REVERENT RESPECT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVII, Issue 139, 14 June 1913, Page 5

REVERENT RESPECT.

FUNERAL OF A GREAT LEGISLATOR.

SIR ARTHUR GUINNESS LAID TO REST.

[Pbess Association.] GREYMOUTiI, June 13. To-day broko beautifully fine, and early this morning special trains from the termini of all the West Coast railways began to pour in crowds of people on their mournful mission to pay the last tribute of respect to Sir Arthur Guinness, K.t., M.P., and Speaker. The biisiness places, public offices, and public and private schools were closed, and there were general expressions of mourning throughout the town. - . At two o'clock the largest gatherins: seen on the Coast began to come together, including the Hon. Mr Kerdman, Mr Seddon, Mr Colvin, and Mr Witty, M.P.'s mayors chairmen and members or local bodies as far as Ross to the 6outh and Westport to the north, to pay' reverent respect to one of the Dominion's foremost legislators. For the most part-the assemblage consisted of young people and those in the prime of life, but there were present numerous old men, veterans bent and supported by sticks, true and staunch supporters of the deceased through many political campaigns, and cemented in a friendship severed only by death. The cortege was headed by brass bands, and members of the Greymouth Harbor Board acted as pallbearers. The hearse was burdened with floral tributes, including wreaths from the Cabinet, the Liberal party, Members of Parliament, Hon. Mr Herdman, Mr Witty, Mr ; Colvin Mr Seddon, members of the , Westland Law Society, chairmen arid members of the West Coast Harbor Boards, governors of the High Schools Board, Mayore, members of Borough Councils", Westland, Grey, • and Inangahua County Councils, Education Boards, School Committees, Jockey Clubs, Friendly Societies, and the general public. The carriages and cortege extended for about a mile and a-half. It was an impressive procession, and the last solemn rites of the Church of England were performed in the presence of a tremendous congregation by the Venerable' Archdeacon York, 'assisted by Dr Black (PresbyteriaJi). . Thus were laid to rest the remains of a man honored and loved by all, and his name will long be held in grateful memory. > . ;