THE FINAL SCENE. FUNERAL OF THE LATE PREMIER.

Evening Post, Volume LXXI, Issue 146, 21 June 1906, Page 5

THE FINAL SCENE. FUNERAL OF THE LATE PREMIER.

VAST GATHERING OF CITIZENS. EXPRESSIVE TRIBUTE FROM THE PEOPLE. A MIGHTY MONUMENT OF BLOOMS. ' STRIKING MAORS CEREMONIAL.

AT REST. Toe tireless one is tired. He rests now That was so fev'rish in his lion baste To act. He etornicd through life. He would allow No idleness to rust him, scorned the waste Of time not spent in marching to the fight. But now he sleeps. The strong man's strength at last has failed him quite. The Slayer reaps. On that last day the snlp*was steering home With him who longed to see his land again, Hia honours thick upon. him. All the tome Was ccored with red. But he was spared the pain bt any chance decline in strength, or name. His measure filled To brimming, he has quaffed the cup pi tame,' And nothing spilled. While yet the chorus of Australia's praise Was ringing- in his ears on Tasman's Sea The summons came, and then his splendid days Were drawn to cudden end. He felt the pang of Toil's surcease. He died in harness while his glory rang. He won his peace. "THE END OF ALL. THE POPPIED SLEEP." It is 21st June, the winter solstlice. This is the shortest" day, the time when the sun appears to stand jstill after tlhe long- decline, and turns for summer again. It is the day of all days to carry out for New Zealand's Imperial Premier the mle that known no exceptions — "Du»t( to dust." On this last day nlen and women have come from the north^nd the south, the east- and west of New Zealand to give tfiie last honour that the living can yield to the dead. They have assembled in thousands for the funeTal of a- man whom all had seen in the fnll flush of activity —yesterday. Not New Zealand alone was here represented. Britain and all her dominions over seas 'had mourners here to prove that the Empire cannot allow a great light to go to be extinguished unheeded 1 . Thtf eyes of thfe "all-red- lands turn to Wellington to-day. TheTe has been a service in St. Paul's at London, and while the last rites were bfcing recited here the solemn notes were reechoed through the rest of New Zealand and the Commonwealth of Australia. The hum of industiry was hushed this morning. The carpenter left his bench, the blacksmith left his anvil, the merchant left his dcsk — all the trafficking by which the living prolong their lease of life for a few tto-morrows was abandoned, and the workers went into the streets. There they lingered by buildings that were draped, in mourning hues, they gazed at pictures of tlhe late Premier that looked out from countless windows. Now and tihen a- squad of soldiers trooped' along the silent roadways, for this was to be a funeral in which military and civilian forces would combine in impressive strength. Everywhere flags waved at half-mast under a sky that shaded from blue to grey, completing the city's aspect of deep mourning. FLORAL OFFERINGS. IMMENSE NUMBER OF WREATHS AND EMBLEMS. A MOUNTAIN OF BLOOMS. Bring the rathe primrose that forsaken dies, The tufted crow-toe and pale jessamine, The white pink and the pansy freaked with jet, The glowing violet, The musk-rose and the well-attired woodbine. With cowslips wan that hang the pensive head, And erery flower that sad embroidery wears; Bid amuanthus all his beauty shed, And daffodillies fill their cupa with te*» To strew the laureate heartc where Lyoid lie*. —Milton. - "Earth hath not anything to show more fair" than the flowers that adorned the death chamber of New Zealand's greatest Premier. Men of the Empire, here and overseas, have summoned the ground to give the best of ita blooms to symbolise the' fellowship of the living with the dead. "Peace and good will" is the message that they spelt in the main lobby of Parliament House. All -along the walls were stands draped in black, relieved with festoons of heliotrope, and on these rested garlands that beautifully embodied the sympathy of representatives of many millions of people. Sweeping along the lovely lines the eye was dazzled by a glow of white and violet, an overflowing wealth of flowers and greenery. From far and near, by train and steamer, they had come, till th"c long corridor was banked with huge floral undulations. The sting of death is indeed broken by this weight of blossoms. All men and women, the so-called classes and the so-called niawes, were alike repreueni-cd. Tributes came as well from the camp of the railway navvy in the wilderness, as from the house of the Governor in the city of Wellington. People of high and low degrea had combined to drive grimness a way from the statesman's gravo ".The flower speaks as well for a pauper as for a king. 1 The wreath, .tho plain crown of the ages. wa« tha choke of the vast majority of mourners*.- There were crosses in plenty, tou, anchrus, lyres, shields, and other deaignn. | Among the cmblemc that departed mofct strikingly from the conventional, the most admirable was a representation of the Southern Cross-- white stars of immor- j

telles accurately set in a firmament of violets. This is an exquisite sign of Mr. Seddon's' main sphere of influence, the territory -where his work left its enduring mark. It is also a quadrant of the Now Zealand flag, the- banner which Mr. Seddon wav.ed oo strenuously for the advancement of. his country. A ribbon is attached with the legend, "New South Wales mourns with New Zealand for the illustrious dead." For 4he Navy, Vice-Admiral Sir Wflmot Fdwkes sent an anchor — a delicate copiposition of narcissi, , maidenhair, lilies, and -blue flowers — made fast to a miniature white rope, a sign that the departed man has moored his ship in the haven of peace. In Otago's contribution. Lady Mivenzie's message had, perhaps, 'the most meaning There was a circlet girt with the sere, the yellow leaf, and white flowers spring from this autumn foliage. That design suggests many reveries. It may mark a reversal of a primeval legend and spell "In tlie midst of death we are in life," the new year is bora of the old. More- plainly the leaves and the flowers seem to say that though desolation reigns at one moment, the sway is not eternal; the winter may be long, but spring inevitably comes. Auckland's bower had a wreath, plain in contour, but beautiful in its symbolism. It was a circle of foliage of the pohutukawa, tho Christmas tree, like tho bay leaves which were wound round tho brows of victors at Athens and Rome in days of old. A tricolour showed that this was- a French recognition — "A tribute of respect to New Zealand's great Premier from the French Consul." An inspiring ornament came from "friends at Hunterville" a plain monument of white everlasting flowers rising-in a solid dome. A harp stringed with violets and bordered with pansks made a lyric , furnished by the Auckland Society of ' Musicians. Conspicuous wks a "tribute from admiring fellow-pioneer*" (Mr. and Mrs. John Endean), a mammoth wreath of violets and roses, inscribed "Here was a Caesar. When come s such another?" Commanding the Auckmnd display was a. memorial from the Masons of the province — compasses of white immortelles surrounding a star of* buttercups. ' '* In the Napier-Gisborne division was an unpretentious wreath.' Its beauty might ' easily be overlooked, but' with a little i study it told a pretty story for ; "Liberals of Ngaire. There was nothing artifl* cial. All the flowers and leaves had bean culled from the bosom of th©(earth, violets, geraniums, laurestinus, chrysan-' themums, and others, all grown in tha open air. These declare that ©very bloom that th© ground, can yield at this season is given over to grace the hearse of the dead leader. A cross set in a wreath made th© visitor linger for* awhile by th© Tara-naki-Wanganui domain. Th© sign was wrought for the "Liberal workmen of Wairarapa," and has an import that ranges far beyond that district. There is a posy of pansies at the oontre, with radiators of bright, fresh flowers, ar- ! rayed in a way that vanishes the gloom of th© tomb. Tho pansies whisper that th© dead will be remembered with all reverence, and the other bloom* bid th© mourners weep no more for the vanished form, because he triumphed even in death. Th© motto is th© voice of the Liberal party: "In loving remembrance of Richard John Seddon, who in life strewed the pathway of others with the flowers of sympathy and help-." Wellington naturally, produced th© most extensive* assortment. In a manner, th© prettiest token was a presentment of " Gates Ajar," forwarded by Mrs. R. Hayward, 'Lower Hutt. The wayfarer had gone through the gates, out of men's sight, and lest they should tend to be heedlees of his passing, there was a dove, fluttering under an arch of white flowers, giving a. reminder with a spray of forget-me-nots in its beak. A symbol of the strong man's wisdom was expressed in the Assets Realisation Board's shield of silvered laurel leaves, embossed with flowers, and the Bank of New Zealand was represented by .a lyre. The Women's Social Club had epitomised part of Mr Seddon's life in a wreathcrowned column of white immortelles .on a base of golden laurel. "From th© members of tho Star Boating Club, who have lost a staunch friond," ran a plain ink message on a plain card that accompanied a simple but soulful seven-pointed white star. Wreaths conveyed th© sympathy of th© Legislative Council and the House of Representatives. Westland and Nelson had, of course, sent abundant evidence of their remembrance. On© of the quietest but deepest messages came from "comrades of Westj land." "We cherish his memory" is the legend clinging tp an admirably, modest wreath of narcissi and wild fern. Th© Ladies' Reception Committee, Westport, sent a warm tribute, a heart of white flowers and violets. Canterbury's chief glory was in th© splendour of its of which a pair from the post and telegraph offices reached the high tide mark of loveliness. While the pakeha in cities, and boroughs, in counties and provinces, had hastened to send in gifts for the dead, the Maori had not lagged behind. The nativ© race, by word of mouth, had mourned the loss of the' urea t chief, and the lament was/ resumed in the flowers that they had brought. A great lyro carried an inscription, written from th© henrt, .with a brevity which deepens its pathos : " With great grief, from th© Maoris." An dirge was appended, and this was th© translation :—: — Co, chief, to realms beyond tlic bounds of human ken, Oo ! The meactiKcr of night cpeaks : F«U, relentless, bcara you on, ito wings, Go! Await vi. •Masonic emblems, the square and the compass", greeted the gaze m all parts of the room, and the designs were excellently figured. Ono bore a device which, though often u&ad, can well be repeated to describe in on© flash th© passing of the Premier — " Finis coronat opus. Last evening the public were admitted to tho lobby, and streamed through in large numbers. Flowers continued to come till there was no space for them in the chamber. Many, no doubt, that wer©

