THE LATE SIR JOSEPH WARD

Hokitika Guardian, 12 July 1930, Page 5

THE LATE SIR JOSEPH WARD

AT INVERCARGILL

(By TelegrapD—Per Press Association.*

INVERCARGILL July 11. The tram bearing the body of Sir Joseph Ward steamed into the Invertargnl station to-night, with a muffled whistle blowing, and it came to a standstill with the Mortuary Van opposite to the passage way through 1 which the cortege was to pass.

With the cessation of the rumble of the train, an eerie silence dell upon the station.

There was a huge crowd assembled in the precincts of the station, who stood with bared heads, awaiting the appearance of the cortege. The casket was placed on a gun carriage, and the cortege then moved off, led by a Guard of Honour, with the Southland Caledonian Pipe Band, of which Sir Joseph had been the Patron for . many years, immediately in front of the gun carriage, which was followed by the mourners.

The procession moved off to a Lament played by the Pipe Band, and passed through a silent line of people which lined the entire route to the Basil icia, There were several thousands in the crowd, nil of whom had gathered to pay their homage to the distinguished statesman.

The casket was received into the church by the Bishop of Dunedin, Rt. Rev. Dr Whyte, and a short service was then held, the Church being crowded.

REQUIEM MASS AT AUCKLAND

AUCKLAND, July 11

Pontifical Requiem Mass 'for the late Sir J. Ward was celebrated by Bishop Liston at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, in the presence of a great congregation, including representatives of thre Government, Legislative Council, and the Auckland local bodies.

Bishop Liston described Sir Joseph Ward as a true patriot and Christian.

IRISH FREE STATE CONDOLENCE,

•From the Minister of External Affairs of the Irish Free State, the following message has been received in reference to the death of Sir Joseph Ward:—“The Irish Free State desires to express profound regret at the death of Sir Joseph Ward, and to offer sincere sympathy ; with New Zealand in the loss of a statesman who rendered his country such -signal service,”

SWEDEN'S’ MESSAGE. From the Swedish Consul-General at Sydney : “On behalf d" Sweden, I beg to offer your country most sincere and respectful sympathy in the loss of its distinguished statesman and citizen, Sir J. Ward.” N.Z. LEAGUE TEAM. From the joint managers of the New Zealand Rugby League football touring team, at Bathurst, New South Wales, the following message has been received:—“Our team greatly laments the, passing of the Dominion’s most eminent statesman, and sympathises with the Government and people.”