FUNERAL TO-MORROW

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12136, 13 May 1925, Page 5

FUNERAL TO-MORROW

BODY TO LIE IN STATE THIS MORNING

TEN MINUTES’ SILENCE GOVERNMENT INVITES COOPERATION

The following telegram was sent last / xught to all Mayors of cities and boroughs, chairmen of county councils and road hoards: —“Ministers will bepleased if you will invite citizens to close their places of business on Thursday, 14th inst., on occasion of funeral of late Mr Massey. It will also be appreciated if citizens are asked. to cease all activities for ten minutes from 1 p.m. For your information all trains and telegraphs will cease operating for that time.” ■ FUNERAL PROCESSION CORTEGE LEAVES AT 1 P.M. SHARP. In view of the distance that the funeral cortege has to traverse from •Parlialment grounds to Point Halswell, and of the fact that the, days are shortening and the weather may be inclement, the <3overnment-r-heing particularly anxious that those attending the funeral and the many citizens who will no doubt he on' the hills surrounding Point Halswdl, shall have an opportunity of reaching their homes before dark—has, after due consideration,' decided that it is desirable that the funeral shall commence half an hour earier than was originally arranged. At one o’clock, therefore, on Thursday, the, procession will proceed, from Parliament Buildings, along the line of route already published to Point Halswell. , , The ten minutes’ -cessation of all activities will, therefore, commence, at 1 p.m. instead of at LSO p.m. LYING IN STATE BIER AT PARLIAMENT BUILD-' , ING6. The body of the late Prime Minister will lie in state in the main vestibule of the new Parliament Buildings from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. to-day, and from 10 a .m. to 12.30 p.m. on Thursday. A special platform has been prepared for the bier; and those who desire in this way to pay the last tribute of respect to the late Prime Minister will enter by the main entrance to the new building, .pass round the bier, and then descending by the stairs pass out by the great basement doorways. DIVINE SERVICE NOTHING DEFINITE ARRANGED. It is probable that a service will he held at Parliament Buildings before the procession leaves the grounds; hut nothing denite can be arranged until the Moderator of the Presbyterian General Assembly (the Rev., George Miller, Dunedin), who is to conduct the service, arrives to-day from the South Island. R.S.A. GUARD OF HONOUR The Returned Soldiers’ Association and the South African Veterans’ Association are particularly anxious to show the high regard in which they held the late Prime Minister: and in order to give them a distinguished position in the procession, it .has been decided that they shall act as a foot guard of honour, marching on either side of and behind the motor hearse from the Parliament Grounds to Courtenay place. On arriving at Courtenay place they will leave the procession—which their executive will accompany in motor-cars —atand to attention, and remain at attention till the whole of the cortege has passed. ORDER OF PROCESSION Subject to alteration the order of the prpoession will be as follows: —Motor hearse, cars containing the wreaths, the family car, Ministers’ cars, cars for ex-Prnne Ministers. Leader of the Opposition, Leader of the - Labour Party, Commodore of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy and Commandant of the New Zealand Forces, judges and ex-judges of the Supremo Court, Speaker 'and members of Legislative Council 1 , Speaker and members of House of Representatives, exmembers of Parliament, Freemasons (of whom the late Prime Minister was Grand Master), foreign consols, tho Mayor of Wellington, • naval and military officers, representatives of Franklin electorate, magistrates, heads of departments of the publio service, private secretaries to Ministers, represen tatives of the Maori chiefs, Justices of the Peace, Association, Mayors, chairmen, and representatives of municipalities, counties, Hospital Boards, Harbour Boards, and other local bodies, representatives of the clergy of all denominations, representatives of tho ' Salvation Army, representatives of tho Reform Party executive, ■ of veterans and returned soldiers, of trades and industrial unions, the Navy League, the Press, _ graduates and professors of universities, members of education boards, the New Zealand Educational Institute, the Wellington District Law Society, the medical profession, chambers of commerce, representatives of banks, friendly societies, Missions to Seamen, Rotary Clubs, and kindred organisations, Y.M.C.A., representatives of Racing and Trotting Conferences, and Wellington Racing Club. BOY SCOUTS’ GUARD TEe kind offer made by Major-Gene-ral Sir Alfred Robin of the services of the Boy Scouts has been accepted, and it has been decided that the Boy Scouts shall line the route from the main steps of the Parliament Buildings down to the Bowen street entrance. POSITION OF BANDS Several bands kindly offered their services, and these have been gratefully accepted. Subject to alteration, Vie following coigns of vantage have been allotted to them along the line sf route:—The Artillery Band will play at Parliament Buildings; Petone Central Band, at intersection of ifeatherston street and Lambton quay;

- WORLD-WIDE EXPRESSIONS OF REGRET AND SYMPATHY

TRAFFIC AND CONTROL REGULATIONS N

Last night the arrangements were finalised in connection with the interment of the deceased Prime Minister. Throughout yesterday cables and telegrams from all parts of the Englishspeaking world poured in to the Acting-Prime Minister, Sir Francis Bell, while from all parts of New Zealand there was voiced general regret at the passing of the country’s leader, and sympathy with Mrs Massey and family; in their irreparable loss. Today the body will be conveyed from the residence in Tinakor! road to Parliament Buildings, where it will lie in State, and thousands of people will pass by to pay a last tribute to one who had gained the respect of the whole civilised world. Below will be found full details in connection with tho funeral ceremony and observances.

