THE NATION’S TRIBUTE

Evening Star, Issue 19764, 14 January 1928, Page 5

THE NATION’S TRIBUTE

HUM TO DEAD WRITER BURIAL IK THE ABBEV Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, January 13. (Received January 14, at 1 a.m.) The nation was so moved at Mr Thomas Hardy's death that no surprise was occasioned when it was announced that burial in the Abbey had been offered and accepted. The remains will be cremated at Woking and the ashes interred in the Abbey on Monday. It is understood that Sir James Barrie, who frequently visited Mr Hardy, saw the Prime Minister and others in refernce to this tribute The Dean of Westminster conveyed the offer by letter to Mrs Hardy. Meantime, the offer and its acceptance were exchanged by telephone. The decision was rendered difficult owing to the first sentence of Mr Hardy’s will, which ran: “I desire to be buried in Stinsford church,” but Mrs Hardy felt that she must defer to the genera] wish that her husband should receive the greatest honor that it was in the power of England to give. The villagers at Stinsford are disappointed, for in the churchyard are buried Mr Hardy’s grandparents, father, mother, sister, and his first wife.

POSITION IN ABBEY. NEXT TO CHARLES DICKENS. I British Official News.) Proas Association- By Wireless—Copyright RUGBY, January 13. (Received January 14, at 11.30 a.m.) It is stated officially that the remains of Mr Thomas Hardy, which will bo buried in Westminster Abbey on Monday afternoon, will be next to those of Charles Dickens.