THE NEWS IN THE CITY AND ELSEWHERE.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 10871, 22 January 1901, Page 5

THE NEWS IN THE CITY AND ELSEWHERE.

The unexpected sad news of her Majesty's grave condition has caused a feeling of deepest sorrow to overshadow the community, and "The Press" office was besieged ?:nce early yesterday, by people anxious to learn the contents oi' the latest bulletins. Should her Majesty's present illness terminate fatally, the mournful news will be cnnounced by the tolling of the Cathedral \ gjw&fore opening the City Council meeting last night, his Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Recce) remarked that he was afraid Councillors would find it hard to concentrate their minds on the ordinary business of the Council with the knowledge that their beloved Sovereign's life was in the balance. Mr Rcecc went on to express the hope that the calamity of her Majesty's death might \e averted. -*^-"' , ''The Hon. Mr Ward, speaking at Ashbiirton, took the opportunity of expressing his daep regret at the illness of the Queen, and the hapa that Ho who rules over all will prolong her life. (SPECIAL TO "THE rUESS.") WELLINGTON, Janwiry 21. The news of the serious illness of the Queen, published here this morning, created a profound sensation, and on every hand concern and sorrow were expressed." These feelings were intensified when the later bulletins were published in the afternoon. (PItESS ASSOCIATION- TELEGRAM.) DUNEDIN, January 21. On the receipt of the news of the illness of the Queen profound regret and anxiety was felt throughout the bit}'. His Worship ths Mayor called a meeting at the Agricultural Hail to-night to express sympathy with, and offer up prayer on behalf of, her Majesty. The Council' of Churches conducted the service. The Mayor, who presided, said that as patriotic and loyal people, it was their duty to meet and show their sympathy with her Majesty. The congregation sang several hymns, and a prayer was' oifered up. and passages of Scripture read by the ministers of different denominations. INWJRCARGTLL. January 21. _At a large aoid reprc»2tit:t.tive meeting of citizens to-night to make arrangements for the reception of the Imperial troops, it was resylyed, in view of the state of Her Majesty's health, to adjourn the meeting to a day to b? fixed. Tire following motion was unanimously adopted:—" This meeting express its profound regret at the distressing news received of Her Majesty's condition, and it's deep sympathy with the .people of th 2 EmpLr? at the immediate prospect of tho uation_ being deprived of so great and so good a Soyreign." (SPECIAL TO "THE PUKSS.") :■ DUNEDIN, January 21. Tho Mayor's call of meeting for public prayer and supplication on bshalf of her Majesty was- responded tot in a manner that could not h*,ve been anticipated. Fully 2000 people were in tho Agricultural Hall where the sezvice of praise and prayer was hold. It was conducted by ministers of all denominations in the city with the exception of the Roman Catholics, none of whom were present on the platform. Tho proceedings were entirely of a, devotional nature, the prayers, which were all extempore, were most 'beautifully worded, and the hymns were appropriately chosen and rendered with most inspiriting feeling. The meoMng concluded with the National Anthem, which was sung in its entirety.