Port" Nicholson Band, BSSlcott street corner; Jupp’s Patriotio Band, Market Square, behind the Royal Oak Hotel; Salvation Army Band, Courtenay plaoe; Boys’ Institute Band, at the intersection of Rintoul street-and Adelaide road; Highland Pipe Band, at the top of Constable street; First Battalion Band, at the graveside. It is probable that a bugler from the Wellington College Senior Cadets will sound “The Last Post.” NO NAVAL OR MILITARY DISPLAY There will be no special naval or military participation in the funeral. No turnout of the naval or military .forces. The only part taken by them in the funeral will he that the men of the Garrison Artillery will manhandle the gun-carriage down, the hill at .Point Halswell, and the naval men will, carry the casket to the graveside.

The traffic sub-committee in charge of the arrangements for the control of the traffic along the route of the funeral procession to-morrow earnestly invites the public in general and motorcar owners, and drivers in particular, to co-operate to the best of their ability with the police and other traffic officers in carrying out the regulations necessary to ensure that the Whole cerefnony shall proceed smoothly and with due solemnity, ’ The traffic control arrangements wore carefully considered yesterday by Mr James Hisldp (Under-Secretary for internal Affairs), Police Superintend dent McHvtoney,' Inspector Cummings, Mr Drake (chief traffic inspector), and Mr K. Luke (city engineer’s department). .The party went over the route of the cortege, measuring distances in order to determine the most- suitable arrangement for disembarking passengers from the motor-cars on arrival at Point Halswell, and picking them up again after the ceremony. The question of the feasibility of 'parking cars in'the vicinity of Point Halswell was fully gone into; but it was found that the road along the foreshore cannot afford parking space for the very large .number of cars which it is anticipated will take part in the procession. For example, only 290 cars could be parked in the section of the road from the zig-zag at Point Halswell, where tho ■mourners will alight, round to Scorching Bay, a distance of I 2-5 miles; from the zig-zag to Worser Bay, about tH miles, only 580 cars could be parked; and from the zig-zag right round to Miramar wharf there would be accommodation for , 1200 cars ■ only. ,Jt will be- seed, therefore, that if there wer© 800 to 1000 cars in the procession it would be quite impossible for most of the mourners to rejoin their cars within anything like; a reasonable distance of the buna! place. The committee, therefore, decided' that the only practicable method of efficient traffic control was to order all cars, after they had dropped their* passengers, to proceed on firdund Scorching Bay and Worser Bay, maintaining the order of the procession, drive over the hill into Miramar, and return to Point Halswell to pick up their passengers via the Miramar cutting. The road will be patrolled by the police, and cars will be directed at which point to turn over the hill from Worser Bay. The traffic authorities emphasise the necessity of cars maintaining the order of the procession after rounding Point Halswell, and especially stress the fact that pa/king will not be allowed between the Miramar wharf and Worsdr Bay. The road is a narrow one, and if cars were drawn up it is highly prbbable that the whole organisation of traffio would be affected. This arrangement, which has been adopted as the most practicable in the circumstances, means, of course, that each car must be attended by a chauffeur, in order to ensure that the route will be clear for the passage of the funeral procession, the road around Point Halswell will be closed to ordinary vehicular traffic all day on Thursday. Pedestrians v.ho wish to witness the ceremony at tho graveside will ho directed up the hill near the Borstal Institution to a position in rear of tho area fenced off around tho burial place for the accommodation of those taking part in the procession. Pedestrians are recommended to go out to Miramar by tramcar, and walk thence over the hills. The special committee, which is making arrangements for the funeral specially requests the publio to observe

strictly the decisipns it has made for the l regulation of traffic on such a solemn occasion, and wishes to stress the _ importance of motor-cars keeping in lino from end to end of the route, and until the return 'journey - th the city after the ceremony. To* those motorists who wish to go out to Point Halswell before the procession, the traffic committee suggests that they should proceed through the cutting, along the Miramar Valley to one or other of the routes leading to the top of tho hill near the Borstal Institution; alight from their cars at the bottom of tho hill, view the funeral, if they wish to do so, from the hilltops, and return to the city by the same route. If the day is clear, a very fine view ‘ of the ceremony can be secured from the hilltops. It is very necessary ,to ensure that the road along the beach shall be kept clear for the funeral cortege; _ and, on account of its narrowness, it is quite impossible to allow any. car not in the procession to be parked along the foreshore road. SPECIAL FERRY SERVICE ' . A special harbour ferry service, details of which are ' advertised elsewhere, will be run from Day’s Bay and Rona Bay to the Shelly Bay Wharf; and- : those landing from the steamers at Shelly Bay.will be required to go up the hill towards the Borstal Institution. Tho police and other traffic officers will direct thorn which way to go. . - - ACCESS DIFFICULTIES “In view of the road difficulties and the difficulties i of' access to the graveside, it will bA recognised, *’ shid Mr Hislop to a “Times" representative, “that, .with the large number of cars which'it is anticipated will be in the procession, -it will take a considerable time for all tßie motor-cars to get up to the point of! disembarkation in time ror the ceremony.' Provision is, therefore, ’being made for the unloading. of twelve _to fifteen' cars at the same time, in order to expedite matters; and the traffio committee would ask all occupants of cars to disembark with all possible. dispatch, so that, if at all possible, all'Those in the prooession may'have the opportunity of paying their final respects to our departed statesman.”

