THE QUEEN'S DEATH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11956, 1 February 1901, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE QUEEN'S DEATH.

RECEPTION OF THE MOWS. , A SORROWING COLONY. Absolutely the first intimation that tho citizens of Dunedin had of the closing of the most glorious reign that the history of the British Empire has known was contained in the display of tlie flag at the tetegraph office at half-mast high. That signal was capable of but one sorrowful interpretation. It was, however, a comparatively insignificant crowd that had assembled ir. the vicinity of the telegraph office. There were thousands of people, on tho other hand, massed in the precincts of the' Triangle, on the hillside overlooking the Triangle, in First Church grounds, and on the passenger overbridge at the railway, the volunteers also being drawn' up in companies in the open space that was being preserved between the railway station and the Triangle reserve. For them the tidings came through the display at half-mast of the Union. Jack on the flagpolo at the Daily Times Office. The telegraph officials had communicated the.news to the office of this paper by telephone, and immediately upon its receipt the flag was displayed at half-mast. As it tvas hoisted its significance was at once appreciated. The first to observe it pointed it-out to those that were standing by them, and thus the ill news was quickly circulated throughout the crowd. And then a melancholy interest was taken in watching the other flags that were flying in the neighbourhood drop to half-must. That at tho Terminus Hotel.was the first to bo silently lowered; then that on the Equitable Insurance buildings ; then that on the Union Company's offices; one by one the tokens of welcome for • a colony's returning troopers were converted into tokens of mourning for an Empire's Queen. And next the tolling of bells fell upon the ear. |n the Triangle, the measured clang of the Town Hall bell, of that of Si. Joseph's- Cathedral, and of that at First Church was plainly distinguished. The other bells were all tolled,.but they were not near enough to be heard where the crowd was thickest. And all the while the public, watching and hearing these symbols of grief, wore endeavouring to realise what had happened. The Queen was dead! There were few among them who had ever known what it was not to have a Queen—not to have this particular Queen. One patriarch, whose faculties are not impaired by'the march of years, there was whose memory served to recall four monarchs of the United Kingdom; but an old man it is whose recollection of tho proclamation of Victoria as Queen of England is a vivid one, and the bulk of the crowd in the streets had only known one ruler— the Queen who has just breathed her last at Osborne. And it was necessarily difficult for them to realise that she was no more. The news of her death was passed from mouth to mouth, but a curious phase of the human character was manifested in their demand for come tangible evidence of the accuracy of the intelligence. The extras which were promptly published conveyed the simple (statement that the Queen was dead, but hundreds of people were not satisfied until they.had read this, and not only that—they must receive copies of tho extra, and stuff them in their pockets. And when they had thus assured themselves the crowds began to melt away. The news from the death chamber overshadowed everything else. For the time, there was nothing biit this talked about. In subdued voices and grave tones tho situation was earnestly discussed by little parties of men and-women. Some'of tho more youthful portion of the community seemed to imperfectly recognise the seriousness of the tidings that had been flashed across ' the wires.

At the railway station in Cumberland street, at Which the troopers were expected to arrivo in.the afternoon, a wreath of crape was hung conspicuously as a mark of the deep grief felt on all. hands. In the Agricultural Hall, where the welcome, to the home-comers toot place in the afternoon, signs of the people's mourning were also in evidence. VOLUNTEER MEMORIAL SERVICE. Shortly after tho news of the death of her Majesty had been received the volunteers were drawn up in the enclosure on the west side of the railway station, where _ Colonel Webb, addressing them, said: In view of the very sad news which has been received of the death of her Most Gracious Majesty it .is considered right and proper that the ministers of religion now present should address the troops on parade. The Rev. W. Curzon-Siggers said: We are assembled to-day on the saddest occasion that ever yon or I are likely to witness, or have witnessed—the most sad event that has ever occurred in the history of our great Empire— namely, the chronicling of the death of Victoria the Good, the late Sovereign of our Empire. This is not a day for words, but it is a day on which we should, as the Homo land will do—meet together and commit tho Empire to the care of Almighty God and leave the soul of our Queen in His safe keeping. With that intent we will take the order for the burial of the dead in memory of this sad occasion. _ The reverend gentleman then read the burial servico, which included the 39th Psalm, the 15th chapter of the First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, and the lord's Prayer, in which tho volunteers jpined. The Rev. I. Jolly then engaged in prayer, after which the Rev. W. Ronaldson pronounced the benediction. ' Ths volunteers' were then marched to the Agricultural Hall for lunch. ■ MEMORIAL SERVICES.

A special service in memoriam was held in St. Paul'B Cathedral last Wednesday, lasting about an hour. The cathedral was crowded in every part. The service consisted of special hymiiß, suffrages, collects, and prayers, and was chiefly taken from the burial offico; and the reverent singing of the hymns " Brief life is here our portion," "When our heads are 'lowed with woe," and " Jesus loves" showed bow deeply the Queen's death had touched the religious feeling of the people. At the conclusion of the service the Rev. Mr Jones, who presided at the organ, played the Dead March in " Saul," the congregation standing until the last chords had died away. A short address was given by Archdeacon Robinson from Ezekiel xxi, 26: "Thus faith tho Lord God, Remove the diadem, take off the crojvn." The Salvation Army's Dowling strpet Hall was the scene of a very impressive memorial service- last Wednesday, in which fully 450 took part. _ Colonel Estill, the Army's chief officer in this colony, presided, and was assisted by Major Gallant, Staff-captain Bishop, Ensign Ruprepht, and a large number of local Salvationists. The Army's excellent band rendered appropriate sacred music, and the large congregation joined in singing her Majesty's favourite hymn, "Abide with me." After several sacred solos, etc., Colonel Estill delivered an impressive eulogistic address, in the course of which he enlarged upon the admirable private life and also tho administrative ability of our departed Sovereign. •THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNS. At the meeting of tho City Council last Wednesday, when there were present Crs Muir, Haynes, Denniston, Christie, Carroll, Goro, Park, and Christopher, the Mayor (Mr R. Chisholm) said that in view of the sad intelligence that had rcachod them that day of the decease of her Majesty Queen Victoria he would move that the council adjourn to that night week. Cr Haynes seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously in silonce. Cr Gore drew attention to the fact that there was also another meeting to consider the weekly half-holiday, and suggested the adviseableness of adjourning that as well. That meeting, which must be held this month, was also deferred to the same evening. At the adjourned meeting on the 30th the following resolution was adopted on the motion of the Mavoi" That the Council of the City of Duncdin record their sense of the great loss the Empire has sustained in the death of her late Majesty Queen Victoria, and express heartfelt sympathy with the members of the Royal Family in their Fad bereavement; and that a cop<* of this resolution he forwarded to his Excellency the Governor."