obscured in the close packing, demand a mention for their symbolism, but an exhaustive treatment was impossible under the circumstances. This morning an emblem prepared for Sir Joseph Ward's family had the place of honour at the head of the coffin. A great white star was setting, falling to a field of forget-me-nots, strewn on tha foliage of a tree-fern, » picture that gently explains itself without elaboration. At the foot of the casket reposed a cross, plain in contour but pretty in form, » souvenir from Mr. Seddon s Ministerial colleagues. The Maoris memorial was also honoured by a position by the bier, and above all came the flowers of tho late statesman's family. The tributes of flowers total over a thousand. The official list is not yet available, but briefly it may bo said that New Zealand is thoroughly represented. Commercial men, working men, educational bodies, municipal authorities, public men and private, all have sent offerings. The Commonwealth of Australia had a sympathetic design, and the States —New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania — showed that they were mindful of the statesman's deserts. The message with . Queensland's wreath was one which' would touch .the hearts of New Zealanders — "Queensland mourns with New Zealand the loss of the statesman who so greatly served the people." The sympathies of New Zealanders abroad— at Perth, Sydney, and other places — were also admirably illustrated. One array of flowera, to the ordor of the Mayor and Council of St. Helens, Lancashire, may excite the most moving train of thought; for it ifi a message from the birthplace of the dead. The officers and crew of the Tutanekai have given on expressive emblem — a silvered ship, with flowery masts, outward . bound. A MAORI LAMENT. STRIKING SCENE IN PARLIAMENT IBJJILDINGS. THE NATIVES' FAREWELL,' A UNIQUE SPECTACLE. This morning Parliament Buildings wore given over to the natives who had assembled from all parts of New Zealand to ' pay a final tribute, in traditional manner, to tho memory of the man recognised by them as their white father and chief. Never in the history of New Zealand has such a strange and weirdly pathetic scene been witnessed within- the building. Before the curtain of the night had been raised, and tho red dawn commenced to creep over the hills to the east of tho harbour, little groups " of natives gathered round the Wellington Hotel in front of Parliament Buildings and in Sydney-street with one common object in view. Aged '-'chiefs, grey-bearded and slow of step, iomen whose years pressed heavily onjinem, .stalwart natives in the prime of^ibanhood, girls just out of their teens}* children of school^ age, and infants in all were there wearing the green' emblem of Maori mourning round their heads and waists. Others appearedwin all the glory of native mats. : * A little N group made its way to the main entrance of the buildings about 6.30. A long drawn out wail or lament from a, female member of the party rent the nir, and was echoed back' by- another party advancing, from Moksworthstreet. In this way the gathering -was augmented until the entrance was packed with natives. Half an hour later the last member of the party had ur- ' rived. " ' Twenty or thirty pakehasj who had heard the lamentations, and divined that a tangi was to take place, stood in wonderment rouiid the steps. But tho Maoris heeded noiL They tiled into the buildings in self-centred gloom, there to wait the arrival of the late Premier's remains. A WEIRD CEREMONIAL. About 8 o'clock the steady tramp ol feet was heard in the main entrance. Slowly a squad from the Permanent Artillery, bearing the oaken casket on their shoulders, filed into the main lobby to the bier under the portrait of the late Queen Victoria at the west end. The Hon. W. Hall-Jones headed the proces- ! sicn, and then came the other Ministers of the Crown and the aons and im uudiate relatives of the dead statesman. A door opened at the further end, and a low, mournful wail thiilled through the stillness. - By degrees the refrain won taken up by the other units of the native party in the Legislative Chamber, who filed slowly out and up the lobby to the spot where the coffin lay. The principal Maori women led the procession, the men bringing up the icar. Quivering hands were raised above heads, greenery rustled in the nir, and long drawn out lamentations rose above the subdued sobbing. The volume of moaning suddenly grew into a frenzied haka led by- the women of the tribes, feet stamped with that weird regularity peculiar to the natives, arms gtaticulated, eyes were distended, and then everything was quiet again, save for a vague sobbing which in turn gave way to another frenzied outburst of grief. . In response to a signal the natives then sat on the floor of the lobby and chanted a hymn-like lamentatipn. THE NATIVE MINISTER. The duty of formally welcoming the natives to the Chamber of Mourning was carried out by the Native Minister (the Hon. Jus. Carroll). "The sun has pet," he said in his native tongue. "The people have lost their jwvider. The totura. tree of the forest has fallen. Come, tread where he trod when he j was alive. Duath i« no respecter of persons; man is like a butterfly." Mate atu ho t«te kura Ora mai he teje kurn. In other words: "One chief dies*} another takes his place." j " Here wo are working in this world," Mr. Carroll continued. "For what? Only to be snapped by death. Who can stay tho hand of death? He (tho late Premier) loved you in his life. He worked for you. la his death you mourn." , Mr. Carroll then chanted a lament which was taken up by the natives present. In a few excellently chosen words, the Native Minister then referred to tho great grief which the death of tho Premier had caused the natives. They felt I that tho family was_ livinjj under a great sorrow. "If nothing will assuago the pangs of sorrow or cushion the touch thereof," ho said, '.' their little tribute, which I. will read to you, will, they trust, in somo way ser^o that end. I Mr. Carroll then read the following address :—: — | HAERE Xl PAERAU ! Xl ERA TINI I TE POI To Mas. Seddon. ! In Memory | Of RICHARD JOHN SEDDON,' Premier of New Zealand, From The Maori Tribes of Aotcaroa and Te Waipounamu. Remain, O Mother! with thy children and children's children j , tarry yet awhile in the house of mourning, in the chamber of

death. Clasp "but the cold form of him who was to thee beloved. He is now from thee parted — gone into the dark night, into that long, long sleep. God be with you in your hour of trial. Here he lies in the calm majesty of death 1 Rest, 0 Father 1 Th© tribes have assembled to mourn their great loss. Alas! the canoe is cast from its moorings, its energy and guide 'no more. The red-hued kakakura, the ornament of Aotearoa, the proud boast of Waipounumu, the mighty heart of the land, the moving spirit of the people, faro thee well—a long farewell ! Pass on, thou noble one! across the lone sands of Haumu, beyond the grim barrier of Paerau, going before to join the illustrious . dead. Woe unto us that are left desolate in the valley of sorrow. Iv life thou wert great. Across the wide ocaan of Kiwa beset by ■ the turbulent Waves of faction, mid the perverse winds of opinion, thou didst essay 'forth that thy peoples may reap of benefits ; that these islands and thy mother race may see and do their duty in the broader spheres of Empire and humanity. Fate relentless, however, seized thee in the mid-ocean of effort, and compiled thee into the still waters of death, to rest. Sleep thou, 0 Father, resting on great deeds done, sure that to generations unborn they will be as beacoa* along the highways of history. Though thou art gone, may thy spirit, which so long moved the heart of things, inspire us to greater, nobler ends. Stay not your lamentations, 0 ye peoples, for ye have indeed lost a father. Verily our pa of refuge is, razed to the ground I The breastwork of defence for great and small is taken ! Torn by the roots i 3 the overshadowin 'ratal As the fall of the towering totara, in the deep forest' of Tone, so is the tragic death of a mightyman : earth Quakes to the fending crash. Our shelter gone, who wili temper the wind? What of thy Maori hereafter, unless tihou canst from that distant bourne help inspire the age to kindlier impulse and action ? So bide ye in your grief, bereaved ones I Though small our tribute, our hearts have spoken. Our feet have trod the sacred precincts of the- courtyard of death. Our hearts will be his grave; love will keep his memory green through the long weary years. FAREWELL ! "This," said Mr. Carroll, addressing Captain Seddon and handing him the address, which was signed by the Native Minister, the Maori members of the Legislature, and over one hundred representative natives, "is a modest tribute from your father's Maori friends." POETIC LAMENTS. Following this touching oeremony the natives once more broke into a mournful lamentation. And then representatives of the various districts — east, west, north, and south — delivered laments. For poetic beauty and grandeur of metaphor •the Maori orator has no compeer. U Hori' to Huki, representing the East Coast,' prayed for peace and comfort for tke'dead statesman's family, and chanted the, lament Apa kura: — , ''Pass, oh, father, and join the * >t ■illustrious dead. ,Pluck another shoot from the , ' flaxbush, jt And hold it high in the ranks^ ofthe mourners. Jr Our Great, our Majesty, Pride and BoaslJ awf r laid low. Desolate we are lefb in the Valley, of Sorrow." " Another and yet another followed in the' same strain. The women sitting round the bier sobbed bitterly, and men v/ere nob ashamed to wipe away their tears' with handkerchiefs. Rut&na Ngahine (West Coast), Timoti Whena (Southera Maori district), Wi Peri' (East Coast), Tqkarangi Miti Kingi (Wanganui), 'Hone Heke (Northern Maori district), George Robertson (Little River, Canterbury), added their tribute to the memory of i, the illustrious dead. Tfie women never _ ceased their mourning. At times the wailing would die away into a faint- echo,' "only to bo superseded by a brief haka. \ "Go ye fch> way of kings, governors, and protectors," said another. " " Go, friend, go! ' you were a friend to the weak. VTou p&id no heed to those of strength." Mtyi Kingi'e lamentation was followed by -one .mighty reverberating outburst that v shook the building. It was a haka of defiance, defiance at Death. ''We laugh at Jf&u!" they shouted in one tremendous choipis. "Wo defy you!" Feet stamped lin unison, eyes glared, hands holding mores and twigs of Pohuewananga ro^, in forssts and shook and trembled a£d finally sunk amid one long-sustained lamentation of grief and sorrow. It was 9 o'clock before the proceedings terminated. When the last Maori orator had paid his:'; tribute to the virtues of the deceased statesman, and the- last lament had been chanted, the Native Minister, on behalf of 'Mrs. Seddon, the members of her family, aud their relatives, briefly thanked the natives for their feeling appreciations and the generous manner In which they had given utterance to their grief. Valuable mats and other tokens of esteem were laid by the casket in numbers^ after tho manner of the natives in bidding "Good-bye" to a departed chief. Gradually they faded out of the building after silently shaking hands in turn with Captain Seddon, Mr. T. Y. Seddon, and Mr. Stuart Seddon, and pausing for a moment with head bowed in front of the bier. INFLUX OF VISITORS. The influx of visitors by train and steamer has been considerable during the last few days. This morning tho Rotomahana brought 322 excursionists from Lyttetton and the Penguin eighty excursionists from Picton, whilst later in tho day the Mokoia arrived from South with another 142 people anxious to pay a last tribute to the memory of deceased. Yesterday the Arahura, according to the local manager of tho Union Company, brought 128 passengers from Greymouth and West port, and sines Monday last about 1500 excursionists have travelled to Wellington from all parts by their Steamers. This morning between 900 and 1000 people arrived by the Manawatu Company s line from stations as for. north as Wanganui and about 3500 by the Government trains from the suburbs. The Manawatu Company's officials estimate that the approximate number of people travelling to town by their trains during the last few days was 3500, and the Government officials set tho number at about 5000. Of these about 1500 travelled over the Napier-Wairarapa section. Altogether there are over 10,000 visitors in town. 'Enquiries mado by a Post reporter to-day show that tho hotels and boardinghou&es are full, some of the leading places having had more orders for accommodation than they could undertake. The officials of the Govvernment railway and the Manawatu Company have mado special arrangements for excursionists returning homo this evening, and the congestion in town will tliQX>eb;r bo reliov-ett considerably-.