AT POINT HALSWELL SPECIAL ROADWAY OUT. It had been suggested that a guncarriage should he used to convey the casket, but this idea was abandoned because of the length of time which' it would, take to cover the seven or eight miles to Point Halswell. A special roadway has been cut up the hillside to the gunpit, which is to serve as the late Prime Minister’s mausoleum, but as the hearse will not be able to go within 500 yards Of the vault, the coffin will be transferred to a gun-carriage, which will be dragged'by a naval and military party over theilast stage. . DAY OF MOURNING fei CLOSING OF SHOPS. Thursday, the day of the funeral, is to be observed as a day of national mourning throughout the dominions. The Government consider that citizens should be invited to close their' businesses on that day. Banks and schools will be closed by; Government direction.

Though the request that Thursday should be observed as a close day has not been offibially considered by the various associations connected with the shopping and business trades, and no announcement; will toe made until that is done, it is generally understood that, no business will toe transacted on Thursday.

The. Government supports His Worship .the Mayor in; requesting that tomorrow be observed as a close; holiday, in view of the funeral ceremonyand the hope is expressed that all citizens will unite to fittingly observe the solemn, occasion. , ■ v DRAPERS TO CLOSE |h||

A meeting of the Wellington Retail, Drapers’ Association was held yesterday, and after ,a motion of condolence with Mrs Massey, and her family had heen carried,, it was. unanimously resolved that all shops would he closed on Thursday as a token of respect, and that all might be given an opportunity of paying ‘a last tribute to the late Mr Massey. • The City Council announces in our advertising columns the streets that will be dosed to ordinary traffio during the progress of the funeral. HOTELS TO CLOSE THROUGHOUT - DOMINION. Mr Percy Coyle, president of the New Zealand. Licensed Victuallers’ Association, states, that it hag been decided to close tbe hotels throughout the Dominion on Thursday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., but of respect to the, memory of the late Prime Minister, the Hon. W. F. Massey. MASONIC COURT OF MOURNING There will be no Masonic '■eremonv at the graveside, but a Court cf Mourning will he held at the Town Hall ori Thursday forenoon, in memory of Mr Massey, who whs Grand Master of the New Zealand Constitution.

THE GOVERNpR-GENERAL ATTENDANCE AT FUNERAL WHAT PRECEDENT DICTATES. Although Hifl Majesty the King is sometimes represented, neither His Majesty nor his ’’representatives attend funerals. In reply to an inquiry yesterday the Attorney-General (the. Hon. Sir Francis Bell) stated that it was not in accordance with .precedent that His Majesty the King, or his representative should personally attend funerals. His Excellency, therefore. Would hot be in attendance in person at the late Sir Massey’s funeral. r Many people have -wondered why in a time of national mourning like the present the Union Jack on Government House is «not flown at half-mast like those on Government Buildings and offices. Un making inquiries yesterday a reporter- was informed that it was only on. tfie occasion of the death of the Sovereign that, the flag on Government House’ waß; half-mast-ed. . ; ■ ■ MEMQRIALSERVICE IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY TOI MORROW. His Excellency the Governor-General has been informed by the Secretary of State that a service in memory of the late Prime Minister of New Zealand will be held in Westminster Abbey at noon on Thursday, and will he attended by the Prime Minister of England and his Cabinet. A wreath fro-m the Prime Minister,of Great Britain will be laid on Mr Massey’s coffin. GRATEFUL MEMORIES OF BRITISH PRIME MINISTER WORK DURING WAR CRISIS The following cablegram has been re ceived from the British Prime Minister (Mr Stanley Baldwin) : —:... ■' »• “My colleagues and I have reoeived

tbe news, of Mrs Massey’s death ; with profound regret. Please convey our most deep sympathy to Mrs Massey and her l family and to the Government and people of New Zealand. “As Prime Minister, Mr Massey guided the destinies of. New 'Zealand through twelve, nSost troublous and critical years. Of his great service in fostering the growth and expansion of the Dominion, others are more, qualified than I to speak. But trose who, like myself, have Rad the opportunity and privilege of watching hia work, for the Empire know how much we all have owed in these momentous years to his wholehearted care . for its honour, safety, and well-being. “We gratefully remember his fortitude in every crisis of the war; his determination that New Zealand should play a part worthy of her, destiny in helping tbe cause of the

Allies; his own unsparing efforts in that cause and the success which they achieved.

“At the Imperial War . Cabinet of’ 1917 and 1918 and at the Paris Peace Conference he. rendered conspicuous service. And successive; Imperial Conferences since- that time have profited by his wide human sympathy, his ripe experience in affairs, and his sagacity in counsel. “Mr Massey’s death will not be a' loss to New Zealand only. The whole. Empire will mourn him to-da.v, both as a man and statesman, nnd many of us hero will long cherish the memory of a most genuine and lovable personality.”

On behalf of tho ,Towisli_ citizens of Hawke’s Bay, Mr Earn Harris telegraphed Mrs Massey expressions of sympathy in her great loss, and the loss the Empire had sustained through tho death of Mr Massey.