RECEIPT OF THK XKWS IN WELLINGTON. OFFICIAL MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY. (From Oun Own ConnnsroNDENT.) WELLINGTON, January 23. The dull, gloomy, rain/clay in tlie capital was in keeping with the melancholy news received over the wires this morning shortly before noon. The Royal Standard was seen being slowly hoisted half-inast at Government House, nnd as its fine folds floated on the breeze and the big bell in the Post Office tower began to toll slowly, people recognised, and said to one another almost in whispered tones, that the Queen was dead. The New Zealand flag flew at halt-mast on the Post Office, the Government Buildings, warehouses, and many other flagstaffs, and knots of people met and talked in the streets or about the newspaper offices. The first news seems to liave come to Ministers from the Agent-Gene-l'al, and for some reason it appears to have been marked " Confidential." It was, however, published by the newspapers before noon. At 21 minutes past noon an urgent cablegram iras received by Ministers from Mr Seddon, at Sydney. It ran:—"With profound regret and borrow "I received the following cable from the Agent general: Queen died 7.45

I p.m. 22nd.' "To which Mr Seddon added, " A I world's loss, a nation's,grief." Immediately upon receipt of this the members of the Govern' ment in Wellington—the Hon. Messrs \Y. C. Walker, W. Hall-Jones, T. Duncau, and C. IL and despatched the following message to each member of Parliament: — " With profound sorrow we have to announce the death of her Majesty the Queen, pn particulars are to hand so far.—(Signed) W. C. Walker." Mr Walker, it may be explained, is the senior Minister at present in Wellington. Ministers also sent a somewhat similar telegram to the Speakers of both Houses, n? i well as to the Premier and the Native Minister in Australia. _ The Mayor immediately issued a notification asking all people to close their shops, and the shutters began to go up at once. Almost simultaneously it was notified that all places of amusement would be closed this evening, and meantime the church bells continued to toll their solemn dirges in respect to the memory of the departed Queen. Business was at once suspended, and even the banks, which could not legally close, half shut their doors. The deepert toned bell in the post office tower tolled the years of-her Majesty's life and the number of years she had reigned, and the work of draping tho building in black was at once commenced. Shipping was suspended, and none of those vessels whose loading is not finished will sail to-day. The hour of her Majesty's death is given in tho Government despatch as 7.45 p.m. of last night, English time. This is equivalent to 7.15 a.m. to-day in New Zealand, so that the news .was known here within about five hours of tho sad evenF. During the time the Court is in mourning no military demonstration 13 permitted, so that there will be no parade of the local forces or any display whatever at the Newtown camp, and on Saturday the men of the sixth contingent will simply be marched on board without tho music of bands or other display. It is considered certain that the proposed visit of the Imperial troops, including the Indian contingent, to New Zealand will not now take place. Lieutenant-colonel Porter, the officer commanding the Wellington volunteer district, has issued an order that all volunteer corps in the district are to go into mourning. Corps are not to take part in ceremonies nor march with fixed bayonets, and there is to be no band music at parade. Tho French consul (Count Do Courte) had hio flag lowered to half-mast as soon as tho news renched him, and telegraphed to his Excellency the Governor, who is on his way hack to Wellington, his sincere condolence, together with that of tho French colony in New Zealand. At a special mcetimr this afternoon the City Council passed the following motion That tlio council places on record its sorrow at the death of her Most Gracious Majesty • the Queen and deep, heartfelt sense of the great loss sustained bv the millions of people over whom she ruled." The council also dccidcd to cable as follows to tho Secretary of State for tho Colonic:—" Council and citizens deeply regret the sad news received of tho death of our beloved Queen. - ' Tho stewards of the Wellington Racing Club met this afternoon and decided, owing to the death of tho Queen, not to hold the races to-morrow. As soon as an official intimation from the Iconic Government as to her Majesty's death reaches the Government a Gazette proclamation will be ireued officially announcing the death of her Majesty. When the message announcing tho death of her Majesty reached Wellington tho committee which had charge of the arrangements for giving tho members of the sixth contingent a " send-off" happened to be sitting at the corporation offices. Tho commitfco decided to abandon every miblio function in connection with the send-off. so that there will be no dinner or farewell demonstration. Tho committee at onco adjourned with expressions of profound regret. In answer to the telegram pent by his Excellency tho Governor on hearing of the Queen's illness, the following has been received from tho Right Hon. Mr Chamberlain, Secretary of Slate for the Colonies: —"I am directed by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to acknowledge very gratefully your message expressing the sympathy of yourself, your Government, and people of New Zealand." On reccipt of the news of the Queen's death Lord Ranfurly despatched the following telegram to Mr Chamberlain:—"Myself, Ministers, and people of New Zealand desire to convey to the Royal family, also to the Imperial Government, our, heartfelt sorrow in the loss tho Empire has sustained by the death of our beloved Queen—so noble a woman, so illustrious a Sovereign." Confirmatory news of the Queen' 3 death has reached the Government Houee through the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Piles of telegrams of condolenco are being received at Government House from foreign consuls, public bodies, and others.

