NEW ZEALAND’S SORROW

Evening Star, Issue 12843, 19 June 1906, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND’S SORROW

00R LATEJ’REMIER. THE FUNERAL CEREMONY. Tlio Acting-Premier sent us tho following message shortly before ono o’clock this afternoon: Time for funeral cortege leaving Parliament Buildings has been altered from ■ 2.30 p.m. to 2 o’clock.—Wm. HallJonesj SERVICE JN_ SYDNEY. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, June 19. (Received June 19, at 10 a.m.) A memorial service will bo hold in St. Andrew’s Cathedral simultaneously with tho late Mr Seddon’s funeral. ORDER OF PROCESSION. MINISTERS AS PALL-BEARERS. [Fbom Ouk Special Cobbespohdeks.J WELLINGTON, * Jim© 19. It baa been decided that foot passengers in tho procession shall take precedence of all cabs and private carriages. The firing party, consisting of fifty members of the Permanent Artillery, wifi head the procession ; then will follow the seven massed bands; immediately thereafter will oome the gun carriage, bearijig the Premier’s body, with tho members of the Ministry as pall-bo areas; members of the family and the chief mourners, with the Governor, will come next, and then members of both branches of the Legislature. Applications arepouring in for places in tho procession. The marshal has decided to group the county councils, unions, and local bodies in comprehensive sections. Vehicular attendance is strictly confined to the end of tho procession. The route will cover about one mile and a-half. ACCOMMODATION INADEQUATE. I WELLINGTON, June 19. The accommodation in the city is taxed to tho utmost, and it is feared that many late arrivals will find difficulty in securing rooms. Even at present shakedowns aro eagerly snapped up. Last night’s express on the Manawatu Railway was packed with people, most of whom have come to Wellington to attend tho funeral of the late Premier. There have teen a great maaV additions to the visiting population of Wellington during the past few days, and tho hotels and boarding-houses are rapidly filling up. Special trails will be run to cope with the traffic. WEST COASTERjTFIHAI TRIBUTE. WESTPORT, June 19. Three hundred West Coast people are passengers by tho Arahura to Wellington to attend tho funeral. CONTINGENTERS’ SYMPATHY. AUCKLAND, Juno 19. At a meeting of South African contingenters a resolution was passed tendering Mrs Seddon and family their sympathy. It was resolved to ask Licutenant-oolonol Chaytor to represent them at Mr Seddon’s funeral, and also to take steps to erect a Seddon memorial tablet.

MEMORIAL SERVICES.

All members of the- different choirs arc requested by the Methodist Church Council to bo present at the united Methodist memorial in Trinity Church, At a meeting of the Port Chalmers Borough Council last evening a letter was received from the Rev. E. C. Tcnncnt, who Stated that the Deacons’ Court of the Presbyterian Church recommended that a memorial service be held on Thursday at 2.30 p.m. out of respect to the memory of the fate Premier. The fact that the navals and cadets bad been ordered to parade at Dunedin on that occasion would militate against tho success of tho service at Port Chalmers, and Mr Tennent suggested that tho Council should request- Colonel Robin to grant permission tot the volunteers- and cadets to attend tho local ceremony, and thus add to its impressiveness. A desire was also expressed that the service should bo a united one, and that it be held cither in the Town Hall <n - in the Presbyterian Church. Tho town clerk was instructed to write to Colonel Robin emphasising the fact that it was desired that the volunteers and cadets should attend the Port Chalmers memorial service. It was further resolved that the whole of the arrangements be left in the hands of the mayor, the ministers of respective congregations, and the bandmaster of the Port Chalmers Band (Mr B. Montgomery). Memorial services are to bo held by tho Rev. William Fairmaid on Thursday, tlio 2let, at 2.30 p.m., in the Outram Societies’ Hall, and the day is to he observed as a day of mourning in honor of tho late Premier. A combined memorial service will be held in North-east Valley Town Hall on Thursday afternoon. A funeral service will ho held in the Green Island Presbyterian Church on Thursday. INVERCARGILL, June 19. Arrangements have been completed fox tho holding of the memorial service in the Garrison Hall on Thursday afternoon, when all the business places will be "closed. The interior of tho building will bo draped in black. Tho volunteers, bands, etc., form in procession, and slowly march to the hall, where the various ministers will speak. TEMARU, June 19. A united memorial service is to bo bold here on Thursday afternoon in Alexandra square. The battalion band and volunteers will be in attendance. The band will play the Dead March, and the bell at the Post Office and at the Town Hall will bo tolled. ASHBURTON, Juno 19. Business premises will bo closed all day Thursday, and a memorial service will be held in the Domain.