AMERICAN EULOGY “STATESMAN OflhE NEW PACIFIC” FORCE OF CHARACTER. Australian and N.Z Cable Association. . (Received May 12, 10.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 12. Thq “New York Times,” in a leader, eulogises Mr Massey, saying he was by the force of his character one of the statesmen of the new Pacific. “New Zealand and Australia have been forced to think internationally, and to give special attention to the Empire’s policies in the . Far East. Tim explains the vigour with which Mr Massey protested against the abandonment of the Singapore base. The Singapore base to him, as to the leaders in Australia, was vital to the integrity of Britain. It was largely owing to his efforts that the dominions were represented at the Washington Conference., “Such was Mr Massey’s hold on his own people that only death displaced him. It is a curious paradox that in a country noted for its excess of liberalism a man who by nature was so staunch a conservative so long held power.” SPEAKER’S REFERENCE “A DOMINATING PERSONALITY>’ •' Per Press Association DUNEDIN, May 12. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. C. E. Statham, pays the following tribute:—“Political friends and political foes alike will regret the passing of Mr Massey, and the House will indeed seem strange without the presence of his dominating personality. It is characteristic of the New Zealand Parliament that in all cases of illness, or death amongst members party feelings are altogether Subordinated to the feelings of real human sympathy, and, in addition to this, the late Prime Minister was, one for whom I think all members had a feeling of personal affection, notwithstanding any differences of opinion in the, matter of politics. Dunne last session it was only too evident he was struggling against some serious illness, and one could not help Being .struck by the tender solicitude and consideration shown towards him not. only by members of his own party but also by those of both Liberal and, Labour benches. One could have wished his strenuous life had closed in the same way as that of his illustrious predecessor, Richard John Seddon, and that he could have been spared the pain and Suffering of the past few months. A great capacity for work, a wonderful faculty for getting the grasp of any subject that came before him. a 1 retentive memory, dogged determination, and . vigorous constitution combined to bring . Mr Massey to the forefront of New Zealand politics and to the leadership of the Government. He was a man of unswerving loyalty to his King and country, and his death is a loss not only to the Dominion but to the Empire • ; of which he was such a devoted son. The sincere sympathy of the whole community will go out to Mrs Massey, who has herself lived a life of retirement for some years past on account of ill-health: to all the other members of the late Prime Minister’s family, and -to his colleagues in the Ministry.”

JUDGE SIM’SmOGY - “FINE INTEGRITY OF CHARACTER.”- / , DUNEDIN, Mar 12. In the Supreme ’ Court Mr Justice Sim said: “There was to have been a sitting of the court, to-day,- but I propose to adjourn it until to-morrow, as a tribute to the memory of the great man whose death we are all deploring today. The late Mr Massey held a wonderfully high place m the respect and affections of -the people of NeW Zealand. That place he attained not 30 much because; he was a freat’ Imperialist and a great patriot. ut by reason of the fine integrity of his character; a character .which 'will add one more illustration to the truth. of the poet’s lines:- 1 - * “Only the actions of the just Smell sweet and blossom in their lust.” A resolution of sjropathy With Mrs Massey and her family in the death of Mr Massey was passed at vester■ day’s- meeting of the Hutt, County Council, members standing in silence. The chairman (Mr J. McKay) was appointed to represent the council at the Prime Minister’s funeral on Thursday.

"A GOOD SPORTSMAN” RUGBY’S SYMPATHY. Mr J. Prendeville, chairman of the Wellington Rugby Union, made reference at lost nignt s meeting to, the death of Mr Massey. In Rugby, he Raid, they knew no creed, but measured men according to whether they were good, clean sportsmen. Mr Massey ranked with the best of the Dominion’s sportsrtien. Mr Massey had played football in "the ’eighties, and had. ta'ken part in a match on the Basin Reserve between an Auckland and a Wellington team. He had always taken n .teen interest in the game, and followed the »doings of the All Blacks vbry carefully. He lind attended the welcome to the All Blacks, and. had delivered a fine speech under trying circumstances. . A motion of sympathy with Mrs Massey and family was recorded.

“BROADJERENITY” MR MASSEY ALWAYS CONFIDENT MR. AMERY’S TRIBUTE. Aiwt” a and N '/. Cable Association LONDON, May 11. Mr Leopold Amery, Secretary of State for the Colonies, interviewed by the Australian Press Association, said; “Mr Massey’s death is a great loss, not only' to New Zealand, hut to the Empire. I feel in a sense a personal loss in the departure of an old friend. 1 had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Mr Massey for many years, and during the war, as Secretary c.f the Imperial War Cabinets of 1917 and 1918, I came in close contact with him. “What impressed me most was the broad serenity of his outlook during those anxious times, and his unswerving confidence in our ultimate'victory, no matter how long the struggle continued. However difficult the problems might he, one always knew that Mr Massey was prepared to o'ay up for the common good, and he telieved with unwavering faith that New Zealand stood with lrimi Hs was .most lovable, as well as a warm-hearted and genuine ipan.” The New Zealand C/ffice and the New Zealand pavilion at Wembley are closing while Thursday’s service is in progress, and flags are at half-mast on all New Zealand offices in London. Lord Ranfurly, on behalf of himself and merchant residents of Dungannon. Tyrone, Ireland; Mr Magee, Mayor of Londonderry; and Lord Liverpool sent messages of condolence to the High Commissioner’s Office. SPECIAL ABBEY SERVICE Reuter’s Telegram. (Received May 12, 8.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 11. At the memorial service arranged by the British Government in Westminster Abbey for the late Mr Massey, special seats will he reserved for New Zealanders. The Lord Mayor of London telegraphed to the High Commissioner:— “The citizens of, London deeply regret the death of your Prime Minister. They happily recall that they added hijn to London’s roll of famous freemen many years ago.” MAORMEULOGY “GIANT OF THE FOREST” “FAREWELL, 6 NOBLE SPIRIT 1” Per Press Association. NAPIER, May 12. Kurupo Tareha has sent the following message to Native Minister Hon. J. G. Coates on behalf of the Ngatikahungunu tribes: —“Kindly convey to Mrs Massey and family our'deepest and most heartfelt sympathy, and sotrow in their great bereavement. We mourn the loss of this great man; loss, to the. Empire and New Zealand, Pakeha, and Maori alike. Farewell, thou giant of the forest, in whose en-. folding bowers we thy children in the past did find sure snielif ifon> the wintry showers and the stormy blast! Farewell, O noble' spirit I • Depart thou hence from this earthly mold to those eternal shades our ancestors have betold, and fiud s.ureease from toil pain untold I Farewell, Our Friend in heed and friend indeed! Depart thou hence with the western wind, our woeful dirge and doleful wail behind l Lift ye up to heaven in voice combined ! Farewell, 0 noble chief, farewell !” WELLINGTON CENTRE N.Z.A.A. “LOST A REAL FRIEND OF SPORT.” ' Tt« meeting of the Wellington Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletio Association, held at the Y.M.C.A. last night, resolved, on the motion of Mr A. O. Kitto (chairman),, seconded /by Mr Harrison, that a letter be sent to Mrs Massey and family expressing the sincere sympathy of the cehtre With them in their bereavement. In moving the resolution, Mr Kitto.said that he felt that amateur athletics had lost a real friend in the late Prime Minister, because Mr Massey had always taken a keen interest in’ all branches of sport, and had done all that he possibly could to encourage legitimate sport. It would be very difficult indeed to fill his place in that regard.