OTHER CENTRES OF THE COLONY. INTENSE GENERAL REGRET. An Auckland telegram saysi—lntense regret was folt in Auckland when the news of her Majesty's death became known throughout the city, and expressions of heartfelt sorrow at the loss of a great and good Queen were heard on every hand. The flags were run up to half-mast on every building that, hoisted a flagstaff or pole, and in a few minutes the whole city was seen to be in mourning, while many business firms at oneo closed their doors. Ono of the first flags hoisted half-mast wbb the New Zsaland Ensign on the Government departmental buildings, Customs street. The municipal authorities promptly flew a flag on the City Council oflices, and business firms and private persons all over the city followed suit very quickly. At all the foreign consulates the same outward form of regret was observed, and all vessels in harbour, including the R.M.S. Alameda, quickly lowered their ensigns, and house flags to half-mast. The rathcdral and church bells slowly tolled, and many continued tolling throughout the afternoon. The Mayor requested citizens to join in the demonstrations of mourning by shutting up their establishments. All amusements for the evening were cancel'ml. A Royal funeral salute of 101 guns will be fired at intervals of one minute from Fort Cautley by the Permanent Artilery on t.lio day of the funeral, The Police Court adjourned as soon as the death was announced. The news of the Queen's death was recoired at Napier with marked manifestations of sorrow. The cathedral and fire bells tolled out the mournful news; flags were flown halfmast in all directions, and nearly all the shops exhibited cmbloins of mourning. A Hawera message says:—News of the death of the Queen was received with every manifestation of soirow. The church and fire bells were rung and flags flown halfmast.

The news was received at Palmerston North with every demonstration of sorrow. The •Iwlls of the churches and at tho fire station were tolled; flags were displayed at halfmast. and a number of business premises were at once closed. At Nelson the news of the death, of the Queen was received with profound regret, The flags were flown at half-mast, the church bolls tolled, and tho Government and City Council and all other offices closed. Bells were tolled at Westport, while the business places and offices were closed. All flags are at half-mast. Immediately on receipt of the news at Christclmrch of the Queen's death all business places were closed, and the cathedral bell tolled.' On the news of tho Queen's death reaching Ashburton business was suspended, and the church bells tolled and flags flown at halfmast. There are signs of mourning everywhere. An Oamaru message says:—"On the receint of the news of the Queen's death minute bells were tolled, and all shops were closed, whilo Haas wore displayed at half-mast, The Countv Council at once adjourned their mooting. Every mark of tho deepest sorrow is observable. All business places were closed at Clyde on receint of the sad news, and the Vincent Counlv Council at once adjourned. A New Plymouth message savs:—"Great sorrow was evinced at the news of the Queen's death. Business places immediately closed, and public meetings were adjourned. The newspaner offices were draped in black. The fire bells and church bells tolled." A Gisborne message says:—"When the news of the death of the Queen arrived the hells were tolled, the City Band played the ' Dead March ' and ' Vital Spark.' A crowd assembled at the belfry, whero tributes were paid by the Mayor. Dean Hovel, Canon Webb, and Canon Fox. The town is in mourning. The business places were all closed and draped in black. A cable has been received from the Hon. Mr Carroll that lie had cancelled all engagements, and i 3 returning to the colony."

MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY. The following telegram has been forwarded by the Rev. J. U. Spence on behalf of the Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland:—"To his Excellency the Governor. Lord Ranfurly, Wellington.—ln the name of the Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland permit me to express our profound grief at the death of our late beloved Sovereign Queen Victoria and our sincere prayer on behalf of the King, and will ever pray, Long live the King!— Jacob Ultra Spence, Moderator." The following message has been sent by Bishop Verdon, through his Excellency tho Governor,.to the Secretary of State for the Colonies: "The Catholic Bishop and clergy of Dunedin, in synod assembled, deeply regret the death of tho great and good Queen." The following message has been sent by Mr

Julius Hyman, the president of the Hebrew congregation, through his Excellency the Governor, to the Secretary of State for the Colonies:—"The Dunedin Hebrew congregation are deeply grieved at tho death of her Majesty." An Auckland telegram says:—" Mr Dillingham, American Consul, telegraphed as follows to the Governor: 'I mingle my tears with yours oyer the bier of your lato Queen, who was the most popular sovereign the world lias known. No nation aside from her own will fell her loss so deeply as the Republic I represent in' your colony, PO2CO to her ashes.'" FUNCTIONS POSTPONED. Owing to the lamented death of the Queen all social functions and sports were postponed till after (he funeral. THE NEWS AT~PORT CHALMERS. When the news reached Port Chalmers the residents were mostly out in the streets wait-1 ing for the returning troopers. A detachment 1 of bluejackets from tho H.M.S, Mildura and the Port Chalmers Navals were drawn up at the foot of George street, and tho crowd flocked round while tho Port Chalmers Band played "The Dead March." The scene was : impressive in the extreme. Every man stood bareheaded, and nil the people stood still, re-1 vcrentjy joining in r. nation' 6 mourning. It has been written that when the death of William the Silent was proclaimed throughout England tho little children cried in the streets. It is doubtful if at any period in English history since has the death of a Sovereign made itself so directly felt as a personal lo?s than the (tenth of Queen Victoria. and as the strains of Handel's immortal requiem lugged at the heart-strings of the assemblage in Port Chalmers yesterday, many a man and woman found it difficult to choice down a sob. Slowly and listlessly the gathering separated. 'Tho bluejackets and the marines immediately after returned to the Mildura, as obviously thoy could take no further part in the day's proceedings. The Dunedin Pipo Band also played a Highland lament during the afternoon, and the beautiful and mournful music was rendered with great pathos. I

