OBSERVANCE AT NELSON.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 144, 22 June 1906, Page 2

OBSERVANCE AT NELSON.

[Special tp Exbress.]

NELSON, June 22

There was an immense gathering of citizens, Volunteers and Cadets, roughly estimated at between four and five thousand, at the Central School grounds yesterday afternoon, when an impressive memorial service was held as a last public tribute to Mr Seddon. Appropriate hymns were sung, and the Bishop of Nelson delivered an eloquent panegyric on the deceased statesman. Business was entirely suspended in the afternoon, all public offices, shops, and hotels being closed. Many buildings were draped. Bells were tolled, and flags flown at half-mast in the city and on shipping at the Port. Similar services were held in other parts of the district.

Ccurt-house grounds, Picton, was very largely attended by members ot all denominations and an astonishing number of men. A platform was erected under somo gum trees by the asphalt ot the old tennis ground, and the addresses were delivered from that point of vantage. The Volunteers, under Lieut. Swanwick, marched in silence with arms (reversed, and the school cadets were also present under Captain C. C. Howard. The Mayor (Di Redman) took charge of the proceedings from the platform, and alter Hymn 221 had been sung, gave an address bearing upon the great statesman whose work on eai-th was finished and done with. He dwelt upon his many good traits, and said the late Premier was a faithful husband, a kind father, and a staunch friend Ho was a humanitarian also and had spent his life in working for the good o his fellow creatures. What faults ' he had were all forgotten, and only Ins good works would be remembered. The Lesson was read by the Key. J. U Spence (Presbyterian minister), who also gave an address later, and, in the unavoidable absence of the Key A H. Sedgwick, through illness, portions of the Burial Service wore read by Mr J. A. 11. Greensill. At intervals during the service the choir rendered the 90th Psalm, and Hymns 321, 401 289, 399, and 499. The organist was Miss L. Fuller. The hymns for the occasion were printed and delivered to each person as he arrived on the ground. ... Owing to several cases ot illness requiring Dr Redman's careful attention, he was unable to go to Wellington to attend the funeral of the late Premier.