THE LYING IN STATE. DENSE THRONGS AT PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS. THE SCENE IN THE CHAMBER. The body of the late Premier was lying in state at Parliament Buildings from 9 a.m. to-day until noon. Long before the doors of the building were opened this morning there was a great press of people in the vicinity. From 9 a.m. onwards the crowd increased in density, nnd it soon became necessary to close the doors at minute intervals, admitting in single hundreds the thousands upon thousands who had como from all quarters"of New Zealand to pay their respects to the memory of the. deceased. l<rom every quarter of the* city the throng pressed forward all the morning, and after ll a.m. Molesworth and the closely contiguous streets were densely packed with patient waiters. As each detachment of the people was admitted to the buildings its members reverently moved forward and passed down the mam entrance and thence into the main lobby, wherein the coffin was mounted on a trestle suitably draped. The long length of the lobby was entirely covered with hundreds of wreaths of natural, and artificial flowers and waxen and other emblems. These tokens of regard are of beautiful design and excellent workmanship, and the quality and variety of the natural flowers forming them is astonishing to one who remembers that the season is midwinter. The floral offering sent by his Excellency the Governor is especially handsome: an imposing circle of white, splashed with bunches of violets, and interspersed with rare orchids. From north and south, east and west, the tributes have come. A scheme of district grouping has been observed, and thus it may be seen that Mr. Seddon's old West Coast has remembered him in death with a hearty and widespread favour equal to the great and unvarying confidence it extended to him along the years of his lengthy political life. The total of the wreaths and memorials sent in from all parts of the colonies must run to many thousands. As the throngs of mourners passed along the lobby they were received by the Speaker of the House( Hon A • R Guinness) and other officials. Two sons of the dead Premier were- also in attendance. As the coffin was'neared tLe lines were divided so that one-half of the people passed the trestle to the left and the other half went to the right. It was a sad procession that reverently filed past. -*L 1S officlall y estimated that about 35,000 people filed past the coffin. They went through the- lobby at the rate" of about a hundred a minute. THE PROCESSION. •A MONSTER GATHERING. HUGE CROWDS LINE THE ROUTE. Before 1 o'clock a flood tide of humanity surged along Lainbton-quay, and from moment to moment the current was swelled by the tributaries of , side streets. Steadily the mighty army^ advanced north, and turned into Bowen6treet and Mokiworth-streot, eager to be near the 'gates through which the body would pass. Sentinels kept the multitude irom pressing- too close, but the jeople instinctively felt that they muoi not push at the barriers, and therethe guards' duties were not too onerous. They clustered in dense groups 1 ," they mustered on the tops- of verandahs, they filled open window' space*. All along the line of route every vantage ground had an overwhelming burden of men and women. A Epaco was cleared in front of the Parliamehtary Buildings by detachments of I red-coated troops, whose uniforms made bright splashes of colour in the sombre sea-. At this time a touch of winter chilled the air, "and a few drops of rain came down, but the light fall, scarcely perceptible, soon cea&ed. The lawn in front of the nuilding was bordered with a double semicircle of the D Battery of the iNew Zealand Artillery, and at the portals stood memOf Parliament of both Houses, of all parties," a}l united at loot with one bond, the earnost desire to honour the dead Presently a contingent of forty veterans marchod into the grounds under Seigeant-Jlajor Richardson. They wore no military costume, but the medals on their breasts indicated that they had done good deeds in uniform. , Bandsmen marched in, followed by the firing party, comprising forty members of the Royal New Zealand Artillery, under Captain Wall (Lyttelton). Thsn camea nftecn-pounder gun carriage, drawn by bix horses. , Just before 2 o'clock the casket was taken from its resting- placo amid the flowers by a dozen artillerymen, and was set upon the carriage, around which Ministers of the Crown, with the Hon. W. Hall-Jones as leader. * stood bareheaded. " Reverse arms, spoke Captain Wall, and the firing parties' rifles wore trailed. Then a gun boomed. This was the beginning of the salute from the guns of Kelburne fort at Ngfthauranga. BelFs begun to toll,' and then the cortege moved oft slowly. The people were so still that the light stop of tho troops re-echoed on the path with nothing to mar the cadence of the even footfalls. When the gun-carriage was in tho street, a band played the " Dead •March" in "Saul," and this sad dirge, with "The Garland of Flowers," was sounded in turn by various bands as the procession wound along the roads. By half-past 2 punctually, all the population of Wellington seemed to bo gathered in the vicinity of Parliamentary Buildings. They blocked all thoroughfares. Once there, a person had to stay, for the people pressed in closer afld closer from all directions. The depletion of population from tho ceatral and southern portions of the cityi^ave tho town a most mournful appearance. There were few people on the lower end of the quay, or in Willis-street, and theso were still making north. Tho eye looked upon blank spaces to the right and left. A stranger might think that the city was stricken with an epidemic, and that the inhabitants had all departed. This desertion of business places and thoroughfares was more a sign of mourning than even the- international procession that was climbing the hill to the cemetery. THE ROUTE. The route taken by th© procession was from Parliament Buildings through Aitken-Btrcet to St. Paul's Pro-Cathe-dral ; thence along Mulgrave-strcet, Pipiteo^street, and Davis-street, to Thorndonquny, along to Lambton-qtwy, paut the Government Buildings, up Bowen-street, and Museum-street to Sydney-Btreet, thenco to tho cemetery gates, and through tho grounds to the Observatory sito. This routo, it may be added, was selected by 'Ministers and approved by the family of the late Premier. THE VOLUNTEERS. The voluuteerg and school cadets, whose duty it was Do line the route, mustered in strong force, the volunteers boing under charge of Colonel Campbell and Major Brandon and the cadets undw-

Lieut. -Colonel Loveday. The following volunteer corps were represented: — City Rifles, Captain W. G. Dutihie ; Wellington Guards, Captain J. Duthie; College Rifles, Captain Turner; Post and Telegraph Rifles, Captain Morris ; Kelburne Rifles Captain Davis ; D Battery, Captain Courtney ; Civil Service Rifles, Captiain Wray ; Zealand™ Rifles, Captain Corrigan ; Rifles, Captain Macintosh; Cycle Corps, Lieut. Slinn; Submarine Miners, Lieut. Toomath } Wellington Engineers, Lieut. Pedder; Field Hospital and Bearer Corps, SurgeonCaptain M'Gavin - ; Wellington Narals, Lieut. Menzies ; Petone Navals, Captain Freeman; Hutfc Valley Rifles, Lieut. Hollard; Heretaunga Mounted Rifles, Captain Samuel. ORDER OF PROCESSION. The order of procession was as follows:— < Chief Marshal. Firing Party. Garrison Band Bishop of Wellington Hon. "Win. Hall-Jones , Hon. J. Carroll Hon. A. Pitt H Hon. T. T. Duncan Hon. C. H. Mills feS Hon. Mr. McGowan Mr, McGuigan pn Mr. Murdoch Mr. F. C. Itinus . OS Mr. Malcolm Nicool Mr. B. McKenile, 3 Mr. COlrin. M.H.E. M.H.B. O Family and -Relatives of the Deceased. His Excellency the Governor's Carriage. of His Excellency the Admiral. Sir J. G. Ward's Carriage. Commandant of New Zealand Forces. Judges and Ex-Judges of the Supremo Court. The Speaker and Members of the Legislative Counoil. The Speaker and Members of the House * of Representatives. Ex-Ministers of the Crown. Ex-Members of Parliament. Foreign Oohbuls. Representatives of Other Colonies, including Representatives of New Zealanders in Sydney. The Mayor of Wellington. Naval and Military Officers. Representatives of West Coast. Memorial Service Committee. District Court Judges. Magistrates. Legislative Officers. Heads of Departments of Civil Service. Private Secretaries. Public Schools Cadet Band. Old-age Pensioners. Representative Maori Chiefs. Lancashire Men. Representatives of Local Bodies. Representative Clergy. Representatives of Liberal and Labour Federation. Jupp's Band. Trades and Industrial Unions. Potone Workshop Employees. Veterans. Ex-Members of South African Contingents. Old Members Wellington Naval Association. Nnvy League 1 Tramways Band. New Zealand Civil Service. ' Representatives of tho Press". Graduates and Professors of Universities. Boards of Education. v Educational 1 Institute. District Teachers' Association. Staff and Students, Training College. Wellington District Law Society. » Medical Profession. Chambers of Commerce. Representatives of Banks. • Freemasons.t Central/Mission Bond. Friendly Societies. Masterton Band. Missions to Seamen. Young Men's Christian Association. Shipmasters' Association. Australasian Institute of Marine Engineers. Scottish Society. New Zealand Rugby Football Union. Salvation Army. Goneral Public, Carriages. THE CHIEF MOURNERS. The chief niournerß were: — Mrs. Seddon, Captain R. J. Seddon. Mr. T. Y. Seddon, Muster Stuart Seddon, Misses Mary S. Seddon, May E. Seddon, Rubi Seddon, Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Bean, Mr. F. and Mrs. Dyer; Dr. and Mrs. Morice (daughters and sons-in-law) ; Mr. E. Seddon (brother), Mrs. Cunliffe, and Mrs. M'Kay (sisters) ; Mr. G. Spotswood (Mrs. Seddon's brother), Captain Hehndh and Mrs. Hennah (Mrs. Seddon's Bister), Mr. W. S. Hennah (Mrs. Seddon'u nephew) and Mrs. Hennah, Mr. H. Hennah (Mrs. Seddon's nephew), jtfisa Elsie Hennah (Mrs..Seddon's niece 1 ), Mr. Reid, and Mrs. Reid (Mra. Seddon's niece) ; Mr. N. Seddon (Mr. Seddon's cousin) and Mrs. N. Seddon. REPRESENTATION OF . AUSTRALIA. Mr. G. E. Tolhurst, Inspector of the Union Bank of Australasia, represented the Commonwealth of Australia. Now South* Wales was represented by Messrs. J. Finch (Inspector of the Bank of New South Wales), E. W. Lowe (Resident Secretary of the Australian Mutual Provident Society), Greßley Lukin (editor of tho Evening Post), and J. R. Palmer (Town Clerk). South Australia was represented by Mr. H. N. Holmes. Queensland's representative was Mr. Groslcy Lukin (editor of the Evening Post).,GOVERNOR AND JUDGES. His Excellency the Governor was represented by Captain Broithwaite, A.D.C. Sir James Prendergust, ex-Chief Justice, represented the Supreme Court Judges, none of whom were able, owing to their public engagements, to • attend tho funeral. ■ - SOME WEST COAST MOURNERS. Tho West Coast, in which district Mr. Seddon resided for so long, was, of course, strongly represented. Amongst those present wero :• — Rev. R. Stewart, Hons. James Marshall, James Holmes, A. R. Guinness, and R. H. J. Reevfcs, Mr. R. M'Kenzie, M.H.R., Messrs. H. L. Michel (Mayor of Hokitika), J. A. Murdoch (Mayor of Kumara), R. Russell (Mayor of Brunner and Chairman of tho Greymouth Harbour Board), W. H. Bowater (Chairman Inangahua County Council), S. R. Harris (chairman) and' John Ryall, Richard- Larkitt, Michael Hannau, James Ha'rgreaveß, Jeremiah M'Carthy (members of the Grey County Council), W. St. George (Inspector of Telegraphs), John Byrno (Chairman o£ the Grey Education Board), T. Tait (borough councillor, Hokitika), James Konnody (gaß manager, Greymouth), James Bishop (Manager State Mines), C. Malloy (Rcefton), David Torment (representing Grey Borough), T. J. M'Guigan (chairman) and 'I. V. Byrno, J. F. Byrne, J. Ferguson, J. Stains, T. Boch, Arthur Clifton (members), J. D. Evans (secretary Westland County Council) ; T. W. Bruco (Mayor of Ross), Joseph Grimmond (Ross), Felix Campbell (Greymouth), Joseph Mandl (Hokittk*.), 3. Catdfleld (Town Clerk, Ross). Sruuanj Morns Chairman W.C.T.T.