THE DAY OF MOURNING IN WELLINGTON. (Fnou Our Own ConitEsroNDENT.) WELLINGTON, January 24. The weather continues gloomy, and tiie city seems very lifeless, for though places of business remain open, very little business is being done. It would, however, have been extremely inconvenient to have closed the shops to-day, seeing that Tuesday, tho anniversary of tho province, was a whole holiday, and the greater part of Wednesday was given up as a day of mourning. Besides this, the Ministers remaining in Wellington do not seem to have risen to the occasion, for they neglected last night 'to inform tho Mayor of Wellington of the issue of the Ministerial proclamation constituting this a day of mourning. Then the Gazette extraordinary which they issued last, night is admittedly a fecblo production. It was as follows:—"Tho Government has received with the deepest sorrow the announcement of the dcatli of her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria on the evening of the 22nd inst., at half-past 6 o'clock. To-morrow (Thursday) will be observed as a day of mourning throughout tho colony. All officers at the Government Buildings are relieved from duty to-morrow (Friday) and Saturday.—(Signed) W. C. Walkfk (for the Colonial Secretary). Wellington, 23rd January, 1901." Unfortunately, neither Mr Seddon nor Mr Ward was in Wellington. A special memorial service is to be held at St. Paul's Cathedral at 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon. It is intended to invite his Excellency the Governor, the members of the I Ministry, and the mayor and councillors. A | fine programme of music is being arranged j for the occasion. It is not yet known whether j tho Bishop of Wellington, who has gone to j Napier to attend the sitting of the synod, l will be able to conduct the service. The Gazette containing the proclamation that to-day was to be observed as a day of mourning was only issued at a late hour yesterday evening, and there was therefore not sufficient time to inform the railway workshops employees throughout the colony last night that they were to have a holiday. As soon as the authorities of the Rnilway department found this morning that the Gazette had been issued, they ordered that the workshops should be closed at 11 o'clock. A deputation of the railway artisans at Petone was introduced to the senior Minister in Wellington (Hon. W. C. Walker), and a request was made that work should be also suspended tomorrow and on Saturday, as in the case of the various Government offices. Sir Walker replied that the matter was one which the Minister of Railways (Hon. J. G. Ward) must decide on his return to Wellington to-night. Tho wages paid to those railway hands in New Zealand who are not working to-day amount to about £12400 for tho day. .

The Government Buildings are being draped in black, and the G.P.O. is festooned in black and white intertwined. This is said to be the correct mourning for Royalty. Mr Hamilton, tho Registrar of tho University, was consulted on the point. A muffled bell in the clock tower of the post office now tolls the hours. At noon the military began the firing of 101 minute guns from the old saluting battery, the firing lasting from 12 o'clock till 19 minutes to 2. There will be no send-off to the sixth contingent on Saturday. There will be no dinner nor demonstration of any kind. The men will file quietly on hoard tho troopship. The various foreign consuls in Wellington lmve forwarded expressions of regret to the Governor, who has suitably, acknowledged them. Black-edged stationery is being issued to all Government offices throughout the colony. There was ono regrettable incident in the Wellington district, It occurred at Jlasterton, and is thus described by tho Post correspondent there:—"On the announcement of the death of the Queen being received, tho Lawn Tennis Championship meeting was adjourned for two hours. Play was then resumed. The public were soon made aware of the. fact, and a hostile demonstration took place. Mr Hogg, M.H.R., who had addressed the'crowd, lamenting the calamity to the nation, referred to the fact that tennis was being played. The crowd then adjourned to the tennis court, and demanded that play should cease. This request not being conceded, hooting was indulged in, and the players were subjected to a lot of banter. Eventually tho Fire Brigade hose was procured, and the water was about to bo turned on to the court, when the players dispersed. Several were jostled, and one found his way into the creek."

MOURNING AND MEMORIAL SERVICES. A REQUEST BY THE GOVERNMENT. The Acting-Premier has sent the following telegram to all majors, chairmen of county councils, chairmen of road boards, town boards, archbishops, bishops, and clergymen of all denominations throughout the colony: " I have sent the following circular telegram throughout the colony, and which I forward to you for your information. I shall bo glad if you can acquiesce in the suggestion tiierein contained. " As it is difficult in a scattered community to obtain unanimity of action in connection with the lamentable death of our late beloved Queen, tho Government suggest that the following be adopted: The public to be respectfully invited to observe a close day of mourning on the occasion of the funeral of tho Queen. A general holiday will be proclaimed throughout the colony ou that day for that purpose. Women and girls to wear a band of black ribbon on the right arm above the elliow, and men to wear a strip of black ribbon in the lapel of tho coat until after the funeral of the Queen. Flags on public buildings, in addition to being half-mast, to have a black streamer a foot above the flag. Citizens possessing flags should be requested to arrange them similarly. Clergymen to fix next Sunday as a day for a universal mournin!? service in the different churches throughout the colon)'." DAY OF MOURNING IN DUNEDIN. The request of the Government, through tho Mayor, that the 24th should be set apart as a day of mourning met with universal response. The shops, with one or two exceptions, were closed, and business generally was entirely suspended. Flags at half-mast were displayed from all tho public buildings, including the several foreign consulates, and also from numerous business premises. In not a few instances the colours were draped with black, whilo festoons of crapo were hung in front of the telegraph and post offices, Government Insurance Buildings, and the D.I.C. and Beau and Co.'s warehouses. Everywhere there were indications of mourning, and a spirit of sadness pervaded the city. In the afternoon the streets were comparatively empty, and tho wet, gloomv weather seemed to be ill accord with the feelings of the people who had just lost a revered and gracious Sovereign. Tho front ot the Town Hall is draped with black, and the statue of her Majesty which stands in tho main entrance hall has been mantled with crane.

