THE FINAL SCENES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11248, 28 June 1922, Page 6

THE FINAL SCENES

SIR H. WILSON’S FUNERAL IMPOSING SPECTACLE AT ST. PAUL’S. GREAT MILITARY DISPLAY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association LONDON, June 26. The funeral of Field-Marshal Sir Henry Wilson, though shorn of much of its pageantry owing to rain, was an imposing military display and a magnificent tribute. Tho brilliant uniforms of groat military and naval dignatories were covered by cloaks and mackintoshes. The funeral proceeded from Eaton place to tho Embankment, and thence to St. Paul’s. The route -was densely crowded. The cortege was escorted by six battalions of Guards and eight squadrons of the Household Cavalry. The muffled drums of the combined bands oj the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots and A\elsh Guards rolled the preliminary to Chopin’s “Funeral March.” The coffin was borne on a gun-carriage, and was draped with a Union Jack, and surmounted by Sir Henry Wilson’s sword and plumed hefc. On either side of the gun-carriage the pall-bearers walked, including FieldMarshals Cord Grenfell, Lord Methuen, Lord French, Earl Haig, and Sir W. R. Robertson, Earl Beatty and Sir Hugh Trenchard. Then followed Sir Henry Wilson’s grey ’ charger. The Duke of Connaught, representing the King, walked with Marshal Focli, followed by representatives of the War Office and Army iCouncil, jforeign digniatories, and "the High Commissioners. . The body was laid to rest in the crypt of the Cathedral between those of Lord Roberts and Lord AVolseley. The Cathedral was crowded long before tho procession arrived. All tho , members of tho Cabinet were present. The Guards took up a position around the entrances of St. Paul’s, standing with arms reversed. The service within was simple and impressive. The musical portion included the Twenty-third Realm, Stanford’s anthem, “I Heard a Voice From Heaven,” and Goss’s anthem, “If We Believe That Jeeus Died,” and also the hymn, “0 God, Our Help in Ages Past.” The service was conducted by Canon Alexander, the Bishop of London assisting. The congregation remained standing while the “Dead March” was played, and then the “Last Post” and the “Reveille” were sounded. While the coffin was being lowered there was an affecting scene, and women and even soldiers wept. Lady Wilson left the Cathedral leaf!, ing on the arm of Marshal Foch. ULSTER’S TRIBUTE BELFAST SHIPYARD WORKERS PARTICIPATE. (Received June 27, 8.55 p.m.) LONDON, June 26. Sir James Craig and members of the Northern Government attended a memorial service in the Belfast Cathedral simultaneously with the St. Paul’s service. Twenty thousand shipyard workers in Belfast ceased work at noon as a tribute to the late Sir Henry Wilson. e EMPIRE-WIDE SYMPATHY LADY WILSON GRATIFIED. (Received June 27, 9-40 p.m.) LONDON, June 26. Lady Wilson issued the following statement: “I hope in time to thank the thousands of kind friends throughout the world for the sympathy which I feel around me, but still more to thank them foi/the wonderful tribute to mv beloved husband, who died for the Empire ho loved so well/’ “HIS BEST FRIEND” MARSHAL FOCH’S WREATH. (Received June 27, 9.40 p.m.) LONDON, June 26. Marshal Foch’s wreath for Sir Henry Wilson was inscribed: “For His Best Friend.” < Telegrams of condolence were received from the Italian and Slovakian Ministers of War and from the Chief of the Japanese General Staff. ATTITUDF OF LABOUR POLICY OF VIOLENCE DEPLORED (Received June 27, 9.40 p.m.) LONDON, June 26. The executive of the Labour Party adopted a resolution expressing abhorrence at Sir Henry Wilson’B assassination, and deploring the policy of violence in Ireland, against which British Labour always protested. It also congratulated Ireland’s workers on the success achievod at the elections. THE INQUEST VERDICT OF WILFUL MURDER. TWO ACCUSED COMMITTED. LONDON> June 26. An inquest into the death of Field-Marshal Wilson was held at the Westminster Coronei’s Court. Major Wilson, brother of the deceased, gave evidence that the deceased had received police pro tec-ton. H e did not know when it was withdrawn. A taxi-driver, whose name waa withheld, stated that he drove Sir Henry Wilson home. When he reached Eaton place Sir Henry Wilson walked towards his door, and witness had started to drive off when he heard a loud bang. Ho looked round, thinking one of his tyres had buret, and saw Sir Henry stepping on the kerb. “I saw a man with a revolver in his light hand standing on the ror.d three yards beyond Sir Henry Wilson. I eaw a man fire a second and third shot quickly, and Sir Henry foil face downwards on the pavement. I did not see tho second man. I drove off. I did not seo Sir Henry Wilson draw liis sword.” A servant employed in Sir Henry’s houso stated that after the shooting she spoke to Sir Henry, who tried to reply but could not. A street labourer stated that Sir Henry Wilson did not appear to bear tho first report. After tho second shot lie bent down to avoid further shots. Witness saw a Ipg man three yards on Sir Henry’s right side, and a smaller man four yards off cu his left sid?. He heard numerous reports as though both men wore firing;. Sir Henry Wilson was shot ‘at several, times while standing doubled up in front of the door. Witness then related his story of tho chase after the murderers. Mr Macdonncll, solicitor for the accused, remarked that on his advice the aroused were not. present. Other evidence followed the linen of tho cabled renorti. A verdict of wilful

murder against Connolly and O’Brien was returned, and they were committed. Reuters TeleeTam. LONDON, June 26. Evidence at the inquest into Sir Henry Wilson’s death disclosed that the assassins were armed with service revolvem. There were eight bullet wounds in the victim’s body, including one at each side of the chest, both of a fatal nature. The Coroner paid a tribute to the inspiring bravery of the law-abiding Englishmen, who, although unarmed, chased the murderers. OFFICIAL INQUIRIES NO ORGANISED PLOT. (Received June 27, 8.55 p.m.) LONDON, June 26. Mr Austen Chamberlain, replying to a question in the House of Commons, said his information regarding the revolvers with which Sir Henry Wilson was murdered led to the supposition that they did not form part of the arms handed over to t luv Provisional Government, but the records were being searched. Mr E. Shortt (Home Secretary) stated that the raids which followed the assassination showed that there was nothing revealing the existence of an organised plot to use firearms or bombs against any particular persons. NO PUBLIC PROTECTION THE REASON STATED. (Received Juno 27, 0.40 p.m.) LONDON, June 26. Mr E. Shortt (Homo Secretary), replying to a question, said it was incorrect to eay that any order was given for the discontinuance of police protection for Sir Henry Wilson. A special officer was placed at tho War Office’s disposal where necessary for tho protection of the Chief of the General Staff. When Sir 'Henry Wilson vacated that position police protection was discontinued. CONCERNING THE PRISONERS BOTH BELONG TO LONDON. LONDON, Juno 26. Mr Edward Shortt, Homo Secretary, stated in the House of—Commons that the murderers of Sir Henry Wilson wore Londoners. There was no evidence that they had over been in Ireland ia their lives.