Company), Montgomery (District Surveyor, Reefton), G. J. Roberts (Commissioner Crown Lands, Westland), Crew, Prince, D. V. Gain, H. Michel, Clarke, A. Merrett, R tt Clouston, Emerson, Moore, Dunn, Harlett, Feary, O'Malley, Mallinson, Marshall, Martin, Spyer, Lawlor, Collins, Gardiner, G. Murfitt. LOCAL AND OTHER BODIES. Most of the local bodies throughout the colony were represented in the procession. The following are the names of the gentlemen and the local bodies, societies, etc., they represented: — Mr. R. E. Beckett, Chairman Rangitikei County. Councillor Rose and the Town Clerk, Dannevirke Borough. The Chairman, Featherston Town Board. Mayor 2nd Councillor Young, Hamilton Borough. County Council and staff. Horowhenua County. Mr. H. J. H. EMott, Westland County. Dr.' C. J. Russell, Christchurch Burgesses' Association. The Mayor, Eltham Borough. The Chairman, Geraldine County. The Mayor and Town Clerk, Blenheim Borough. The Chairman F. Parsons), Kaikoura County. Mr. R. Pitoaithly, Christchurch Drainage Board. Dr. J. Douglas, Queenstown Borough. The Mayor, Councillors, and Town Clerk, Eastbourne Borougfi. The Mayor (Mr. Milligan), Oamaru Borough. Mr. E. Hall, Thames Borough. Mr. P. A. M'Hardy (president) and Mr. J. £1. Johnston (hon. treasurer), Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Marco Fosella, Grand Orient Lodge of France. Mr. A. Hoby, dentists of the colony. The Trustees and ten members, Wellington Hospital Board. Mr. C. J. Harper, Ashburton County and Ashburton Hospital' Board. Mr. A. J. M'Curdy, New Zealand Farmers' Union. Officers and committee, Australasian Institute of Marine Engineers. Mr. W. A. Kennedy, New Zealanders in Sydney. Hon. X Jenkinson, M.L.C., Aadington Railway Workshops. Past Chieftain A. Macpherson and Past Chieftain W. Fraser, the Scottish Society of New Zealand. Mr. D. M. Yeats, Wellington District Teachers' Institute. Staff and students, Teachers' Training College. Members and chief officials, Wellington Education Board. Mr. W. T. Young, Australasian Federated Seamen's Union. Mr. R. T. Hanlon, residents of Okarito. Revs. C. E. Ward, J. Cocker, R. J. Liddell, B. Matson, and J. Dawson, Primitive Methodist Church of New Zealand. Rev. P. W. Fairclough, Wesleyan Methodist Church. Rev. J. Paterson, Presbyterian Church. Mr. O. Murphy, Liberals of Alexandra * Mr. A.-W. Rutherfurd, M.H.R., Cheviot County and other local bodies in thb Hurunui electorate. Mr 4 W. Wallis, Federal Houlder Line/ Mr. J. M Geddis, New Zealand Free Lance and Whakatane County Council. Councillpi'B Armsft'ong aHd Bish,. Cartertoiv Borough Council. Mr. F. E. Baume, M.H.R., Hebrew congregation, Auckland, and Grey Lynn Borough Council. ■Mr. A. Kidd, M.H.R., Auckland Railway League, Borough of Birkenhead, and various other institutions. Mr. T. Corby (chairman), Buller County. Mr. T. Young, Millerton Union. Mr. F. Barter, the New Zealand and African Steam Ship Company (LtS.). Mr. R. J. Nerheny, Hon. W. Beehan, M.L'.U. Mr. W. J. Edwards, Executive Council, Amalgamated Society of Railway , Servants Councillor G. J. Harford, Feilding Borough. Mr. C. A. Lees' 1 (Mayor), Sumner Borough. Mr. J. Suisted (chai* man), Westport Harbour Board. -Mr. G. Walker, Nelson Land Board. Mr. G. H. Gothard (Mayor), Westport Bor-\ ough Council. Messrs. James Kerr> and D. Tennent, Greymouth Borough Council. Mr. S. Carneli (Mayor), Napier.'^ Mr. W. H. Bowater, Inangahua County* Council. Mr: R. Russell (chahman) and H. B. Burnett, Greymouth Harbbiir" Board. Mr. C. D. Gray (Deputy-Mayor) and H. W. Wilson (Tpwn Clerk), Auckland .City Council. Messrs? W..Foste.»\ (secretary), T: >H. Gill, and W. ?T. Gi-undy (members of executive), 'New Zealand Educational Institute. The Mayor.r councillors, and staff, Lo.wej Hutt Borough Council. Mr. Hickson, Foxton Borough Council. Mr. G. A. Marckant (chairman), Stratford County Council. Three councillors, Marton Borough Council. The Mayor and councillors, Onslow Borough Council. Mr. Munro (chairman), Weber County Councillors Levy, .Hall, and Eankins, Levin Borough. Mr. A. E. Jull (president), New Zealand Counties Association. Mr. Murray (clerk), Waipawa County. Lieutenant Chaytor, Auckland Contingenters. Mr. 0. H. Gilby. Canterbury Private Schools Association. Mr. D. M'Phersonj Commercial Travellers' Association, Gaelic*" Society, and Burns Clubs. President Mackenzie, Caledonian Society of Otago. Messrs. Hennessy, Walker, Barnard, Perreau, Frankland, and Austin, Foxton Chamber of Commerce. Messrs. L. Blundell and G. Humphries, United Press Association. Mr. G. W. Eavle, Melbourne I Herald. Mr. J. C. R. Isheiwood, residents of Petone. Hon. J. Bolt, Dunedin Tailoresses' Federation. The Mayor (Mr. George Lawrence) and Mr. R. W» Richards (Town Clerk), Dunedin City Council and High School Board of Governors. Rev. J, R. Qlasson, Congregational Union. Mr. J. Marx, Hawcra County Council. Messrs. A. L. Parsons and W. Devenish Meares, Canterbury Cham oei" of Commerce. Messrs. T. Moss and A. H. Herbert, Eketahuna County. Mr. D. Crewe (Mayor), Pahiatua Borough. Mr. F. J. Caterer, North Canterbury District of Oddfellows, M.U. Messrs. J. A. Nash, J. M. Johnston, and L. Simmons, Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Boustead, Alfredton district. Mr. C. Bean, Canterbury 'Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Mr. J. O'Shea, Waihola (Taieri County). Mr. F. Parsons (chairman), Kaikoura County Council. Brigadiers Albiston, Knight, and Sanders and Majors M'Kenzie and Twyford, Salvation Army ; Councillors Moss and Redpath, Eketahuna Borough. Mr. C. J. Harper (Ashburton), Mr. S. Han'is (Little River), Mr. W. Raddiiffe (Lyttelton), Canterbury Charitable Aid Board. Mr. Rossiter, Patea Chamber of Commerce. Messrs. S. Harris anil W. Parkinson, Akaroa County Council. Mr. G. D. Macfarlane, New Brighton Borough. Mr. Marchant (chairman), Stratford County Council. Mr. S. Abrahams (Mayor) and Councillor Stubbs, Palmerston North Borough Council. Mr. J. Talbot, Geraldine Borough. Mr. I. Stevenson, Port Chalmers.' Mr. F. R. Carson, Heathcote Road Board. Messrs. Craigio, Gunn, and Sattenvaitb, Timaru Borough. Mr. M. J. Corrigan, Waikakahi settlers. ' Mr. T*. H. Gill, Westland Teachers' Institute. Mr. BaU lard, Dunedin Telegraph Department. Mr. G. B. Dali; Gaelic Society. Mt. P. Studholme, Waimate County Council. Mr. W. B. Galloway, Palmerston South and Waihemo County Councils. Messrs T. M'Kenzie, M.H.R., T. .K. Sidey, M.H.R., and G. Lawrence, Dunedin High School, Sir John Hall (Mayor), Mr. J. R. Smith (Town Clerk), and Mr. G. Payling, Christchurch City Council. Mr. W. H. Bennett (vice-president) and Mr. W. L. Thompson, Now Zealand Federated Council of Builders. Mr. T Hyde, Hawkes Bay Land Board. Mr. I. Simpson, Taranaki Land Board. Mr. G. Lusk, New South Wales Rugby Union. Dr. Rodman, Piclon. Messrs E. H. Penny, D. P. Sinclair, und W H. Macoy, Blenheim. Mr. G. Houldsworth, Omaka Road Board. Mr. 11. Register, Marlborough Labour Union. Mr. F. Lawry, Parnell Borough Council. Mr. T. Gilmour (Mayor), Waihi. Mr. H. Poland, Ohinemuri County Council, Te Aroha County, Karangahako Miners' Union. Mr. Bond (Mayor), Hamilton. Mr. J. A. Harding, Cook County Council, Gisbotne Borough Council, Gisborno Harbour Board. Mr. E. S. Joyce -and J. A. Harding, Gisbovne Hospital Board. Mr. T. J. Dickson,