CITIZENS' MEMORIAL SERVICE. AN IMPRESSIVE SCENE. Notwithstanding that comparatively brief notice was given of the citizens' memorial service which was held in the Agricultural Hall on January 21 it was attended by an immenso congregation. It is estimated that about 2500 persons were in the building. The gay colours and flags which had been erected as a welcome to the home-coming of the troops were all covered with crape. The national colours were also draped in the symbol of

mourning, while the flags were suspended a lmlf-mast. A large painting of her Majest; was placed in a prominent position nbov the stage and surrounded with black hang ings. The pillars and balustrades wero simi larly covered, and thero was present ever outward expression of the grief and sorrov of a people at Iho loss of a great and goo< Queen. The service was short and touch ingly simple, and tlio vast assemblage fol ; lowed it with marked earnestness and rever enoe. The choirs of (lie city churches weri located on the stage, and in front of the stngi there were 200 Sunday school children, win joined in the singing, under the conductor ship of Mr Holgate. His Worship the Mayoi presided, and the following clergy were alsc present:--The Revs. Dr Waddell, P. W. Fair clough, I. Jolly, W. Hewitson, J. J. Lewis. J. Muirhead, J. Niven, and G. Heiglnvayi Mr D. Oooke presided at the organ. His Worship the Mayor said it was very gratifying to sco that such a ready and willing response had been made to the invitation which he had issued during the day to the citizens to assemble there that evening. He | had received tlio following apology from the Rev. iT. Gibb: "I am extremely sorry that I my absence from Duncdin on holiday has j prevented mo from taking any part in tlio : various religious services that have been held , in connection with the illness and deeply I lamented death of our great and good Queen. lii_ particular I count myself unhappy in not being able to allend the meeting you have convened for this evening, I heard of your proposal only after it was out of my power to arrange to bo present. I'leasc explain the reason of my absence, and permit me to.express tho fervent hope that the meeting will in every respect; sjivo adequate expression to tho grief now felt by all the people of the Umpire for the loss of one who has been truly a mother to her subjects, and whose name has for so many years been one of our most familiar and best-loved household words.' Ho had also received an apology from Colonel Webb expressing his deep regret at not being able to bo present that night and lifs sympathy with the memorial service. He (tho mayor) had only one special request to make, and it was one which ho was sure Ihey would willingly accede to. He had to ask that during the service thero would be no applause. Tlio service was opened with tho hymn "Jcsu, lover of my soul," after which the Rev. W. Hcwitson engaged in prayer. "For ever with the Lord " was then sung, followed by tlio reading of Psalm xc by the Rev. J. Mnirhead. Mrs Howie, the well-known contralto, afterwards sang " 0 rest in tho Lord," Effective as she is on all occasions, undor tho influence of tho mournfulness which now affected the nation Mrs Howie rendered tho beautiful number with intense emotion and devotional effect, and it was quite apparent that- a? they listened to it in rapt silence tho great audience were deeply moved.

Tlio Rev. P.. W. Foirclough at the conclusion .of tlio solo delivered an eloquent poncgyric on tlio lato Queen, speaking as follows:—Tlio greatest potentate of all the world, whom the mightiest feared, to whom tho proudest bowed, for whom millions prayed, lien in key-cold clay. For three score and four years she sat upon a throne such a? neither birth nor battle Rave to warrior kings of old. Yas>t. was the realm that capo to her, yet tinder her hand it lias spread like the broadening daWn-light over the world. She was gentle, but wise, and loved strong and honest counsellors. Truth, not flattery; peaco, not glocy;. simplicity, not luxury; domestic quiet, not giddiness, were lior atmosphere ; and so great were her name and famo that every choice of hers was a potent force in tho world. For 61 years r-he held the Eceptre poised with dignity. Her eye was not dim, hut quick to beam upon merit and flash upon dishonour. Ilev car was open to tho distant cry of great sorrows and tho more domestic griefs of her own people. As the ] years rolled slowly away, so the millions who : had served her predecessors passed in silent | march to tho grave, till now only one here "> and there is left, like the last flecks of snow 011 the mountains—the rest being swept away by the ever-rolling river of Time. She had a nation all her own, bom wider her and knowing no other. Even of these many (including her own children) havo como to venorablc years—yet scarcely realised that she, too, was flesh and blood, and old. She seemed permanent and necessary to all time, for tlio wirli was father to the thought. Her liamo, her date, her title, were imbedded in tho language, and geography, and institutions of hundreds of millions. The cannibal Maori heard of the Great White Queen. His son, a. Christian, prayed for, and his son's son took an oath to her in Parliament. Well might the Queen seem a nermanent white man's wonder Tlio Australian savage, spearing fish in tho shallow? of weedy Yarra, may havo heard of ihc Great "White Queen from an early adventurer. That savage and his children's children have faded away. A stately city replaced his whorbie, occan palaces lay ill ilio Yarra, a new nation had fired the Australian skies with rejoicing, and still she was Queen. Railways, steamers, and telegraphs seem old and over necessary 1o us as tho alphabet. Scarce one iii 50 hove present remembers when they were not. Yet before they were she was Queen. We who are well on in middlo life do well if wo remember the marriage of her cider children. The great Kaiser of Germany, whose sons are young men, is tho son of her daughter. Great authors, philosophers, inventors, and explorers, who havo gone to dust, leaving immortal names to graeo the "Victorian era, were at school when she assumed the sceptre. Her reign has compassed their education, their early struggles, , their noonday fame, their crossing of the bar, and finally it has built their monuments and written their biographies. All tho time she bore tho burden of State. They are stars in her sky, waves in her sea. " King" is a foreign word to us, and our tongues and hearts half resent its usurpation of a place that seemed only for her. The National Anthem was known as " God save tho Queen." Our Governors were tho Queen's representatives. The laws were the Queen's justice. A writ was tho Queen's writ. Our foes were the Queen's enemies. Our defenders were tho Queen's forces, and they wore tho Queen's uniform. The very language was the Queen's "English. We slnll scarce speak but our tongues will strike her passing boll. Like the roots and fibres of an aneient oak, she has struck through and through our customs, our thoughts, our speech, our hearts. Slio was a personal tie; the head of every house. Tho time to spare her came no nearer with the lapse of years, We would that the aneient hyperbole had been possible, " 0 Queen, live for over." "But the dccree is to pauper and prince alike, " Set thine house in order, for thou shall die, and not live." Four score and two years were granted her, and then tho inexorable summons was issued. A chill fell upon tho air as the Angel of Death spread bis dark wings. Tho heart of a great nation paused. Breathless crowds waited in the four quarters of the globe, for the Master of Kings had come. Princes and captains hurried to the scene. Tho lord of many legions was there, but not to command. A nation's skill, a nation's prayer, a nation's tears interposed—alas, in vain. Not with struggle and agony and disappointed ambition wore crown and sceptre abandoned. Gently as the, last ripe leaf of autumn lots go in tho evening breeze did her lofty soul leavo her great task—completed. The" heart of tho nation utters itself in one jrcat. sob. "My mother, my mother! The chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof." At the conclusion of the address (he "Rev. I. Jolly engaged in prayer. Tho assemblage then sang "Brief life is here our portion," after which the Rev. G. Ileighwny pronounced tho benediction. A mixed band, under the baton of Mr Brumlcll, subsequently played the " Dead March " in " Saul," Hie audience standing while the solemn music was being rendered.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT ST. MATTHEW'S. On January 24 llio Vicar (the Rev. W. Cur-zon-Siggers) conducted a mpraorial sorvice, consisting (if portions of the burial sorvice of the Church of England, together with appropriate hymns, which had been printed for the use of the congregation. Tho choir sang Skeat's funeral anthem, "The righteous souls." Mr A. W. Lilly played the following pieces with liis accustomed taste and skill:—" O rest in the Lord," the " Dead march ' in "Saul," and liuilmanl's " Funeral march." The choir was augmented by members of other church choirs. Tho congregation was a very large one, filling the church. The Rev. W. Curzon-Siggere delivered an address oil the noble life of the Queen, her public and private virtues, and her womanly loving kindness and tact. MOURNING AT PORT CHALMERS." The flags at tho signal station, the Town Hall, the shipping companies' offices, most of tho business plr.es, and all the vessels at Port Chalmers were draped and hoisted at half-mast on Thursday as a mark of sorrow for her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, while his Majesty's ship Mildura fired a mourning salute of 82 guns. NEWS FROM VARIOUS CENTRES. (Pk;i U.vitkd Pniiss Assrci.vnox.) AUCKLAND, .lanuary 24. The usual festivities for Anniversary Day, January 29, will not lie observed. Tho Sixth Contingent Send-off Committee declared that there should be no ceremony of any kind whatever. The mayor will proclaim a day o[ mourning on the funeral day. With few exceptions business proceeded as usual 10-day. At a meeting of the City Council, the Mayor moved the following motion:—"Tho mayor and councillors of the Cily of Auckland desire to express the deep sorrow felt by all members of the community in the great loss which has befallen the nation by the death of. her Most Gracipus Majesty Queen

