LYTTELTON.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12517, 12 June 1906, Page 8

LYTTELTON.

Tho news of tho Premier's death caused a great sensation in Lyttelton, and on all sides was received with expressions of the greatest grief. It was about a quarter to one o'clock in the afternoon, when a bulletin avus pasted outside tho office of Messrs Kinsey. Barns and Co., agents for the Federal Houlder Shire Liner, Oswestry Grange, on board of Avhich the Premier died. The news a"t first was received Avith incredulity, but it wan only too true. It spread through the town and tho shipping like wildfiro, creating a painful impression among all ckissen, and on all sides could be heard honest expressions of genuine regret and sorrow. It mattered not Avhother tho expressions of giief came from the late Premier's political friends or his adversaries—ono and all were moved by genuine emotion. Immediately the news became' known, flags were hoisted halfmast high on all the public buildings anil offices, and on all the many steamers and other vessels with Adiich tho port was crowded. In fact, right through the wholo town., Avhercver there Avas a flagstaff, could bo seen a flag hoisted at halfmast as a sign of respect to the deceased statesman. That tho name of Mr Seddon and the f-nmo of his achievements haA-o been known throughout the Avorld, was certain from the expressions of regret, which Avere many, among the seafaring people in Port. On any steamer or A-e«--sel in Lyttelton, whether uttered by Britisher or foreigner, tho eamo expressions ■of sincoro sorrow and regret wero to be heard.