Cook County Liberal Association. Mr. J. B. Connett (chairman), New Plymouth Harbour Board. Messrs. J. Allen, M.A., M.H.R., and T. K. Sidey, M.A., M.H.R., Council of the Otago Univorsity. Mr. Yates (Mayor), Kaitangata Uorough Council and the miners of Kaitangata. Messrs. Charles Lewis, M.H.R., and W. H. Montgomery, Board of Governors of Canterbury College. Mr. W. Fraser, Lake County Council. Dr. Douglas, Queensiown. Captain F. Bellringer (president), United Fire Brigades 'Association. The following bodies were also represented : —The Garibaldi Club, Old Wellington Navals, ex-Contingentei's, Post and Telegraph Officers' Association, Wharf Labourers, Wellington Trades' and Labour •Cou-r:il, Hutt and Petonc Friendly Societies' Council, Missions to Seamen, Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, Lancashire Men, Graduates and Professors of Universities, Graduates of the University of New Zealand, Professors of the Victoria College, Wellington District Law Society, Wellington 'Benevolent Institute Contributors, Petone Workshops, Amalgamated Society of Cooks and Waiters, Captain Uru and 13 Maoris, Foreign Consuls, Wellington . Working Men's Club, Executive Council Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, Pahiatua .County Council, Cqristchurch Hairdressers' nnd Tobacconists' Union, PictoriSeddon Working RaihVay Stall. . - , GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. Members; of the various -Government- ■ Departments then followed' in th« fol--lowing order: — Thd Treasury .'.Department, Friendly Societies' RegS.try Office, Old Age Pensions, Land and Income Tax, Education, Labour, Defence, Government InsurAnce, State Fire Insurance, Public Trustee, Public Works, Roads, Inspection of Machinery, Government Printing and Stationery, Mental Hospitals, Marine, Colonial Secretary's Office, Audit, Public Health, Reg-istrar-General's, Industries ' and , Commerce, Tourists and Health Resorts, Post and -Telegraph, Railways, Electorall Customs, Valuation, Advances to Settlers, Native, , Land Transfer and- . Deeds Registry Officev. Stamp, Crown Law Office, Justice, Mines, Prisons, Police, Agriculture, nnd Lands and Survey" Department. - FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. The various sections" of "Friendly Societies reached Sydney-street, ' via, Mu-seum-street, and formed , in the funeral" procession in the following order^ : -Wellington United Friendly Societies' Council, Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows, Ancient Order of Foresters, United Ancient OrJer of Druids, Independent Order of OddfeLlows (American Constitution), Independent Order of Rechabites, Hibernian Australasian Catholic- Benefit Society, Sons and Daughters of Temperance, Protestant Alliance Friendly Society 'of 'Aus^' tfalasia, National Independent Order of Oddfellows, British United Order of Oddfellows, Ancient Order of Sfiepherda. 1 . LIBERAL AND LABOUR FEDERATION. The following is the official list of the representatives of the various branches of the Liberal and Labour Federation who were- present: — Executive, ' Dr. Findlav, Hon. T. K. Macdonald, •M.L.P., D.-. J. Nathan, E. ,Arnoldgeneral secretary, W. J.;"Cnlver,;" Ahickland district Advisory .Board, William Johns ; Kaipara. Advisory Council, J , StoUworthyj City of Auckland branch, ,P. . J. Nerheny, Hon. W» . Beehan, M.L.C., F. Fittj J. R. Lundon; City of Wellington branch, J. poogan; City of Christchurch .branch, G. F. Henry ; City of-Dunedin branch, Hon W. M". 'Bolt, >M.L.'C. ; Te- Awamutu branch, J. A. Young ; Hamilton, J. S. Bond ; Huntly, .W.^Jr Culver; Pukdkohe. W. Penney: Taurariga, ; /EUerslie, -William Johns ; Wellington Npftn, D. M. Polson ; ' Wellington East, ' E. Carrigan ; Parnell, W.J ohns; Humua, J. T. Stenbridge; Bluff, ; Newtown, B. Dawson; Wellington Central, J. Coogan; Mangaweka, C. J. Bennett; Mnsierton, J. A. Renall, M. C. O'Connell, Cross, Easthopej Whangamomona, J. M'Cluggage^ M. Rapleyj Petone, G. Loughlin; Kaiwarra, D. H. Round; -Kilbirnie, W. Kearney; Island Bay, R. Sinclair; Karori, A. Collins; Mitchelltown, E. M'Carthy; Gambridcre, H. J. Greenslade. 'M.H.R. ; Timaru,- H. B. Kirk; Wadestown, D. JBarr; Christchurch, W. J. Ballinger ; Waihi, Hon. T. K. Macdonald, M.L.O. i Mangu,tainoia, A. Quinlan; Grey Lynn, C. H. Poole, M.H.R.,; Whangarei, E. W. Arnold; Wairarapa, Native branch, To Tau; Huntervilfe, W. Bowick; Rotorua, M. Morg«an; Brooklyn, A. H. Fullford; Napier, S. Carneli ; . Kawakawa, M. Pop^elwell; Devonport, M. Hobart; Holvitika, A. H. Duss; Te Koparu, Dargarille, . Ara'tapu, J. Stall worthy, M.H.R. ; Wade, E. Arnold; Karangahnke, H. Poland, M.H.R.; Strathmore, R.. J. Stewart; Lawrence, A. W. Tyndall; Waikaia, J. ,Huut ; Chatto Creek, C. Murphy; Picton Native branch, Haifllona Patete; Terauma, E. Easy; Mataroa, J. Enwriglit; .Middleton, G. Rutherford; l\shburton, B Chambers; Naseby, J. Kaitangata, F. T. Poole ; Queenstown, W. Fraser, M.H..R. ; Invercargill, J. A. Hanan, M.H.R. ,- Waimate, Sir W. J. Steward, M.H.R.; Woodend, T. O. Byrne; Dunedin, Hon. W. M. Bolt, MJLG. ; Hastings, C. Hughes; Opotiki, Dr. A. .Reid; Waikino, H. Poland, M.H.R.; V/oodville, R. B. Ross, M.H.R.; Aoroa and Toka Toka, J. Stallworthy, M.H.R.; Ayondale and Whau, W, Johns; Riddiford-street, • Newtown B. L. Thomas; Paeroa, H. Poland, M.H.R.; Mnkino, T. Nicholas; Feilding, W. Thomson; Taihape, C. J. Bennett; Kaihu, ; Onehunga, J, T. Stenbridge; Wanganni, J. Hogan, M.H.R.;' Birkenhead, W. Johns; R6xburgh, J. Bennefc, .M.H.R. ; Mokauiti, W. Jennings, - M.H.R.; Otahuhuj.J. Brady; Auckland West, J. Keene; Te Atoha, H. Poland, M.H.R. ; Newmarket, W. Johns ; Waitoa, F. Bellamy; Papakura, J. fetembridge; N^aire, J. ,W.. Olliver; Pahiatua, W. M'Cardle, junr., J. D. Wihson ; Kihikihi, J. A. Young; Clevedon, J. T. Stenbridge; Taumarunui, T. Munroe; Matieri, J. Eagar; Helenaville, J. Stallworthy, M.H.R. MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT. NEARLY ALL IN WELLINGTON. CONDOLENCES AND MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY. Nearly every member of Parliament was in Wellington to-day. The only' absent ones were two ot three who are out of the colony and one or two prevented by indispositton from attending. For some days past they have been arriving by train and steamer. A number have been here since last Saturday, they having been lequested in the majority of cases by public bodies of various kinds to meet the steamer which bore tfhe body to. Wellington. Immediately on the Teceipt of the news of the death on Monday last week they sent their condolences to tfhe family of the deceased statesman, and, owing to their representative position, members have since had a very busy and trying time. They have been made the medium of conveying countless messages to ,the family and the Government, and in addition "they hove been placed in charge of numeroua irreaths by local bodies und jcrivate individuals.