FEELING AT THE HILLSIDE WORK-!) SHOPS.

Yesterday afternoon a notice was posted at the Hillside Workshops to tho effect that the shops would not be closed on Thursday (the day of the funeral of the late Premier), and that the employees would on that day cease work for ten minutes and stand -with their hats off as a mark of respect to Mr Stddon’s memory. Last evening a deputation from tho workmen waited on Mr J. P. Arnold. M.H.R., and represented the matter to rum, and as .a result of the re .presentations made he forwarded the following telegram, which explains itself, to th® Act-ing-Minister for Railways:—“ Hon. Colonel Pitt, Wellington.—To-day a notice was posted at the Hillside Workshops to the effect that work is to cease 1W ten minutes on Thursday, as a mark of respect to the late Premier. Considerable feeling has been caused thereby, and to-night a number of workmen have waited upon me re the matter. It ia fully recognised that Mr Seddon ever fried to befriend the working class, and' the men feel that at least the workshops- should be dosed th© whole' day, on Thursday. J would- remind you that the shopkeepers and the mercantile community am doing their part in paying due respect to the memory of so great a statesman, though in many cases it means considerable inconvenience. I trust the Railway Department will not be behind, especially as far as the workshops are concerned; further, a number of the employees are members of -volunteer corps, which will be called out to take part in the ceremonies. I trust you will see your way to comply with the laud able desire of the men.” Mr Arnold this morning received the following reply from the Hon. A- Pitt;

The ten minutes’ notice re Workshops and railways wi#' issued by department before orders issued by as, which are as fcdkw •. —“ AU workshops throughout tbo colony to close all day on day of lunefal, and men to bare holiday. All trtuna to remain stopped for ton minutes at time fixed; for funeral-” SERVICE AT THE TRIANGLE, CONDUCTED BY THE COUNCIL OE - CHURCHES. It ban been decided that a moss meeting shall bo bold at 3.30 p.m. on Thursday, under the auspices of the Council of Churches. The meeting will be at the Triangle, and should tbo weather be inclement, at tba Garrison Hall. Major Gumming (Salvation Army, president of the Council) wfli preside. Prayer will bo offered by tbo Bay. D. Borne (Moderator of tbo Presbyterian Assembly), and passages from the Scriptures read By the Bey. W. Hay (Baptist) and Rev. W. A. Sinclair (Methodist). The Rev. W. Saunders will then deliver an address to the occasion; Three Jhvmns —‘ Oh God, Our Hein.’ ‘ Rock of Ages,’ .and ‘ Abide With Mo’ —which are to be sung, will bo printd and circulated, the singing bring led by the Eaikorai Bond- Colonel Robin has consented to instruct the volunteers to march from the churches, where they may be to the Triangle as soon as the church services are concluded. HOTELS TOJE CLOSED, The Licensed Victuallers’ Association, at a large meeting held this afternoon, resolved to close' the hotels from 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. on Thursday. A FRIEND OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION. One of the many educational reforms introduced by the late Prime Minister which will for ever help, to keep his memory green is that in connection with technical college work, and last evening the superintendent of our local school (Mr Angus Marshall), addressing the students on the subject, informed them that Mr Srißton had been one of tbeir best friends, and os a mark of respect to his memory the Technical School would be dosed on 'Thursday. Mr Marshall eulogised Mr Seddon’s foresight in furthering technical education, mentioning the fact that when the latter became Minister of Education he found technical schools few and far between, bat since they had sprung up all over the colony, and had been placed on a better footing in every way. SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS. The School Commissioners of Otago met this morning at 9.30, when it was unanimously resolved, on the motion of the chairman (Mr W. Dallas), seconded by Mr MacGibbon, to adjourn till 10 a-m., as a mack of respect to tho memory of the late Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier and Minister of Education, and that a letter of condolence bo sent to the widow and family in their sad bereavement ; also that the Hon. Mr Feldwick be asked to represent the School Commissioners of Otago at the funeral of the late statesman. In speaking to ihe motion, the Chairman stated that the lata Mr Seddon had always taken a. strong and hearty interest in all matters appertainingto education and tho social advancement of tho people, in proof of which he had recently taken steps to have a large area of Grown lands set apart for the increase of education endowments. As Mmister of Education ho had been tho School Commissioners’ political head, and it was therefere fitting that they should pay a tribute to his memory. The deceased gentleman had the welfare of the people ever in view, and besides having a trig heart to devise measures for the good of the community and the improvement of social conditions, he had the strong head and courage to carry these measures into effect. Apart altogether from politics, one and all must agree that the lamented death of the Premier is a great public loss, and that it had created a Wank which it will be hard to-fill.

