DEATH OF MR. SEDDON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13201, 12 June 1906, Page 5

DEATH OF MR. SEDDON.

E/innEh bUyUfchlY ft I titk.

STEAMER POTS BACK TO SYDNEY.

THE SORROW OF NEW ZEALAND.

CONDOLENCES FHOM MANY QUARTERS.

By Telegraph.— 'Press Association.—Copyright. (Received Jane 11, 3-47 p.m.) Sydney, June 11. The steamer Oswestry Grange, which sailed yesterday morning' at 3.30 o'clock with Mr. and Mrs. Seddon aboard, returned to port this morning*. She was flying- her flag at half-mast, and she reported that Mr. Seddon had died suddenly on board at 6.20 o'clock last night.

Those on board report that Mr. Seddon did not leave his bunk until noon on Sunday, and was then not very well.

After lunch he slept for two hours, and on rising appeared greatly refreshed. Once or twice he complained of a pain in the shoulder, which had troubled him earlier in the day.

Just before dinner—at 6.20 o'clock—he was lying" on a couch fully dressed. He sank backwards in a faintingcondition ; and, as he did so, said to his wife "Oh I Mother."

Mrs. Seddon and the Premier's private secretary .(Mr. Andrews) who were the only persons present, assisted him, but a few seconds afterwards he had breathed his last, apparently withoiit suffering:

The steamer was then 140 miles from Sydney Heads. After a consultation the captain decided to return to Sydney, and the vessel was turned.

Dr. Minehin has certified that death was due to heart failure.

Strict ieence was observed on the arrival of the vessel in Sydney Harbour at the request of Mrs. Seddon, who wished to first communicate with her daughter, Mrs. Dyer, who had ■*><■ trained in Sydney. During- this forenoon the members of the Premier'© staff saw Mr. Carruthers and expressed Mrs. Seddon's wish that there should be no public action taken her© in regard to the death of Mr. Seddon. Mrs Seddon is bearing* up well,