LATE THOMAS HARDY

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 January 1928, Page 7

LATE THOMAS HARDY

THEI KING'S SYMPATHY (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, January 13. The King telegraphed Mrs,. Hardy that bis and the Queen’s “grief to hear of the sad loss you have sustained by the death of your distinguished husband, will be shared by all their countrymen, in whose literature his name will live permanently.” The nation was so moved by the news of Mr. Hardy’s death that there was no surprise when it was announced that an Abbey burial was 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 reference to this tribute. Tlie Dean of Westminster sent a letter to Mrs. Hardy. Meantime, the offer and acceptance were exchanged by telephone. The decision was rendered difficult owing to the first sentence of Mr. Hardy’s will:—“I desire burial at Stinsford Church,” but- Mrs. Hardy felt she must defer to the general wish that her husband should receive the greatest honour in the power of England to give. Thg) villagers at Stinsford are disappointed, for buried in the churchyard are Mr. Hardy’s grandparents, father, mother, sister, and first wife.