WHANGAREI MOURNS

Northern Advocate, 21 January 1936, Page 6

WHANGAREI MOURNS

PASSING BELLS SOUNDED The people of, Whangarei town were made aware of the nation’s sorrow by the tolling of the passing bell at the Anglican and Presbyterian Churches, and by the almost simultaneous hoisting of flags on public buildings. Emblems on private ousiness houses, too, were drooped at half-mast. To acquaint train travellers of the sad event, the Union Jack was flown in mourning at the Whangarei Railway Station. . The face of the clock at the Post Office was draped immediately official tidings of the King’s death were received. The blinds in the Post Office building were also drawn.

For the first time in history the passing of a British King has been made known by a new medium — the air.

Shortly after mid-day the brief announcement of the Press Association message was broadcast by the national’ stations. The observance of a brief silence was followed by Elgar’s Funeral March, and the playing of a hymn. Many telephoned personal inquiries were made at the “Northern Advocate” office, and the news of the King’s passing very quickly spread throughout the district. It was the sole topic of conversation among the quietened throngs in the street, the loss of such a loved Sovereign being received in the light 5 ' of a personal bereavement by most people. Observance of Day of Mourning. At the time of writing, 3 o’clock, no definite instructions regarding the closing of offices and businesses has been received in Whangarei. Mr H. F. Menzies, president of the Whangarei Chamber of Commerce, announced that Whangarei tradespeople were awaiting advice from Wellington to fall into line with a Dominionwide observance. Meanwhile they were prepared to remain open tomorrow, unless further information was received in the meantime. Auckland’s Sympathy. A message has been sent to His Excellency, Viscount Galway, by the Mayor of Auckland, Mr Ernest Davis, as follows:—“On behalf of the Corporation and citizens of Auckland, who deeply deplore the passing of his late Most Gracious Majesty, the King, I would respectfully request your Excellency to communicate their loyal and heai’tfelt sympathy with Her Majesty, the Queen and the Royal Family in their irreparable loss.—Ernest Davis, Mayor.” The Governor-General, accompanied by Captain Heber-Percy, A.D.C.. and the nucleus of his staff, leavest tonight by the limited for Wellington. Her Excellency remains in Auckland, and will probably go to Wellington later. Numerous engagements have been cancelled including the New Year Investiture, fixed for January 30.

DAY OF MOURNING [Per Press Association. — Coviripht. 1 WELLINGTON, This Day. The Prime Minister, the Hon. M. J. Savage, announced this afternoon that he had fixed a national day of mourning in New Zealand for tomorrow.