MEMORIAL SERVICES.

Grey River Argus, 23 June 1906, Page 3

MEMORIAL SERVICES.

AT TOTARA FLAT.

The largest and most solemn gathering ever assembled at Totara Flat filled Erickson's Hall at 2.30 p.m on Thursday when a memorial service in memory of our late Premier the Right Hon RJ; Seddon P.C., was conducted by the Rev McDowall. After reading from the scriptures the preacher refer reJ in an eloquent address to the remarkable services rendered to this colony and the Empire by the late Statesman, and he urged the children particularly the boys, to emulate the life, work and achievements of such mien as our late friend and Prime Minister, President Lincoln and others Mr Seddon's favourite hymn "Nearer My God to Thee" was sung by the mourners. All remained standing while the Dead March was being play ed on the organ by Mrs McDowall. At the close of the service the following 'letter of sympathy was read, adopted, and signed by sixty persons on behalf of . themselves and their families: — •"The inhabitants of Upper Grey Valley, assembled at Totara Flat, 21st June, 1906. >'To Mrs Seddon, : ' Wellington. .■"""-' Dear Madam, — We desire to unite with the vast multitudes assembled in -many lands at services in memory of your late beloved husbandj in assuring you of our heartfelt sympathy with you in your '_ great loss. The very general expression of sorrow from so many quarters must indeed emphasize to you the greatness of your loss, but we pray that He who is as Almighty to comfort as to create may have you and yours in His loving keeping and grant you every needed consolation and blessing. "You may remember that when last here Mr Seddon expressed a wish to meet with the children next time he came to Totara Flat. In the providence of God there is to be no next time on earth. We, however, hope that the great examples of thoroughness, diligence- and fidelity which our departed fiiend showed in all walks of life, may inspire many a Jad to higher aims, and greater attainmnets for . the good of -his fellowmen both here in New Zealand and elsewhere. We expect that thus some at least, may .so far follow in his steps that they too, as he has done may - in parting leave behind "footprint f on the sands of time," and e*ru a deserved "well done" from our Master in Heaven "Again evoking God's best blessing on you and yours, } We remain, Pear Madam, -..'■■■■ Yours sorrowfully.