.Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Friendly Societies' Council communicated with the Mon. Hall-Jones, expressing the heartfelt and fraternal regret of its many thousands of members at the untimely demise of the late 'Premier. The Council adds that the deceased Premier's sympathetic interest in their special work has earned lasting appreciation, and augments their deep sense of their loss. Mr. Seddon -was a member of a friendly sodetj.