• DEVOTED TO DUTY MASONS MOURN THEIR LOSS MESSAGE FROM DEPUTY-GRAND MASTER, Per Press Association. GREYMOUTH, May 12. The following; -telegram has been sent to Mrs Massey by the DeputyGrand Master of New Zealnnd Freemasons (Mr R. H. Richmond): —“The craft throughout the Dominion and I the Empire mourn with you the loss of one whoso guiding hand and high example were an inspiration to us all. May you be comforted and helped to bear it bv the solemn pride, which must he yours, that you were so closely united to a man so distinguished, fo devoted to duty, and so laved.— (Signed) Rich. IT. Richmond, DeputyGrand Master, New Zealand Freemasons.”

‘‘LOVED AND HONOURED” HON. G. W. RUSSELL’S TRIBUTE. In a tribute to the late Prime Minister, the Hon. G. W. Russell, one of the right honourable gentleman’s colleagues in the National Government, speaks of Mr Masse; and Mr Seddon as the outstanding figures in the Dominion’s modern history. Diverse in their views of national policy, he says, they were both great Imperialists, and lovers of King and Empire. goes to his well-earn-ed rest in the very prime of life, apd at the height of his powers, loved by the people of New Zealand, honoured by the Empire and its King.” ” STATESMAN AND PATRIOT THE “TRADE’S” TRIBUTE. At a meeting of the executive of tlie National Council of the Licensed Trade of New Zealand, held yesterday, it was resolved that the following message of sympathy be conveyed to Mrs Massey and her family: “We, the members of the National Council of the Lioensed Trade of New Zealand, offer our sincere sympathy and condolences with you and your family in the hour of your trial and affliction in the lpss of the one most dear to you; and: we, who admired his great worth as a statesman and a patriot, extend deep sympathy to yon who loved him as a man. Though New Zealand’s loss is overwhelming, your own is greater, and it is because we are conscious of this that we offer, not merely condolences, but that warmer and more human sympathy which is born of understanding/’ R.S.A. AND S.A. VETERANS J|.' ESCORT TO CORTEGE. In connection with ‘the funeral procession on Thursday,, members of the Wellington Returned Soldiers’ Association and Sduth African veterans will act as escort to the cortege from Parliament Buildings to Courtenay place, at which spot the procession will pass through the ranks. RETURNED SOLDIERS’ PARADE. The returned soldiers of Wellington are desirous of showing their respects to the memory of the late Prime Minister, the Hon. W. F. Massey, P.C., who at all times was a true friend to the ex-service men, ■ and to that end a parade has been called for Thursday, at 12.30 p.m., at the club buildings, Brandon street. It is requested that every returned soldier he present. Dress: Mufti and medals. SOUTH AFRICAN VETERANS. At a meeting of South African veterans a resolution deploring the death of the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. W. F. Massey, was passed, and sympathy with Mrs Massey and family in their great loss was expressed by all present. It is requested that all South African veterans will parade at the R.S. k. buildings to-morrow (Thursday), at 12.30 p.m. WAR MEMORIAL EXECUTIVE. Sincere regret at the demise of the Prime Minister and heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved widow and family wore expressed at the meeting of the Wellington Citizens’ War Memorial executive last night.

WAR RELIEF ASSOCIATION TRIBUTE BY CHAIRMAN. At a meeting'cf the 'committee of the Wellington War Relief Association, the chairman (Mr L. O. H. Tripp, l ) referred to the . great loss New Zealand and the Empire had suffered through the death of Mr Massey. He said: ‘‘We, who bare been administering war relief and patriotic funds since 1915, know what he has done for our soldiers add their dependants. Our principal work in the early stages of the war was in looking alter the affairs of' those who had volunteered for service and their dependants, and, later on ,as our soldiers returned suffering war disability, we were called upon to assist the soldiers themselves. We and other patriotic societies were continually bringing before the Government, suggestions that this or that should be done for the soldiers end their dependants, and often we interviewed Mr Massey on their behalf. We always found Mr Massey not only most sympathetic, but willing to do almost anything for the soldiers and their dependants that the finances of the country would sllow. Mr Massey has personally on several occasions brought under our notice cases of soldiers suffering war disability so that ! we could inquire into their claims and render assistance. We know that we have lost a sincere friend, and on behalf of the Wellington War Relief Association, we tender to Mrs Massey and her family our deepest sympathy.” A CLOSE DAY MAYORAL REQUEST. The Mayor (Mr R. A. Wright) tasß night asked the "Times” to request citizens and business people to observe Thursday as a close day out of respect to the memory of the deceased Rrime Minister. This, however, does not apply to catering establishments, owing to the large influx of visitors which is expected. BEAUTIFUL WREATHS SOME OP THE FIRST TO ARRIVE. Among the first wreaths to arrive at Parliament House is one from the Governor-General of New Zealand and Lady Alioe Tcrgusson, and anotticr from the Prime Minister of Great. Britain and his Cabinet. That from Sir Charles and Lady Fergusson is done in red rosos and Violets, and that from the British Cabinet in huge gold and crimson chrysanthemums _ CLOSING DAY CHANGE AGAINST THE AWARD. It is understood that the butcher* of Wellington intend to ■ keen their shops open this afternoon, although this is the usual half-holiday provided for ulider the arbitration award, and will close all day Thursday instead. A “Times” representative was informed that while the Shops and tfffices Act would permit such a change the award of the Arbitration Court does not.

