MEMORABLE GATHERING IN SYDNEY.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13739, 21 May 1910, Page 9

MEMORABLE GATHERING IN SYDNEY.

(Received May 20th, 7.45 p.m.) , SYDNEY, May.Bo. The last tributes to th- late King

Edward were paid to-day by crowded congregations in all the churches and at- tho State memorial service . held in Centennial Park, at the historic spot where, ten years ago, the Australian Commonwealth was inaugurated.

The day was beautifully tine. busi-. ness was entirely suspended, nnd the city during the forenoon was a citadel of silence. All public buildings and business hou.es were draped in black rn<l purple. At noon the tram traffic .stepped for five minutes, r.nc" the quietude of tlio city was profound. Tiioncol'orth the populace ..irnained in from nil the suburbs, making its way 1o Ceiitenim! Park. Over 500,000 assembled round tho dais occupied by the State Governor, members of the Ministry, High Court, and Supremo Court Judges, and other notables.

Amid the soft rumbling ;f muffled drums the Union Jack was hoisted to the rua.it-head, and as the* mno-cd bands opened with Chopin's "Fnnoral March" the flag was dm pod at half-mast. Tho Primate delivered .-.n address. The Lieilortafel sing "The Long 'Day Closes."• '-K.-ory Rustling Tree.'' and "In Meju.riaiii." while the great con-<oiii-.p listened with in.pro.?.si-/, stillness. Then 100 children, clad in white, sang 'Nearei. My G..'l, to Thee nnd "Abide With Mc" with thrilling effect. Tin' I'htliiannoiuc Society .rtvc "Ble.'t fr-re tho Departed" and "Brother, Thou Art Gone Before Us." Alter the religious Forvic:* concluded tbo Dr.id March in "Saul ' was pbyod. mid the ceremony ended with the "L-.st Post."'