t Victoria and to present the respectful anc r loyal sympathy and heartfelt condolence J of tho citizens of Auckland with their Majes - tics tho King and Queen and Royal family ir - their bereavement; that the foregoing reso r lution be recorded in the minutes of tlu ' council, and that his Excellency the Governoi 1 be respectfully requested to forward the samt • to the Secretary of State." The motion was ■ unanimously adopted, and the council ad- • journed. Sympathetic resolutions were passed i by a meeting of Coromande! citizens. i THAMES, January 24. i The tidings of the Queen's death were received with deep regret. The shops were • closed yesterday afternoon, and Ihe flags i draped. A special service was held in St. George's Anglican Church last- night, when the vicar, the Rev.' Dr O'Callaghan, delivered an impressive address. Tho Borough Council passed a resolution of condolence, and then adjourned. NAPIER, January 24. To-day is being observed as a day of mourning, and all business places are closed. WANGANUI, January 24. To-day is observed as a close All tlio shops were closed, and gloomy silence hung over the town. In the morning an impressive memorial service was held at the Christ Church (Anglican), and to-night a great united memorial service was held in the Opera House. Tlio place was packed with nearly 301)0 people, while hundreds wero unable to gain admission, The volunteers, Fire Brigade, and Garrison Band attended, also the mayor and borough councillors. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. G. Bond (Wesleyan), R. M. Rylmrn (Presbyterian), and J. M. Marshall (Anglican). Hymns appropriate to the solemn occasion wero sung by the great assembly, and at the close of the service the "Dead March" in "Saul" was played by the band. STRATFORD. January 24. The news of the death of her Majesty caused great sorrow here. Immediately on rcceipt of the news all shops and offices were closed, and the flags flown lmlf-mast. To-day is also being observed as a day of mourning, and tho doors of' all business places are closed. FEILDING, January 24. Feilding is in mourning. All places of business were closed yesterday afternoon, and tlio function of laying the foundation stone of the new post office was postponed. Special memorial services were held in the churches in the evening. WELLINGTON, January 24. Tho foreign consuls in Wellington being desirous of expressing their condolence to his Excellency in connection with the Queen's death, Lord Ranfurly haß announced that he will receive the members of (he consular corps in a body on Saturday morning. Except as to closing the public offices there is little observance of the holiday, most of the business places being open. The public i entertainers learned by cable that in Australia the theatres were closing only for last night, and are therefore following this example. ' The Government departmental buildings and the front of tho G.P.O. are now draped with festoons of black, which will be allowed to remain until after her Majesty's funeral. The artisans at the Government Railway ■R orkshops have been granted holidays tiil Monday. NELSON, January 24. To-day was observed as one of general i mourning. In accordance with tho proclama- , tion, the flags at tho post office and Govern- | ment buildings wore draped with black. The j Rev. Mr Smalley, president of the Wesleyan I Conference, yesterday sent a telegram of sympathy to the Governor, and through his Excellency to the Royal family, cfti behalf of the esleyan Church of New Zealand. • Subsequently a reply was received expressing appreciation of the message. Mr Smalley requests that special prayers be offered for the nation at the present crisis in all the Wesleyan churches on Sunday next. To-day even the cabs left the stands, BLENHEIM, January 24. To-day is being strictly observed as a day of mourning. All places of business are closed and draped, and flags are flying half-mast. • Expressions of sorrow are everywhere mani- I fest. At a meeting the Borough Council (the | councillors standing while tho resolution i was being put) resolved—" That this council ! learn with deep regret of tho death of our beloved Sovereign, her Most Gracious Majesty Queon Victoria, and hereby place on record our high appreciation of her illustrious reign as a constitutional ruler and our ileep sense of the irreparable loss sustained by her millions of subjects." The council then adjourned as a mark of respect.