GENERAL SYMPATHY

MESSAGES POURING IN COMING FROM ALL QUARTERS MANY CABLES RECEIVED Messages of sympathy are pouring; in from all Copies of some of them ■ From Duke of Abercorn, Governor, Northern Ireland: “ ' In name Northern Ireland and myself I beg offer people of New Zealand our truest sympathy in death of Prime Minister. His loss is a personal bereavement to us in land of his birth and ancestry. From Sir James Craig, Prime Minister, Northern Ireland: On behalf of Government of Northern Ireland I tender his relatives and to Government and people of New Zealand warmest sympathy • upon death of Mr Massey. The Empire lias lost in Oim renowned statesman and Imperialist and Ulster one ' of her most distinguished" sons. With a lively recollection, of his visit to land of his birth she is proudly* sharing the sorrow, that will be felt .wherever the British flag is flying. From Lord Liverpool: ' To Government and people of New Zealand the deepest sympathy of Lady -Liverpool and myself and especially to Mrs Massey in her hour of need. From Sir Alfred Bowers, Lord Mayor of London The citizens of Irmdon deeply regret the death qf your Prime Minister and are happy in recalling that they added him to London's- roll famous Freemen many years ago, From Lord Ranfurly: i The principal merchants and residents Dungannon who lately met, Massey on his visit here together with Lady Ranfurly and myself tender to ‘ Government and people of New Zealand our sincere sympathy on death of Premier. ! From J. Gilbert Magee, Mayor of Londonderry: Please convey - deepest sympathy of citizens of Londonderry to your Government and relatives New Zealand’s late Prime Minister on blow they ana Empire have sustained in hie untimely death. From Mp A. Roberts, Wembley Exhibition ; - ' The Pavilion staff join with me in expression sincere regret at the great loss sustained by the Dominion in the death of Mr Massey. From Miss A. Kane, tVashington: Warmest sympathy from New Zealand Delegation. From Sir George Fuller, Prime Minister, New South Wales: On behalf qf Government and people of New South Wales my colleagues and I desire to tender our/ sincerest sympathy in the lose suf-’ fared by Dominion in the death of Mr Massey who was universally respected and esteemed. .Please vey to his widow and family our heartfelt'sympathy. • From Sir Arthur Myers, London: Desire express sympathy in groat loss sustained by Now Zealand and Empire in death of late Prime Minister, whose untiring energy and devotion to discharge of public duties were an inspiration to all. From Mr Mackenzie King, Ottawa: Permit me to extend to the members of your family and yourself tpy sincere sympathy wi the overwhelming bereavement you‘have sustained and of which I- have learned with feelings of personal sorrow. From the Hotel Cecil, London: The directors,' management and ’ staff of Hotel CeiNl, London, desire Render you deepest sympathy. " From the*Lord Mayor of Belfast:-^ , “Citizens of Belfast deeply deplore the death of your Prime Minister, a distinguished Ulsterman, ; whose services to the Empire proved him to be a sound statesman, a sagacious leader, and a true patriot.” From chairman Franklin County Council:— The members of the Franklin County Council desire to convey to yourself and the .members of the Government their deepest sympathy in the great loss the- Dominion has sustained by the death of the Right Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister, and member for Franklin. Residents of Franklin County mourn with you in the less of your friend and colleague, and also in the loss to the Dominion and Empire of a great statesman and distinguished Impe- ; rialist. From Sir James Carroll:— The country mourns the death of a great man, constructive statesman, and Empire-builder. His work will . endure- On behalf of the Maori < people, please accept and convey te , Mrs Massey and family our abiding J sympathy at the loss they and the i people and the Empire have sus, 1 tained. . i From Mr D. Lunn. Danish Cbneul, I Sydney:— 1 I desire to tender my deepest syjp- f pathy with the Government and t people of New Zealand in the great c loss of their Prime Minister. I From' Mr W. A. Watt, Speaker of J the Commonwealth Parliament:— Deeply regret news Prime Minis- r ter'B death. As admirer of . your' i late chief offer sincere i sympthy. t Realise great loss New Zealand has suffered. p From Administrator of Samoa: AI,I European citizens, Faipules, and natives of Western Samoa unite with the people of New Zealand in their grief at the death of our Prime Minister, and send their P deepest sympathy to Mrs Massey and “ members of the family. ? (Sgd.) GENERAL RICHARDSON. JJ From President of Executive Coun- u cil of Irish Free State, Dublin: d Members of the Executive Council, ** Irish Free State tender to you and t* your colleagues in New Zealand w Government their deep sympathy in the great loss you have suffered by , death of Premier Massey- ’ 1,1 (Sgd.) COSGRAVE. Frpm Admiralty, London:— Please express to Mrs Massey deep- ,->1 est. sympathy on the death of hef 7, illustrious husband from those who ir were Drmlaared to have assisted him d<

