MISSIONS TO SEAMEN.

Evening Post, Volume LXXI, Issue 143, 18 June 1906, Page 2

MISSIONS TO SEAMEN.

Special in memoriam services of a most solemn and impressive character were held yesterday in the Missions +o Seamen Church. Mr, Moore preached m the morning from the passage " In the midst of life we are in death, "' and spake in touching terms of the late Pre>nier, of the manner of his death, and of the solemn tragic home-coming to this colony. _He mentioned the great personal popularity of the man so familiar to all New Zealanders, and spoke of his royal progress through Australia. When leaving Sydney he said he was going to God's own country, and the preacher felt that he had now gone to the Better Land. A great star had fallen from the political firmament. Mr. Moore spoke feelingly of all Mr. Seddon and his family had done for the sailors and seamen of this port. The Rev. B. N. Ward preached in the evening, and made reference to .the universal grief of the colony at the death of Mr. Seddon. THE CENTRAL MISSION., At the Central Mission yesterday the president (Mr, W. J. Gray) delivered a very impressive addTess to an overflowing congregation. On Saturday evening, at Boulcott-street corner, the Mission Band, of which the late Mr. Seddon was a supporter, played the "Dead March in Saul" to a large throng of listeners. Then again Che band, whilst on its way down Cuba-street to its hall last night, played "The Garland of Flowers," the street for the time being packed by followers who had assembled to hear the solemn jstfrains. "The Dead March in Saul" was also played during the course of the evening service, the congregatior standing throughout the course of the playing. Other references to the deceased were made in sermons preached by the Rev. T. H. Sprott (St. Paul's), J. G. Bajtlett (St. Mark's), Rev. C. E. Ward (Sydney-street Methodist), Rev. T. G. Kay (Northland and Wadestown), Rev. J. Glasson (Terrace Congregational Church). In the Petone churches also tributes were paid to the memory of the late Premier, and several special memorial services were held. Memorial services were also held at Christchurch, Woodville, and other places.