LICENSED VICTUALLERS 1 ASSOCIATION.

The licensed Victuallers’ Association met this afternoon, and passed the following resolution : — 1 That this Association desire to express their deep sense at the great loss which the colony and the Empire have sustained in Mr Seddon’s death. The re-

markable expressions of sorrow from all classes throughout New Zealand are the greatest tributes from a mourning people to his unique personality, his stainless character, and to the esteem and affection in which ho was universally held. As a statesman ho was beyond question the greatest in Australasia. As a politician his untiring labors on behalf of the vforkets, the aged and infirm, the poor and distressed, will ever servo to keep his memory in affectionate remembrance. The extraordinary forae of character, which carried him successfully from comparative obscurity to the foremost position in the colony, his patriotism, and loyalty to his Sovereign and country in the hour of trouble, were especial features of his greatness, and in all he showed the true spirit of a British subject. As husband, father, and friend, Mr Seddon was guided by the spirit which these words beautifully serve to convey—love and loving service. In these, as in all other respects, he revealed his great sense of destiny, and now wo bid him farewell, while ho has moved into a larger day. Wo mast heartily sympathise with Mrs Seddon and the family in their overwhelming sorrow, and we request this minute to be sent to Mrs Seddon as expressive in a small measure of the feeling this Association cherished for her late husband.

MR SEDDON’S REMARKABLE TELEGRAM.

Just as he was leaving Sydney to embark on the Oswestry Grange on his last voyage Mr Seddon telegraphed to Sir John Forrest :—“ Just leaving. Will ewer remember your kindness, old friend. Be careful of your health. That ifi the greatest treasure of aIL”

PROPOSED DUNEDIN MEMORIAL

TO THS BDITOESir, —The suggestion that the Southern Recreation Ground be in future known aa Soddbn Park 'is, I think, a good one, end it has occurred to me that a fitting memorial to the memory of the great man might be erected at the some spot. I would suggest an arch, to be erected over tho northern entrance and just in front of the fallen troopers’ memorial that is now being built I would like to see an arch of noble proportions built of the most durable stone that we have in the country, and the whole surmounted by a full-sised statu© of pur late Premier. Probably piles would have to be driven to secure a solid foundation for such heavy masonry work, but that is a detail. Subscriptions for some sack object could be easily raised, and as tho park will, in years to comf, grow to he an ornament to our City, I think no wore fitting place could be chosen whereon to erect a memorial to the name, of our late PremierMany ways of commemorating his life and work will be discussed in the near future, and perhaps some have thought of a similar idea to the one suggested above. I mention it for what it is worth, but if such a, memorial be decided on, let it bo a firstclass job, and, as fax as possible, worthy of a great reputation-—I am, etc., WinuAM B. TamsaNEn. June 19.