originally in laying the foundations of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. From Ageuts-General, London:—-Agents-General of the Sovereign States of New/South .Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, West Australia, and Tasmania desire to convey their sympithy and condolence both - to the Dominion pf New Zealand and to the relatives of the late Premier in the bereavement that they have sustained. From Premier, Victoria: Government and people of Victoria join with Government and pedple of New Zealand in mourning the death of Prime Minister. 'Mr- Massey was an agset of the Empire ,as well as trusty leader for so m#ny years in his own Dominion in •peace and war. Kindly convey sincere* sympathy tc Mrs Massey and family- in their great sorrow. (Sgd,) ALLEN. From the Governor of West Aus. tralia: I have been requested by my Ministers to send you the following message ; “The Government and people of West Australia desire offer sincerest condolences to Government and people of New Zealand in the loss of their distinguished Prime Minister.” ' ’ ' (Sgd.) CAMPION. From the Governor-General of Aus, tralia:—' I desire fully to associate myseli with the Prime Minister’s telegram of sympathy on Mr Msssey’s death, and I shall he grateful to Your Excellency if you will convey my own personal sorrow and sympathy tc , Mrs Msssey. (Sgd.) FORSTER. From Governor of Newfoundlands— My Ministers and people of Newfoundland desire to express theii profound sympathy with people oi New Zealand on passing of a great Imperial statesman (Sgd.) ALLARDYCE. From the Governor-General, of the Union of South Africa: My Ministers have learned with deep regret of the death of the Right Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister of New Zealand, and ask that an expression of heartfelt sympathy in their irreparable loss may be conveyed to His family, and to the people of New Zealand. Ministers recall the gr&at services rendered/ by* Mr Massey tc v the Dominion of New Zealand and to the British Empire during his long tenure of office, more especially at the Peace Conference in 1919, where his wise statesmanship was ei inestimable value to his colleagues. Please convey an expression of my personal regret and deep sympathy to the family of the deceased statesman. (Sgd.) ATHLONB. From the Queen of Tonga:— Desire to express my profonnd regret and that of my Government in the death of the Right Hon. W. F, Massey. I also desire to 'express my sympathy and that of my. Government with' Your Excellency, the Government and people of New Zemand in the loss of the Dominion’s beloved Prime Minister. " (Sgd.) SALOTE TUBOU. ’ 'EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY MESSAGES AND TELEGRAMS. At the fortnightly/ meeting o£ the S.P.C.A., the president (Mr F, Meadqweroft) moved the following resolu-tion:—-That having heard of the death of. the Right Hon. W. .F. Massey, Prime Minister, this society wishes to place on record its deep appreciation of his high character and the loss sustained by the Dominion on the passing of such a statesman, and that a copy of this resolution be gent to Mrs Massey. , The executive council of the New Zealand Methodist Young Men’s Bible Class movement has telegraphed to Mrs Massey tendering to her and her family sincere sympatny in their bereavement. “We pray that God will sustain you in your hour of sadness.” The members of the Wellington Victoria League telegraphed to Mrs/ Mas-

sey their deep regret, at the national loss sustained by the death of Mi Massey and their heartfelt sympathy , with Mrs Massey and her family in , their bereavement. 1 . • r monthly meeting of the , Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Boys’ Instii tut© and S. A, Rhodes Home for Boys the president, Mrs J. Hislop, made feeling reference to the death of the Prime Minister. A motion of deepest sympathy with Mrs Massey and family was' passed, the members present standing in silence. The Wellington Council of the Mothers’ Union meeting yesterday at Bishopscourt expressed l sincere respect for Mr Massey aAd very deep sympathy with Mrs Massey and her family in their great loss. The following message of sympathy was sent by the committee of the Citizens’ Day Nurseries, of which society Mrs Massey is a vioe-pi'eßident; The committee of the Citizens’ Day Nurseries extends to Mrs Massey and her family its deepest sympathy' in the ve?y great loss they have sustained through the death of the Itight Hon. Mr Massey. The members of the Free Kindergarten Association wish to express the deepest sympathy with Mrs Massey and family m their sad bereavement. Mr D. C. Peacock has been asked to act as the representative of the Wellington Free Kindergarten Council and the Men’s Advisory Finance Committee at the internment of our lata Prime, Minister. After the formal business of confirming the minutes of the previous meeting was dealt with, a resolution of sympathy with Mrs Massey and family in the sad loss both they and the country lias sustained was pussed, . by the Philatelic Society of New Zealand. members standing in silence. The meeting then adjourned to a night io he arranged, as a mark of respect to the late Prime Minister. POST AND TELEGRAPH OFFICES TELEPHONE EXCHANGES ALSO TO CLOSE. In order to allow as many officers ns Jossible to attend the funeral of the ate Hon. Mr Massey, it, has been de- . cided to close the telephone exchange ill Wellington 'and all the post and telegraph offices in the city and sub- , urbs from I p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday next, on which day a morning de-' livery by postmen will be made. Those telephone exchange subscribers who wish to make urgent calls during the • hours that the exchange will he closed sli-o,)d make use of automatic numbers. A cold in the head makes cue miserable Lose no time in getting “NT A ZOL.” Clears out colds and cato'cl, , 111 double-quick time. Is 6d fpr 60 { closes ,