Amongst the firsb arrivals in the city were the 'two Maori members — Mr. Hone # Heke and Mr. Ngata, the new representative of the Eastern Maori district). These two gentlemen, with Mr. Oarroll, the Native Minister, have had a very busy time' indeed. They have dealt with, messages from Maoris in all partfe of the colony, and have exercised an important influence over the native mind and actions at this juncture. The Maori has always been familiar with the> course^ to be followed at the tangi or mourning on tlhe occasion of the death of a great chief, but he is not aware how far he .should -ollow native custom in lamenting the 1 death of a distinguished European. Hence guidance is required. The thre.e native members have .received on arrival the paities appointed by the various tribes to represent them. They have atttended to their accommodation, and have taken a constant part in their deliberations With reference to the address to be senti'to Mrs. Seddon and as to the details of the tangi or mourning ceremony held early this morning. Mr. Ngata and Mr. Heke have had an exceedingly, hard week. Since the news- of Mr. Seddon's death, there is no one in the colony w.ho has had such a multitude of business to despatch as the Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones. He ' has been kept busy night and day answering telegrams and letters ' innumerable, " upon- him has fallen the chief difec- * tion 'of all things connected with! the funeral, and in addition tto this pressing 1 public business has had, to be attended to. .He .has also been the chief medium of communication between representative men and public bodies and the'sorrowing family. » -IS eit to the members of ' tflie family of the late Mr.- Seddon, Mr. Hall* Jones, as the peison upon whom the responsibilities of office have fallen, attracted most attention in the sad gathering of members in the Parliamentary Buildings Gronndd to-day. Looking at the group of members 1 today, >. and ..speaking with \ many of them from time to time during tihe past w.eek, one could not help being struck with the fact that those who have been longest associated with Mr. Seddon, and especially tJhose~who knew him in his early public life, were particularly noticeable for the emotion they displayed, the kindly 'words they spoke, and the shock they had clearly sustained. ASSEMBLING OP MEMBERS. / Shortly before two o'clock the members 'of both branches of the Legisjature assembled atl the main entrance of Parliament Buildings, and then took their'' 1 .places in the procession. Conspicuous amongst the members were the Premier (Hon. W. Hall-Jones) , and the Ministry, y\z., Hon. J. Carroll (Na 1 tive Minister), Hon. T. Y. Duncan (Minister for Lands), Hon. J. M'Gowan (Minister for Justice), Hon. C. H. Mills '(Commissioner of Customs), and Hon. A. Pitt (Attorney-General). These ' gentlemen, as colleagues of the deceased statesman , acted as pall-bearer*. Prominent) inSjUiis part of the procession were the ex-Speakers and Chairmen of Committees, and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr W. F. Massey. It may be- notpd. that amongst tlhe late Premier's oldest friends in Parliament were Sir, W. J. Steward, who has 'been a member of nine Parliaments; Mr. Parata. 4 a member ofsev'en Parliaments; Mr. J. Allen, «ix Parliaments, and Mr. F. Lawry, six Parliament- . ■The members of the Legislative Council who attended to pay their lnet token of respect to tlhe deceased were: — Hon. W. D. H. Baillie, Hon. A. Baldey, Hon. W. Beehan, Hon. W. M. Bblt, Hon. C C. Bowen. Hon. W. C/F. Car'ncross. ' Hon;»H. Feldwick, Hon. F. H. Fraser, Hon. S.-T. George, Hon. H. Gourley. Hon. J3. Harris, Hon. J. Holmes. ' " Hon. J. E. Jenkinsonj Hon. 0. J. Johnston.' Hon. T. Kelly. Hon. C. Louisson. Hon. T. K. Macdonald, Hon/J. Marshall. ' & Hon. A. Pitt. Hon. R. H. J., Reeves, Hon. J. Rigg. Hon. W. C. Smith. Hon. T. Thompson, Eon. F. Trask. Hon. H. F. Wigram. The attendance of members of the House of Representatives was particularly good. There were fifty-seven in the procession. Those present were: — E. G Allen J. Allen, J. F. Arnold, W. H. P.- Barber, A. R. Barclay, F. E. Baume, J. Bennett, D. Buddo. Hon. J, Carroll, J. Colvin. T. H. Davey, A. Dillon, Hon. T. Duncan. W. H. Field. F. M. B. Fisher, F.,R. Flatman, A. L. D. Fraeer, W. Fraser. : J. Graham, C. M. Gray, H. J. Greehslade, ITon. A. R. Guinness. Hon. W. Hall-Jones, J. A. Hanan, C. A. C. "Hardy, H. Heke, J. T. Hogan, A. W. Hogg, J. T. M. Hornsby. C. H. Izard. W. T. Jennings, v A. Kidd. G. Laurenson, F. Lawry, F. Y. Lethbridg«, C. Lewis. Hon. J. il'Gowan, B. M'Kenzie, T. Mackenzie, J. M'Lachlan, J. A. Macpherson,' W. F. Maßsev, J. A. Millar, Hon. C. H. Mills. A, T. Ngata. T, Parata, H. Poland, 0. H. Poole. A. E. Remington, R. B. Ross, A. W.Rutherford. . T, Jv. Sidey, E. M. Smith, Hon. Sir W. J. Steward. J. C. Thomson. T.M. Wilford, G. Witty, W. T. Wood. FROM PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS TO ST. PAUL'S. . . VAN IMPOSING SPECTACLE. A. military order, "Attentlion ! Reverse armsl"- broke the stillness as a squad of artillery moved slowly down the steps of Parliament House with the casket on tiheir shoulders. The Premier (tne Hon. W. Hall- Jones) and the members of the Ministry, Captain Seddon, Mr. T.- Y. Seddon, and Mr. Stuart Seddorj followed, the 1 other relatives of the deceased bringing up the roar. The firing party led tlho way out of the gates through lines of volnnteeis, whose bright uniforms formed a striking contrast to tlhe otherwise mournful atmosphere. Then came the Garrison Band, followed by tho gun carriage, the pall-bearers walking at either side. The only carriages in the van of the procession were those of his Excellency the Governor, the representative of his Excellency the Admiral, and Sir Joseph Ward's carriage, which took a place immediately after the relatives of th^, deceased. All the Judges of the Supreme Court were away on circuit, but ex-CEief Justice Prendergast, attended by the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mr. D. G. A. Cooper, was present. The members of the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives imistiered in strong force. Amongst the ex-Ministers of the Crown were Sir Win. Russell and the Hon. G. F. Richardson. ' As the procession moveS up Aitkcnstrcet into Mulgrave - street strange scenes met the eye. Tho houses in tne vicinity wore lined with people; every roof -top was occupied ; there was not a vacant section to be seen. In one al~ lotment hundreds of people had crowded- on top of sotne building material. They had taken up .their positions at 1 11 o'clock, and had jjatienfly waited for *

three hours to see the cortege pass. From every window faces peered through the blinds, anxious to catch a * last glimpse of the casket containing the remains of the dead statesman as it moved by. As the procession neared St. Paul's Church the strains of a band playing the Dead March in "Saul" far in the rear caught the ear. A striking figure in tEe procession ■was the Native Minister, who wore a garland of green in his Hat— the outward token exhibited by the Maoris to express grief and sorrow at the loss of a loved one. The other members of the Maori 'race in the procession were 'similarly bedecked. At the gate of St. Paul's the procession was met by Bishop Wallis, who chanted "I am the resurrection and the life,"- and led the mourners to the bier inside the church. THE SERVICE AT ST. PAUL'S. A SOLEMN SCENE. "WORDS OF COMFORT TO THE MOURNERSThe doors of the Pro-Cathedral were kept closed until the cortege had arrived, and only those who followed the funeral were admitted, but inasmuch as there was room for only eight hundred in the building,, a large number of the mourners were unable to gain "admits tance. Tho 'pulpit? and Jirayer desk .■were draped in purple hangings, which .with violet form the church's outward lign of mourning. When the gun-carriage bearing the remains of the late Premier had been drawn up at the gates of the churchyard it was met by the Anglican Bishop of Wellington (Dr. Wallis), the Rev. T. H: ' Sprott (vicar of St. Paul's;, the Yen. Archdeacon Fancourt (attached to the diocese), and the vicars of tho Anglican churches in various parts of the city and suburbs The coffin was borne up the aisle by twelve men of the Royal New Zealand Artillery, followed by the pall bearers. The melancholy procession was preceded by the clerics, Bishop Wallis reading aloud the appropriate Scriptural texts which preface the Church ot .England service for the burial of the deach Toe seene 1 was impressive : the whitegowned priests moving slowly forward, the pall-bearers with heads downcast bearing their sad burden, and the Bishop's voice rising in solemn cadence, i reciting Christ's -words of comfort to the moorner: | "I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord ; he that believelh in Me, though he 'were dead yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and be- " lieveth in Ale shall never did" . * As the . march to.,- the chancel proceeded there^was a tenseness of nervous feeling apparent. The crunch of gravel beneath the feet of those forming the procession struck the ear with an intensity of sound peculiar to overwrought feelings. Again tue voice of the Bishop was raised : "I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand . at the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God : whom I shall see for myself and mine eyes shall behold, and not another." When the Bishop had concluded the reading of the texts of comfort, the choir, sung hymn 231, "For Eyer With the Lord," after whi«h there was •*ung the 90th Psalm, expressive of God's omnipotence and eternal nature, and concluding with a prayer * that of His grace He would comfort those whom he had afflicted. "Domine Jtefugium" is the heading of the psalm, which runs as follows : — "Lord, has been our refuge : from one generation to another. . "Before the mountains were brought forth, or fiver the earth and the world were made : thou art God from everlasting, and world without end. "Thou turnest man to destruction: again thou sayest, Come again, ye children of men. "For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday : seeing 'that is past as a watch in the night. "As soon as thou scatterest them, they are even as a sleep : and fade away suddenly like the grass. "In the morning it is green, and growcth up : but in the evening it is cut down, dried up, and withered. "For we consume away in thy displeasure : and are afraid at thy wrathful indignation. "Thou hast set our misdeeds . before thee: and our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. "For when thou art angry all our days are gone : we bring our years to an end, as it were a tale that is told. "The days of our age are -threescore years and ten : and though men be so strong, and they come to fourscore years, yet is their- strength then but labour and sorrow : so soon passeth it away, and we arc "But who legardcth the power of thy wrath: for even theieaftcr as a man feareth so is thy Sispleasure. • "So teach us to number our days : that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. "Turn thee again 0 Lord at tho last: and be gracious unto thy servants. "0 satisfy us with thy mercy, and that soon: so shall we rejoice ' and be clad all the days of our life. "Comfort us again now after the time that thou hast plagued us : and for the years wherein we have suffered adversity. "Show thy servants thy work : and their children thy glory. "And the glorious majesty of our God be upon us : prosper thou tho "■work of our hands upon us, O prosper thou our handiwork. ■ "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost : as it wa3 in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. . Amen." Then Was sung Hymn 27, "Abide with Me; Fast Falls the Eventide." The word 3of the hymn, descriptive of the darkness of life's eventide, its day's swift ebb, the passing of earth's glonies, and man's need of God's presence in every passing hour, rang out sadly. Then in a burst of fortissimo came the penultimate \ erFe : I ftar no lie, with The« at hand tn bits*; Ills have nr> weight, nnd trars no bitterness; Wheie is Death* et.ngY Where, Grave, thy I tr:umph O £till if Tliou abide wijh me. As the solemn notes, with their prayei for .omfort and guidance, died awa>, the x'ev T. H Sprott read the lesson ta ! from the fifteenth chapter of tin, fi A . Epistle of Saint Paul to the Corinthians, "Now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first-fruits of them that slept." The apostle's beauti-fully-expressed conviction of sure resurrection rang witli convincing emphasis through the sad throng of- mourners. The portion of the service set ap&rt to be Conducted in the church having been a retrocession of the mourners was begun. As the cortege iao\ed 08 the choir chanted