CHRTSTCHURCH. January 24. To-day has been observed in the city as a day of mourning. All shops were closed. Some of them were draped with black. The cathedral bells rang muffled peals at intervals. The Art Gallery at tho Exhibition was thrown open. The life-size portrait of the Queen there was draped, and at the foot a magnificent. wreath was placed by the City Council on bohalf of the citizens, and ns the day wore on hundreds of other wreaths were laid there. Tho mayor received a telegram from tho Governor acknowledging a message of sympathy and sorrow sent on behalf of the citizens. GORE, January 24. News of tho Queen's death was received in Gore about 12.30 yesterday, and the church bolls were immediately tolled and a number of flags flown half-mast. The Wosleyan and Presbyterian Churches were to hold their annual picnics, but upon receipt of the news those present adjourned to the Presbyterian Church, where a memorial service was held. To-day a large united sorvice was held in the Town Hall, all tho religious bodies taking part. The hall was packed to the doors, and a touching and pathetic service was held. Amongst the speakers was Dr James.Copland, who delivered a masterly eulogy on tho many traits and the high nobility of character of our beloved Queen. At the conclusion of the service tho Brass Band played the "Dead March" in "Saul." STOCK EXCHANGES. About 30 members of the Dunedin Stock Exchange were in attendance on Thursday morning. Tho Chairman (Mr E. R. Smith) said; Gentlemen,—We meet this morning under very unusual circumstances. lam sure that the death of our venerable Queen, although we expected it, has come as a shock to us all. I am perhaps within tho mark when I Fay that every member here, with the exception, possibly, of our friend and worthy secretary, Mr Gage, has been horn during the reign of Queen "Victoria, and we have never known any other Sovereign. It is perhaps also true to say that at least 95 per cent, of her subjects have been born during her reign. There lias been great progress made during that time—greater progress than under any other Sovereign,—and the numbers of her Majesty's subjects have been enormously increased since she ascended the throne. There is now great freedom enjoyed, not by the white subjects only, but also by the coloured subjects, and all have been raised in the social scale under our beloved Queen's beneficent rule. Wo in the colonics, no doubt, enjoy greater freedom than those in the old country, and

I am sure that some of us who have grown up hero appreciate that fact at ils full worth. But we enjoy greater freedom than any other nation, and we in tho colonies have it in a very marked degree. Tho Queen ascended the throne in 1837, and not till II years after that was this province founded. I fancy—with, perhaps, the exception of Auckland—nil imr provinces were founded during her ivign. so we have only got to look through our own colony (o see what progress has taken place rinei! 1837, for prior to that date this land wai practically given over to the occupation of Mauris. Queen Victoria was certainly tho greatest and most distinguished woman that has ever Ijccii known to .history, and her death lias caused more, universal sorrow than lias been caused by the death of any Sovereign hitherto. Slio wrought her children lasting good" is perhaps the greatest eulogy the Queen could have wished for, and 110 doubt that is what- she strove after, and that in what she lias arhieved. I will ask you to stand as a mark of appreciation of the loss the nation Ims sustained and of our veneration of the memory of the Queen. , The members then reverently stood, and subsequently adjourned until next day. Before proceeding with the " call over" on Friday morning the chairman of the Otago Stock Exchange referred shortly to the deaih of the Queen. This was the first opportunity the exchange had had of taking notice of tho fad event. It would be superfluous on his part to speak at any length on the subject: rather was ft an occasion when eloquence was to be flsnght for not in oratory but in silence. To tho public press might very fittingly be left the work of chronicling all the events that had occurred during ber late Majesty's long and prosperous reign, and likewise the same medium might safely be entrusted to give expression to the nation's feelings and the nation's eulogy. He would simply ask members present to stand up us a mark of respect and esteem for tho memory of the departed Queen. Tho members responded in silence, and the business was then proceeded with. OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIKTY. Mr H. V. Fulton (president) occupied the chair aftlie monthly meeting of tho committee of the Otago A. and P. Society on Thursday morning. Without transacting any business, the following resolution was adopted in respectful silence:—"That this meeting, in adjourning, desires to place on record its deep sense of the great loss which the nation has sustained by the lamented death of our Most Gracious Sovereign Lady Queen Victoria." A ropy of the resolution was ordered to be forwarded to his Excellency the Governor, and the meeting adjourned till this week. MESSAGES FROM MAORI CHIEFS. WELLINGTON, January 24. . The Government yesterday received telegrams from Hone Heke, Ngapuhi, Kurawai,

1 To Aupun, and Ngata Whatua, prominent northern chiefs, as follows: " Deeply grieved over the very sad news announcing the death • of her Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria. Kindly convey through the Government our deep and heartfelt sympathies to the Prince | of Wales and the people of Great Britain. If any public action your Government intend ; taking by which we can help in a small way, ■ kindly keep nie informed.—(Signed) Hoxe : llkke." Mid Ilanalu, of Wairangi, also telegraphed I on behalf of a number of Maoris:— "The Queen is dead. v Accept our sympathy. Long live the King." J The following message in reply has been sent by the Hon. \V. C. Walker:—"ln the absence of the Premier and Aoting-Premier I your telegram; containing your pathetic ex- ; pression of grief at the death of our great and ' good Queen Was opened by me. I have taken care that your loyal and affectionate words will be sent by your pakelia friends, and I will also ask his Excellency the Governor to forward them to tlie Secretary of State." NEW ZEALAND'S MESSAGE OF SYMPATHY. His Excellency the Governor has forwarded the following message to the Secretary of ' State for the Colonies" Myself, Ministers, . and people of Now Zealand deeply regret her , Majesty's illness, and with gravest anxiety await favourable telegrams.—Rakfubly." GRIEF OF THE ARAWA CHIEFS. WELLINGTON, January 22. The following telegram has been received ; by the Hon. Mr Ward, signed by leading ; chiefs of the Arawa tribe:—"Deeply • i grieved to hear of the serious illness of our Sovereign, Queen Victoria. We fervently hope that God in His infinite mercy will prolong her life."

