NEW ZEALAND MOURNS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 20, 25 January 1901, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND MOURNS.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Dunedin, last night. Despite the fact of yesterday being a holiday, the request of tho Acting-Premier to observe to-day as a day of mourning was almost generally observed, and the shops and business places wore closed. In the evening a citizens’ memorial service, called by the Mayor, was held in the Agricultural Hall. There was a very large attendance. Hymns were sung, a brief address was given by the Rev. Mr Fairclough, and the proceedings closed by the band playing the “ Dead March.” Feilding, last night. Feilding is in mourning. All the places of business were closed yosterday afternoon, and the function of laying the foundation stone of the new post-office was postponed. A special church service was held in the evening. Thames, last night. The Borough Council passed a resolution of condolence with the Royal Family, and then adjourned. Christchurch, last night. Tho day has been observed in the city as a day of mourning. All the shops were closed, and some of them were draped in black. The Cathedral bells rung muffled peals at intervals, and tho art gallery at the Exhibition was thrown opon. A lifesized portrait of the Queen there was draped, and at the foot was a magnificent wreath placed there by the City Council on behalf of the citizens, and as the day wore on many other wreaths wore laid there. The Mayor received a telegram from the Governor acknowledging the message of sympathy and sorrow sent on behalf of tho citizens of Christchurch.

Auckland, last night. The usual festivities for the Anniversary Day on January 29th will not be observed. Tho Sixth Contingent Send-off Committee has decided that there shall be no ceremony of any kind whatever. The Mayor will proclaim a day of mourning on the funeral day. With few exceptions business proceeded as usual to-day.

Nelson, last night. To-day was observed by everyone as a day of mourning. Tho business places were no sooner opened hi the morning than they were closed again, and even the cabs left the stands. The post office was draped, and special services were held tonight at the Cathedral and Presbyterian Church.

Wanganui, last night. Tho day was observed as a close holiday, All tho shops were closed, and a gloomy silence hung over the town. In the morning an impressive memorial service was held in the Anglican Church, and to-night a great united memorial service was held in the Opera House. The place was packed, there being nearly 3000 people there, while hundreds were unable to gain admission. The Volunteer Fire Brigade and Garrison Band attended, as also did the Mayor and Borough Councillors. Addresses were delivered by tho Revs. G. Bond (Wesleyan), R. M. Ryburn (Presbyterian), and J. M. Marshall (Anglican). Hymns appropriate to the solemn occasion were sung by a great assembly, and at the close of the service the Dead March in Saul was played by the band.

A DAY OF MOURNING.

SUGGESTIONS FROM GOVERNMENT. PUBLIC HOLIDAY WHEN THE FUNERAL TAKES PLACE. [by TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, last night. The Acting-Premier, Hon. J. G. Ward, has sent the following telegram to all Mayors, Chairmen County Councils, Chairman Road Boards, Chairmen Town Boards, Archbishops, Bishops, and clergymen of all denominations throughout the colony : “As it is difficult in a scattered community to obtain unanimity, of action in connection with the lamentable death of our late beloved Queen, the Government suggest that the following be adopted : “The public to be respectfully-ifivited to observe a close day of mourning on tho occasion of the funeral of the Queen. A general holiday will be proclaimed throughout the colony on that day for that purpose. - _ “Women and girls to wear a band of black' ribbon on right arm above elbow, and men to wear a strip of black ribbon in lapel of coat.

“ Until after funeral of Queen flags on public buildings, in addition to being halfmast, to, have a black streamer a foot above the flag. Citizens possessing flags should be requested to arrange them similarly. Clergymen to fix next Sunday as a day for universal mourning service in the different churches throughout the colony.” A special memorial service is to be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral at three o’clock on Sunday afternoon. It is intended to invite His Excellency the Governor, members of the Ministry, the Mayor, and the City Councillors, and other prominent public men.

MESSAGE FROM LORD.RANFURLY-

REPLY FROM KING EDWARD.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Wellington, last night. His Excellency the Governor yesterday addressed the following ealjle (q the Secretary of State for {ho Colonies : “ Myself and Ministers ,and the people of New Zealand, desire to convey to the Royal family, also the Imperial Government, our heartfelt sorrow in the loss the Empire has sustained by the death of our beloved Queen —so noble a woman, so illustrious a Sovereign.” The Governor has received the following cable message from the Secretary-of-State for the Colonics : —“ lam directed by the Prince and Princess of Wales to acknowledge very gratefully your message expressing the sympathy of yourself, your Government, and the people of New Zealand.”

(This refex's to the message cxpi'essing sympathy that was sent during the Queen’s illness.)

The Government Departmental Buildings and the front of the General Postoffice is now draped with festoons of black, which will be allowed to remain until after Her Majesty’s funeral. The artisans at the Government railway workshops have been granted holidays until Monday.