"Nunc " Dimittis" (or tho Song of Simeon) : "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. "For mine eyes have seen" thy salvation, "Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people "To bo a light to lighten tho Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel. "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Hojy Ghost ; "As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without and. Amen." As the voices of the choristers died \down the organ pealed out the solemn" notes of the Dead March from "Saul," tho heart-stirring strains with their sad associations growing fainter in the ears of tho mourners as they left the church and again took their places at the head of the procession, which stretched its long length through street after street, a- sorrowful tribute to the departed Prime Minister. CATHEDRAL TO GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS. DENSE CROWD OF PEOPLE. It seemed as if the ceremony at the church would never be over. But the ciowd exhibited infinite patience, and though the wind blew chill, and standing' became an infliction, no one murmured. Meanwhile points of vantage were occupied. Tramcars (which had ceased running), cabs, expresses, carts, roofs, fences, trees, all carried a living freight, while the lino of route from the Pro-Cathedral to the Departmental Buildings was occupied by a dense mass, of humanity. AH the way along the. route were stationed volunteers and cadets, bnt' the crowd made no attempt to break the ranks, and no one could imagines a concourse of human atoms better behaved. There was no roughness, no'" pushing; the man or woman with his pram or go-cart or baby in arms was in perfect safety in the crowd. The scene from the railway station to Bowen-street was one to be remembered. There the concourse of people was greatest, and viewed from above, it appeared as though the entire space was occupied by a mass of humanity, which could not possibly find room to move. From windows, alcoves, roofs, fences, everywhere, another crowd looked down on the aggregation of people which thvonged tho side walks and roadway, and everywhere there was order and quiet. At brief intervals the clock bell in the Government Buildings tolled its last farewell to him who had figured so prominently within its walls ; and, but for the hum of conversation, no other sound arose. At last came the sound of music ; the procession was within measurable^ distance, ;and 'a fewminutes after three o'clock the crowd could hear "The Garland of Flowers,," that dirge which appeals to all, being played by one of the bands. It seemed a long time before the sound got close and the clash of the instruments could be distinguished in detail, and then tih6 stir began to be more pronounced. Every one must see ; it was the last chance Still there was no crushing; in some way or other all gab a view of the hearse and the procession, and about twenty minutes after three o'clock the procession turned to its right up .Bowenstreet and commenced the last stage of its sad journey. The scene at that point was remarkable. Away to tho south a vast concourse of people could be seen on a point of Wellington-terrace getting a distant) but clear view ; from the railway station to the front of the Buildings the crowd was packed closely together; from the. Government Printing Office and the Hotel Cecil opposite hundreds viewed the unique spectacle, and tramcars were overcrowded beyond the stretch of imagination. GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS TO THE CEMETERY. A SAD BUT BEAUTIFUL SPEC TACDE. Leaving the Government Buildings, and turnmor into Bowen-street the scene was a strangely beautiful one, despite its mournful purpose. Far up on the hillsides thousands of people could be seen. At the top of Bowen-street some hundreds of Maolls bedecked in twining greenery, nad taken a stand, and there they gave a last farewell according to their own customs. All that could be seen at first was a rustling of green twigs in striking contrast to the manycoloured background formed by thousands of ladies' hats. When the* cortege turned into Mu-seum-street one long mournful shout rent the air, and the natives entered into a haka of defiance — defiance _ at t death. As the procession turned into Sydney-street the wailing of the natives became fainter and fainter, and gradually died away altogether. In Sydney-s-treet, too, thojisjmds had taken up positions. Some seven or eight hundred had crowded on one little knoll away in the Botanical Gardens, and many more looked down on the solemn fcene from house-tops half a, mile away. Every fence in the locality became a restingplace for hundreds for the time being, The trees in the Parliament Buildings presented a strange sight. Dozens of boys were perched on every shrub in the ground, and even ladies did not scruple about trusting their safety to frail verandahs and ' windowsills overlooking the streets. When at last the casket was transferred fiom the heavy gun carriage and borne silently through the cemetery gates, the crowd which' had watched so long and eagerly turned quietly away and commenced to wend their way home•wards>. THE APPROACH TO THE GRAVE. A PROMINENT LANDMARK. At the end of the maich up Sydneyit reet the men of tho local defence forces transferred their chaige to a detachment of marines from His Majesty's ship Encounter, who had come- provided with a lighter gun carriage lo -facilitate approach to the grave by way of tho last steep path through the cemetery. It was a way of .tortuous turns, past the graves of former well-known citizens of tho city, who arc now sleeping their long .sleep. Prominent by the way was a tombstone erected to tho memory of the Rev. Robert Ward, "first Primitive Methodist Minister who crosicd the equator Arrived in Xew^ Zealand in 1844 ; laboured in Tarunaki, Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington; died at Wellington in October, 1876, aged 60." Further on was th© grave of an ex-officer of the Indian Army, and near by this the concreted resting "place (above ground) of the wife of a well-known citizen, there being left open a joined receptacle in concrete for the body of the husband when the call comes. The gray« of the late Prime Minister is in a commanding site. After leaving th« original Sydney-street cemetery one pauses through the caretaker's ({rounds, and .emerges on a knoll bordered to the westward by «iaves, backed by the sombre gr^cn "foliajrc of native bush that 6tu*tcla's lo th<- i-.outh on a gontly risjnj? hill, flanked to the east by a sleep gully green with kafy luxuriunce, aad relieved

to tho northward by a declivity overgrown with shrubs and trees which stretches awjiy tio the distant rojad. From tho knoll one-half of the city and the greater part of the harbour may be seen. Undoubtedly the site ie an eminently suitable one ; and when in future time *v, national memorial to the late Prime Minister is raised upon tho spot, it -nill bo a prominent landmark indeed. ARRIVAL AT THE BURIAL PUCE. CONSECRATION OF THE GROUND. On arrival at the grave his Lor.dship Bishop Wallis consecrated the ground. In a. clear voice he read the following prayer : — "In the name of the Father, • the Son, and the Almighty Ghost, I solemnly consecrate this burial ground, and pray that His blessing* may ever be upon this place and sanctify and keep it holy, that it ' may be a fit resting-placo for the bodies of His servants, until tho day of the Lord Jesus, when he 6hall come to judge the quick and the dead. — Amen." THE LAST SCENE OF ALL. THE BURIAL. Then followed the concluding portion of the solemn and beautiful church burial service. As the Bishop read the sad words there were signs of grief and emotion on tho faces of the relatives and friends around the grave, and these signs wore intensified when the words were pronounced : "Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of His great mercy to take unto Himself tho soul of our d'oar brother here departed, wo therefore commit his body to tho ground ; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust ; m sure and certain hqpe < of tho resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ." . . . "Ana I 'heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, write, From henceforth blessed are the dead which die in tho Lord : even so saith the Spjrit; for they rest from their labours." Then the mourneis moved slowly back, and a. firing party from the New Zealand Royal Artillery took up position. Three buglers from the company blew the call known as "The Sunset,"" and meanwhile three volleys of rifle cartridge were tired over the grave of the ex-l)efenee Minister in token of farewell, as the trio of buglers sounded the musical mournful notes of The Last Post. And there they left him to rest from his labours; and the mourners around the grave and the multitudes on the surrounding slopes slowly dispersed in the gathering gloom of the winter evening. '"God's finger touched him, And he slept." NEW ZEALAND'S DEAD. An eagle lit on a gleaming: height, And shook his plumes on the mountainspire, The storm-winds beafe him in rushing flight, Tho sunset clothed him with fire, The wide wor.d turned uplifted eves But yesterday; now the thick clouds drown The golden peak and (ho circling ekics, And the eun's gone down!, The red dust swims o'er tho clanging field — Strongheart, how fares thy roaring way? Clear in the van is a shining shield That has shono the livelong day. There are gleaming welts, there arc teams and scars — Lo, a swift charger adrip with foam ! And a voice; "Bravo soul of a thousand wars, ' i Home, home I Com^e home!" So, when all the prat/irs are said, Lord, God, keep New Zealand's dead. VTay thoro, down tho shrouded street, Sorrowing faces, hushing feet! For a strong man, and our best, Bides ahead to seek his rest. And the grim guns' sullen sorrow, Shall not break his peace to-morrow. Way there! for. he fain would sleep. Long and deep. Sicellinr/ heart and bended head, Pray God keep 2feu> Zealand's dead. Down tho long, long way ho goes Forward to the grand repose; Tears behind and psalms before, Conquered yet conqueror! From tho battle s orescent star - To the slow triumphal car; To the thousand-throng that cry Prayers for the passer-by! Cease the nailing ; pray instead, God aye keep New Zealand's dead. Strongheart of the shining shield, Quiet-browed and silence-sealed, Sees no more his circling hills Whero tho fragrant eunshino Bpillaj Not the glittering ring of Eca — It is best as it must be — There are sweeter hills and seas Full of God's great peace! Whisper, while the Hack steeds tread, God aye keep New Zealand's dead. For tho brave (tho fight well won) Reapito when the day is done ; For the strong who, sentinel, Held the gateway long and well, . Fame that nevermore- departs, Love that thrills in countless hearts— And his pageantry goes down Blackly through tho town! While they lay his narrow Led,* Pray God keep New Zealand's dead. Over the shrouded streetways, over the sighing town The mourners creep slow-stepping, hot eyes and foreheads down, For tho ono who can heed them never; — ah, better for her who waits "With a splendid Borrow around hep, and tho strong man gone from tha gatos! The arm of the Lord uphold her till tho wild unrest shall cease, And Hia voice, like a dove in the silence, lean down, to her soul with peace. O. ALLAN HARRIS. THE MAORI REPRESENTTIVES. At a representative meeting of Maoris last evening 60 members of the Maori race were chosen to officially represent the original inhabitants of the country al tho funeral. Coining after the Oldage Pensioners they formed ti striking feature in the great procession of the laic Premiers admirers. There was no very marked Maori demonstration of grief beyond the wearing of mats and pomiewananga, the native emblem of mourning. The natives had paid their tribute to the memory of the departed statesman in traditional manner at the Parliament Buildings in the morning, and were ' content to walk solemnly in t,he procession with their p^keha brethren. THE PROPOSED MEMORIAL. The Premier (lion. W. Hall-Jones) has written as follows to Mr. A. R. llislop, Secretary of the New Zealand branch of the Australasian Institute of Marine Engineers :—"I: — "I tender you and your institute, my grateful thanks for being tho first to officially consider tlio establishment of a national memorial to the late Prime Minister. It is pleasing indeed to find that the Australasian Institute of Marine Engineers, of which he was an associiito, is the first to move in this matter. I have no doubt your suggestion will receive httiity support throughout the colony, aiicl a memoriul euitublu to the nubility of the man will be elected."