GENERAL SORROWING. WELLINGTON, January 23. The Acting-Premier supplies the following memorandum: —All public offices throughout the colony will be closed tomorrow. Sunday hours will be observed at all telegraph offices, excepting the chief centres, where a minimum staff is to be kept on duty to enable the necessary telegrams of the public to be transmitted. Citizens of all classes are invited to observe the day as one of national mourning. The public offices have been instructed to drape their flags and fly them half-mast. Something further than this may be necessary to mark the sad event of the Queen's death, but in the meantime this intimation applies till to-morrow. NAPIER, January 23. Special funeral services were held in the Cathedral this evening. The large building was packcd in every part. The Bishop of Waiapu preached a sermon, in which he eulogised the public and private virtues of the Queen. \ WANGANUI, January 23. The news of the death of her Majesty was received with profound regret. All shops and business places were promptly closed, bells were tolled, and minute guns 1 fired. The sitting of the District Court | was adjourned, and all local meetings post- [ poned. Memorial services, under the auspices of the United Churches, will be held lin the Opera House to-morrow night. The Mayor telegraphed to his Excellency the Governor—" The citizens of Wanganui desire to express and tender their very great regret and sorrow on the occasion of the death of their late beloved Queen." HOKITTKA, January 23. The news of the Queen's death was received with every demonstration of profound grief. Flags were flying half-mast, many draped with black, and bells were tolled. All public and private business was immediately suspended. The Westland County Council, which was sitting at the time, at once adjourned, after sending a telegram to the Governor expressing the sorrow of the people of Westland.

CHRISTCHUROH, January 23. The Governor arrived from the south tonight and went on to Wellington. His Excellency received the following cable from the Secretary of State for the Colonies:— "Deeply regret her Majesty the Queen passed away at 6.30 this evening." Memorial services were held at the Cathedral in the afternoon and evening, and were | attended by very large congregations. In | the ordinary church service in the prayer for the Sovereign, the words "Most Gracious Sovereign Lord King Albert Edward" were substituted for the former words. In the prayer for the Royal family the words " Albert Edward. Prince of Wales," were omitted, and " Our Gracious Queen Alexandra, George, Duke of York, and the Duchess of \!ork" substituted. Special prayers were also offered up. The New Zealand Trotting Association meeting called for to-night was adjourned to a date to be afterwards lixed, after passing a resolution in the following terms:—"That this meeting, in adjourning, desires to rej cord its deep sense of the loss which the nation has sustained by the lamented death of her Majesty the Queen, a Sovereign whose life has been one of devotion to the country over which she has ruled with such wisdom and "justice during the longest period granted to a British monarch." OFFICIAL CABLEGRAM,S. , WELLINGTON, January 28. His Excellency the Governor has received the following cablegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies:—"His Majesty the King and the Royal family are very grateful for the very numerous manifestations of sympathy which have been received from the colony of New Zealand." The Agent-general cables to the Government intimating that the Queen's funeral takes place on Saturday, and stating that the Duke of York takes the title of the Duke of Cornwall. THE DAY OF THE ROYAL FUNERAL. THE ACTING-PREMIER'S ORDERS. 1 WELLINGTON, January 28. The Acting-Premier has declared Saturday next, February 2, the day of the Royal funeral, a Government holiday in all parts of the colony. At the various post and telegraph offices Sunday hours only will be observed, and all banks, mercantile houses, and places of business "are to be asked to suspend business during the whole day, out of respect to the memory of her late Majesty. Mr Ward fears it will be impossiule to interfere with the railway traffic beyond his previous announcement, which enjoins the complete suspension of traffic for half an hour before midday oil the day of the funeral.

A district order issued by Lieutenant-colonel Wel;b stiles that owing to the death of hnr Majesty the Queen officers in uniform will wear a band of crape or black cloth until further orders. Military bands will not he allowed to play, nor will any military ceremonials take place. 1 SUNDAY'S MEMORIAL SERVICES. On Sunday last memorial services were held throughout- the length and breadth of the land. It is ■ generally admitted that the churches of the colony rose to tho occasion, and the lofty tone that marked the utterances of the clergy, the depth of feeling displayed by tho people, all showed how the national lifo of (he colony lmtl been stirred to its very depths. "Hero wo are to-day," exclaimed a prominent Otago minister, " bound to.getlicr with millions in tho mystic fellowship of sorrow." And from the North Cape to Stewart Inland tho people of New Zealand mourned the death of their beloved Queen villi the sense of an irreparable personal loss. The official memorial service which look nlace at Wellington in St. Paul's pro-Cathedral was attended by his Excellency the Governor, accompanied by Captain Alexander and the Hon. Hill Trevor, aides-de-camp. Nearly all the foreign consuls were also present. The captain and officers of the cruiser Mildura, together with the bluejackets and a file of marines and the local volunteer officers, were aleo, in attendance. Dr Wallis, Anglican liishop of Wellington, was tho preacher.

On Tuesday Mr Leslie Reynolds, C.E., visited Milton with the intention of taking levolp, etc., for a report on the proposed water supply for the borough. Harrowdales was again visited, .\nd subsequently the north branch of the Tokomairiro River was inspected. Operations, however, |iad to be suspended, owing to the bad weather. Mr Reynolds is of opinion that the north branch of tho Tokomairiro stream is undoubtedly the best source. There is tin unlimited supply, and the water could, with little expense, bo naturally filtered. The intake from this source, if agreed upon, will be about eight miles from Milton. The reason for going to far back is owing to the very slight fall in the river bed. Mr Reynolds expects, however, that the intake will have an elevation of about Isoft above Milton.