NOTES. ~Mi* J. Allen, M.H.8., and Mr A, R. Barclay, M.H.R., left for Wellington this morning. The Hon. H. Feld wick, M.L.C., and Messrs J. A. Honan (Invercargill) and J. Q. Thomson (Wallace), M.H-R-a, worn passengers from Invercargill yesterday. The-Dunedin Telegraph Deportment will be jab .tho -jimeral Mkjßfljh

lard, and the local Stamps' Department by Mr Corliss. - Ha Wellington Pest and Tetosph Offices close from 1.30 to 6 p-in. on Tbnrsday. instead of 2to 5 p-m. as previously advised. - When the Coccfliation Board met this morning. Hr A, Bathgate (chairman) sard that before going on with the busmesa ho thought it fitting that reference should be made to the death of the Premier. They all knew that the business that tho Board were connected with was a matter that the late Mr Sadden had very much at heart, and it was right that they should express their sense of the loss that the colony had sustained by his death. So much bad been said already that it was not necessary for him to say more. Mr Frank M’NeOl, an old miner and West Coaster, leaves by to-morrow ’e express to attend the funeral of his lute friend RJ. Sodden. The Green Island School Committee last evening passed a resolution expressing regreat at the death of the late Minister of Education and a vote of sympathy with "the bereaved family. * One Who Knows ” writes expressing tho hope that Thursday will be strictly observed by all in the community anting as one in showing, their last tribute of sympathv to the departed statesman. He torwaicu) a report that two firms who intend closing their doors intend to keep their employees working. We doubt it. The president of the New Zealand Methodist Council (the Rev, T- G. Brooke) has requested the chairman of the Wellington district (the Roy. P. W. Fairdough) to represent the Methodist Church at tho funeral of the late Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, and has notified the Acting-Premier of tho same. Two beautiful wreaths have been sent to Wellington, from Campbelltown and Invercargill. The latter one is finished with a white ribbon streamer on which is printed “ Invercargill, Southland,” in black lettering. On a card is this inscription: “With our profound sympathy for the widow and her children.” The Bluff wreath is also bound with a white ribbon bearing tho word “ Campbelltown ” in black. The card is inscribed thus: “ A token of respect and deepest sympathy from the mayor, councillors, and citizens of Campbelltown.” The wreaths are being conveyed to Wellington uzlder the care of ScanSrett, Major of Invercargill, who left there ibis afternoon. The Mayor of Port Chalmers requests that ’all business premises in the borough be closed on fTmrsday afternoon. The last opportunity for people living in the South to attend the funeral of the late Premier will be by a special train leaving Clinton at 5.5 a.xu. to-morrow, arriving at Dunedin at 7.44. This train will connect with tho mail train leaving Dunedin for the North at 8 a-m. A Greymouth message states that a meeting of railway employees held to-day decided to petition for a cessation of work on the afternoon of Thursday, as a mark of respect to Mr Seddon. Ten minutes’ stoppage of work was objected to. The ‘ Evening Star ’ factory will dose all day Thursday, and the newspaper establishment between the hours of two and three o’clock. No advertisements intended for that day’s issue will ho received after 1 p.m. on Thursday. Mr R. Milligan, mayor, will represent the citizens of Camara at the funeral.

Tho Von. Archdeacon Gould, of Camara, will be present at tho funeral as Grand Chaplain >f the Grand Lodge of Freemasons to conduct the Masonic ceremony. Tho Rev. Dr Nisbot has decided to postpone his Itctnro on ‘ Queensland,’ which was to have been given in His Majesty s Theatre on Thursday evening. At a special meeting of the Otago Tramway? Union of Workers, held last night, reference was made to the death of the Right Hon. B. J. Seddon, and tho secretary was directed to convey the sincere sympathy of tho union to the ■widow and family in their sad bereavement. At ih© opening of tho Supreme Court at New Plymouth to-day. Judge Edwards made reference to Mr Soddon’s death. * Our Lawrence correspondent wires: Bonnet, member for txio district, acoom* panted by Mr John Edlo, county engineer, left this afternoon to attend the late Prcruler's funeral. The half-holiday is to be observed at Lawrence oq Thursday this week, instead of on Wednesday.

WELLINGTON, June 19. The president of ih® United Friendly Societies’ Council has communicated with the Hon. Hall-Jones, expressing the heartfelt and fraternal regret of their many thensand members at the untimely demise of the late Premier. Ho adds that the deceased Premier’s sympathetic interest in their special work has earned him lading mooredation, and augments then- deep sense of loss. Mr Seddon wns. a member of a friendly society.