SERVICE IN LONDON. A LARGE GATHERING. [rRKSS ASSOCIATION.] LONDON, 20th Juno. Tho service in memory of Mr. Seddon took place- at St. Paul's Cathedral at noon yesterday. It was conducted by tho Bishop of Stepney (Dr. C. Of Lang), assisted by the Dean (Dr. Robert, Gregory) and Archdeacon (Dr. William H. Sinclair) of St. Paul's. . Sir George Clement Martin (organist of St. Paul's) ployed Chopin's " Funeral M.uch " at the commencement of tho esrvicef, and 'tho "Dead March" from "Saul" at its close. King Edward was represented by Lord Suflield, the Prince of Wales by Lieuien-ant-Colonel the Hon. Sir WUliamH. f . Carrington, and Sir H. Campbell-Bannei- , man by Mr. H. Lamont, M.P. for Buteshire. There were also present : Mr. Austen ! Chamberlain, representing h>s father and j Mrs. Chamberlain; Lord Elgin, Secretary ot State for tho Colonies; Mr. Winston Churchill, Cuder-Secretary for the Colonies; Sir Joseph Ward, Lady Ward, and Mi... Ward, of New Zealand, who sat in the seat of the chief mourners; Mr. W. P. Reeves-, High Commi* sioner for New Zealand; Lord Onslow, ex-Governor of New Zealand; Mr. Alfied Lyttelton, ex-Colonial Secretary; Janet Lady Clarke, of" Melbourne; Mr. J. Cathcart Wason, M.P., formerly a member of th© New Zealand House of Representatives; Sir Westby Perceval, an ex-member of the New Zealand House . and at one time. Agent-General for that , colony ; Lord Banfurly, late Governor of New "Zealand; Mr. H. B. Holland, private secretary to the Colonial Secretary; Mr. William Gray, Secretary to tho Now Zealand Postal Department; Sir John Cockburn, ex-Premier of South Australia ; Sir M. F. Ommanney, Permanent Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies; Mr. Justice Williams, of Dunedin; Mr. Harold Bcauchamp and Mrs. Beauchamp, of Wellington; Sir Fredeiick Young, President of tho Royal Colonial Institute; Mr. J. L. O'Halloran, Secretary of tho Royal Colonial Institute; 'Mrs. Muecko (nee Ada Crossley), the famous, contralto ; Sir E. Montagu Nelson; Mr 7W. J. Napier, of t Auckland; Mr. Montgomery, ex-member of the New Zealand House of Reprcfcen--tatives; 'Mr. Henniker-Heaton ; Captain Collins, Military Adviser to the Commonwealth Government; and lk& AgentsGeneral for all the Australian States. Colonel Pole-Penton and Mr. M. 11. Oliver wero also present. MESSAGE FROM SIR JOSEPH WARD. LONDON, 20th June. Sir Joseph Ward sends the following message- to tho public of New Zealand :—: — I deeply regret that I am unable to pay my last personal tribute of respect to my respected old friend and colleague. Yet I am grateful that I had tho opportunity of taking part in the beautiful and touch- v ' ing memorial service at St. Paul's Cathedral. The- lurge and varied character of the gathering was tho greatest possible tribute to Mr. Seddon's memory, and the grief manifested shows how deaply his services beyond New .Zealand's shores, as well as within the colony, arc recognised in tho heart of the Empire. Such sympathy will help to soften the terrible blow th© widow and family have suffered. A SYDNEY PAPER'S TRIBUTE. (Received June 21, 9.42 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. " The Sydney Morning Herald," referring to the honours paid to New Zealand's dead statesman, says : — "He won his iepufation as a representative citizen of Greater Britain. He was more than a. citizen; he Vas a spokesman of the Empire, and acknowledged as such not only in England but in Canada and South Africa. There was recognition of this in the honour paid to his memoiy at the seat of the Empire by the national service at St. Paul's. Mr. Seddon never minced his words or chastened his expressions when he brought his views on (iuestions affecting the welfare of Greater Britain under the notice of the Mother Country. He spoke straightforwardly from the head and heart. The many tributes to his influence and to his memory paid by Royalty, public men, and tho British press, acknowledge this soundness and fearlessness of intent and act. There was a time when, euch qualities in a citizen in the outer Empire would have been misunderstood and perhups resented, but men like Sir. Seddon have broken through the old crust of officialism and brought a warm-iind breathing human nature into Imperial and colonial relations." AT OTHER PLACES. [BT TBLEaBATH. — P3ESO ASSOCIATION. I NAPIER, This Day. Beautiful weather reigned to-day for tho Seddon memorial service. Business ■was totally suspended during the afternoon, and » monster open-air service was held on tho Marine-parade. Addresses were delivered by all tho local elergylnon. Tho volunteers fired a volley and the buglers sounded "Tho Last Post." A combined choir sang " Abide With Me," and the. massed bands played the "Dead March." DUNEDIN, This Day. The day is being observed as a elo«o holiday, oven places where perishable goods arc sold nnd exempted under tho ♦Shops Act shutting down. Tho weather is fino and warm. The po.->t oflicc and a few other buildings were diaped. A large number of country vi6itois havecomo info town to witness tho military memorial services. GREYMOUTH, This Day. All business is entirely suspended. Flags are flying at half-mast and many places are- draped. Memorial services wero held in tho Anglican and 'Methodist Churches. At tho former tho local bodies, volunteers, and friendly societies attended in a body, tho battalion band playing tho " Dead March." AUCKLAND, Thio Day. The weather is fine for the Seddon memorial services. The Government offices and soino of tho business premises tiro draped in black, and tho majority of the citizens wear somo mark of mourning. The. memoriul services promise to bo Sf a, very impressive character. A. military memorial servico was held in St. .Matthew's Church, all tho troops of the garrison, both volunteer and permanent, tho veterans, and South African contingenters attending. Bishop Neligan delivered an address, in the course- of which ho said employer and employed knew no difference now in New Zealand, and tho hardest workor had got some rcat at last." He referred to the late Mr. Seddon as "a big, strong character, and a- great Englishman, who lived for New Zealand, and gave his life- for her. ' A similar service wus held in St. Paul's. • PAL-MERSTON, This Day. Tho business premises did not open today. Flags, which in many instances arc surmounted with streamers of crepo, ai« flown half-ma.st from all th© Government offices and business establishments in thetown. The memorial services at the Opetu Houte ;nc largely attended. AYESTPORT, Tl^iLb Day. All buunewi moo suspended to-day, $bo T^'fr!*^ and other \cotk* jjsmi^

closed down. Theie aie feigns of sorrow everywhere. The memorial service this Jiftcinoon is being conducted by Uio Revs. L>ait (Ausilican). Barton (Preibylerian), aud Prett (Methodist). . HOKTTIKA, This D.iy. The whole of Westlaud is observing a day of mourning. • The public buildings are draped, and flags aie flying halfmast. Memorial 6ervices arc being held thia afternoon in all of the churches. LrIRISTCHURCU, This Day. Business is entirely buspended. 1" c public buildings aie* draped. The Licensed Victuallers' Association ha^ asked the hotels to close from 1 o'clock to 5. A memorial seirice will be held in the Cathedral at 2.30 o'clock. A united memorial service was held in Cranmer Square all the Volunteers attending. WANGANUI, This Day. An impressive memorial service to the -late Premier "was held this afternoon in dull weather, which added to the general gloom observable everywhere. I Volunteers, cadets, school children, and I a great gathering of the general public J assembled in Queen's Park, where a ] service was conducted by Ministers of all denominations. Appropriate hymns were sung by combined choirs of all churches. The Garrison Band played the Dead March and ''Flowers of the Forest." AT PETONE. At 10 o'clock this morning the Petone Brass Band and the local 'Salvation Army Band, under Bandmaster Sherwin, marched through the main street--whose business places iiavc similar tokens of mourning to those seen in I Wellington — playing the Dead March in J "i3aul." On arrival at tho Oddfellows' Hall an impressive memorial service was held, the Mayor (Mr. G. London) .presiding. After tho large congregation had sung the solemn hymn "When our Heads are Bowed with Woe," the Rev. J. D. Russell offered a fervent prayer for comfort for the bereaved family, and for an increase in godliness as a result of the people's sorrow. The Rev. R. J. Liddell read the 90th J'salm, which was followed by the hymn '"Now the Labourer's Task is O'er." To the Rev. A. Thomson was allotted the' delivery of a brief appropriate address. He based his remarks upon the words : '"And now I go . . not knowing the things that shall befall me there" (Acts xx., 22). The service concluded with the singing of the hymns "For Ever with the Lord" mid "O Qo<2, our Help in Ages Past," the reading of the 15th chapter of the Ist Corinthians by the Rev. R. Wilson, a prayer by Captain J. Lamberton, and the pronouncing of the benediction by the Rev. J. Spottiswoode. GENERAL. A memorial service will bo held at the Missions to Seamen this evening. The pall bearers not Ministers of the Crown, were Mr. J. Murdoch (Mayor of Kumara), Mr. T. M'Guigan (Chairman of the Westland County Council), Mr. Malcolm Nicol (Grand Secvctiiiy). and Mr. F. C. Binns (Pro-Grand Master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of sCew Zealand). The ranks of the police force have been strengthened by the addition of six constables fioin Chrischurch and four from the Wanganui district, making a total of Rixty constables and six sergeants on duty in Wellington this afternoon. The Citizens Committee which, took on itself the duty of arranging for an in memoriam service at the Town Hall onSunday, held another meeting yesterday afternoon. The lion. 'A. Pitt was present as representing the- 'Ministry. It was decided to invite all city choirs to assist in the choral portion of the service, and to ask them to meet at thd Town Hall at 8 o'clock to-mdrrow night 'for reMr. 11. Parker waa present and agreed to take charge of the musical arrangements. Minute-guns were fired from the Ngahauranga Battery. The first report was heard when the cortege moved away from Parliament Buildings. Sixty-one shots were fired, representing the late Premier's age. The big bell in the Post Oflice tower, and also several church bells, were tolled during the progress of the funeral procession. As^ a mark of respect, all tho hotels wero' closed this afternoon, and the tramcars ceased running down Willisstroet and along the Lamblon-quay and Thorndon lines. About 150 natives representing tribes from the north of Auckland to tho Bluff, who were unable- to join in tho procession, took up a stand near the corner of Bowen-strc«t and Wellington-terrace, where they sang weird songs of lament and waved pieces of evergreen to the tune of tho music. It was their intention when the procession passed to march through tho streets singing laments to the Wellington Hotel, where they wero to dismiss.