" ADMIRAL SAITO CABLES 'DEEP. REGRET. >- Admiral Saito, who commanded the I. Japanese squadron which visited Wei- »- hngton some time ago, has telegraphded from Tokio‘ ‘Kindly convey mj >f deep regret to .Mrs Massey for the * if lamentable loss of her husband.” LEADER OF LABOUR PARTY a TRIBUTES FROM WESTPORT. >f , _ Per Press Association. ls WESTPORT, May 12. ,s Numerous tributes to the memory 11 of the late Mr Massey have been paid r - by public men in and about West;o port. All testify to his broadminded ir statesmanship, and Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., wired , the Acting Prime Minister:—“l wish to convoy to yonrself -and the members of the Government my own sincere sympathy and that of the Labour Party in the almost irreparable loss they have sustained in S- the death of the Prime Minister. I 1° shall always remember him as a t- statesman of wide capabilities and it Btrong determination, and a great opte ponent who, having given hiß word, te never once broke it. After life’s fitful fever may he sleep well.” Mr Holland also sent a message of . condolence to Mrs Massey. ' The Mayor (Mr J, W. Menzies) tele- ,, graphed expressing deepest sympathy “ on behalf of the citizens of Westport, m Also the president of the Buller Prob gress League and county chairman c " (Mr D. Q, O’Brien) telegraphed Mrs o Massey: “May your dignity in sor'd row overcome your grief.” Ministers, in the churches,. school teachers, and others, also paid warm tributes to the dead statesman’s services to New Zealand and the Empire. £ ON WEST COAST it —— UNITED MEMORIAL SEtRVICE. le Per Press Asrociatlon, GREYMOUTH, May 12, ,h The heads of West Coast local bodie ies are leaving by special express to- |,) morrow to attend the funeral. A }’ united memorial service is being held } f on Thursday, when shops and hotels f _ are closing. Expressions of condo- • lence have been forwarded on behalf /: of all local bodies in the Grey dis- £ Met - d • FOR THE FUNERAL IS y WREATHS FROM CANTERBURY. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, May 12. y A very large number of wreaths y are being sent from Canterbury for 3 " Mr Massey’s funeral. . Prom the citizens of Christchurch 4 s being sent a large wreath consisting of superb white chrysanthemums, with a magnificent spray of arum lilies and Erica " Willmoreanna, and fronds of . fern, , The inscription reads:— ' ’ “A token of respect, appreciation y and sorrow, from the Mayor, counJ" cillors, and citizens of Christchurch.” , a HARBOURBOARD “PROFOUND REGRET AND SYMPATHY.” On behalf of the Wellington Harbour Board, the following telegram has been, sent to Mrs Massey by the chairman (Mr G, Mitchell) : — <s The ( . Wellington Harbour Board extends to r) you and your family its profound re- ® gret and sympathy at the loss of your : husband,' the late . Right Honourable W. F.-' Massey, Prime Minister 8f u New Zealand; but let us take comfort ’ from the fact-that his noble aad masterly life and his wise deeds will be a lasting monument for all time.” _ Mr Mitchell has also forwarded the following telegram on behalf of the 0 Harbours Association, representing the Harbour Boards of New Zealand, r ' I desire to tender to you and your s family the sincere condolences of the a association upon the. death of your, r husband, late Right Honourable); _ W. F, Massey, Prime>;Mimster of New. I Zealand. You havi* lost a noble aiu^,| • devoted husband, arid' the Empire 'a _ great statesman.” I “IN HIGHREGARD” [ SYMPATHY OF P.P.A. } The following letter has been for- - warded to Mrs Massey by the Dominj ion secretary of the Protestant Polis tical Association of New Zealand:— '■ “I desire, on behalf of the president, s officers, and members of the Protes- • taut Political Association throughout - the Dominion to extend to yourself and family their deep sympathy and 1 sincere condolences on the death of 1 your late husband, the Right Hon. ’ W. F. Massey, P.C. The members of the association held in high regard and confidence the late Mr Massey. His strong attachment to the interest of, and concern for the well-being ot the great Protestant British Elmpire, his loyalty to the principles upon which the Empire -was founded and built, his brave spirit and uncorrupted zeal for the commonweal, won for him the esteem and trust of all patriots. We pray that through the mercy of God your sorrow pray be assuaged and yourself and all the members of your family comforted by the knowledge of the affection with which the late Mr Massey was. regarded both for liis own sake and because of his ser- < vices to the country.” FERRY SERVICE / Arrangements are being made to run the harbour ferry steamers Muritai, Duchess, and Cobar, from the ferry wharf to Point Halswell, and from Rona and Day’s Bay to the same, g with a .view to relieving the conges- , tion which is likely to occur on the ' road route during the funeral of the late Prime Minister on Thursday. Details in regard to the time-table, and the landing place, will be available to- , day. MEMORIAL SERVICE AT EAST--BOURNE A memorial service in connection a with the death of the Prime Minister z will be held at Eastbourne in the t Crown Theatre on Thursday evening, tl .at 8 o’clock. The religious part of the n service will be in the bands of the *' combined churches, and the Mayor of .Eastbourne (Air H. M. Jones!, councillors. and representatives of other East Harbour local bodies, will take n part. 5 RADIO SOCIETY’S SYMPATHY h Prior, to the commenoetnevit oF t>><?. {] .onnunl ,jnPGtiti<y nf the Amateur Radio j v nf lit* v'vrht. the '■'hoittmpY* <T)r. G. F. V. .Anson"' rnin feeliru* -Wv* to the death oF the Ppuip n moti^-'' rf v-jMt nvM iroß cr-rried in Mlenec. ttiope rrppcnt st&mlirjr. „ *