SCENES AT STATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24261, 1 April 1940, Page 8

SCENES AT STATION

ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND RECEPTION OF CASKET RITUAL OF~THE CHURCH (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, Mar. 31. There was only a small official party on the platform when the funeral train, bringing Mr Savage’s body home drew into the Auckland Railway Station at 3.15 this afternoon. After the body had been received by representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, the casket was borne in solemn procession through the station concourse to the waiting gun-carriage at the main entrance. The reception of the funeral train was the most private paid of the day’s ceremonies. Members of the public were not admitted to the station, which, in contrast to the crowded streets, was strangely deserted. Awaiting the train on (he platform were Captain Lord Dormer, A.D.C., representing the Governor-General, the Minister of Public Works (Mr Semple), the Premier of Queensland (Mr W. Forgan Smith), Bishop Liston md Roman Catholic priests, the Mayor of Auckland (Sir, Ernest Davis), Mr and Mrs D. G. Alfrey, who were among the chief mourners. Captain W. E Parry, Major-general J. E. Duigan, Wingcommander H. B Burrell, Captain H, M. Barnes, Colonel N. W. McD Weir, Mr J. G. Coates, Mr P. K. Paikea, M.P., the superintendent of police (Mr J. Cummings), and the acting station master (Mr J. E. Jones). Transfer of Casket The casket was removed from the train by eight bearers, two each from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal New Zealand Artillery, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Bishop Liston received the body with the prayer In Paradisum. Then, preceded by Father P. T. B. McKeefrey, bearing the Cross, and attended by Monsignor W. Ormond, Monsignor J. Cahill, Monsignor H. Holbrook, and Monsignor T. Connolly, representing Archbishop O’Shea, the bishop moved off at the head of the procession on the journey down the station concourse. The Psalms “ De Profundis and “ Miserere ” were chanted. Members of the Cabinet who nad travelled from Wellington with the funeral train walked on each side of the casket, and they were followed by other members of the official party. As the procession moved through the concourse, Chopin’s “Funeral March” wag played by the Papakura Camp Band, drawn up just in front of the gun-carriage. Final Stage of Journey Brilliant sunshine and the glitter of polished arms met the cortege when it emerged from the shadow of the station. Representing the three services, the escort facing the entrance presented arms, and the casket was lifted on to the gun-carriage. On one end of the casket was a kiwi mat, placed there in Wellington by Mr E. T. Tirikatene, M.P., on behalf of the Southern Maoris. Mr Paikea stepped forward and draped over the other end a highly-prized korowai mat. a tribute from the Northern Maoris. “A tear from your Maori people," was said in Maori. “ Depart, O chief. Depart, O father.’ Captain Parry, commander of the Achilles, covered the casket with the New Zealand Ensign flown by the cruiser in the action with the German battleship Admiral Graf Spee in the Battle of River Plate.

Meanwhile, the official party, which had carried the wreaths from the train, had placed them on special "motor trucks. Then to the roll of muffled drums the cortege set off on the last stage of the funeral journey.

MEMORIAL SERVICE LARGE CROWD AT OVAL DUNEDIN’S FINAL TRIBUTE An outdoor memorial service arranged by the Otago Labour Representation Committee was held at the Oval yesterday afternoon and a crowd which must have numbered not much less than 5000 gathered to pay Dunedin’s last tribute to the Prime Minister. Mr M. J. Savage. The service was conducted by the Rev. W. A. Stevely. Half an hour before the service was timed to start, some 300 members of the Labour Party assembled at the Queen’s Gardens, and. led by the St. Kilda Band, marched through the main street to the Oval. There was already a large gathering before the platform when the parade arrived, and for some time its numbers continued to be swelled by new arrivals until, when the service was opened with the singing of “ God Defend New Zealand ” the crowd must have been the largest ever assembled in Dunedin for such a purpose. It was a striking indication of the depth of feeling aroused by the death of the Labour Party’s leader. The service was a fairly lengthy one. including two scripture lessons, a prayer, and .an address by Mr Stevely. The hymns “All Pepole that on Earth do Dwell,” “ For All the Saints,” “ O God. Our Help.” “ Lead Kindly Light ” and “Abide With Me” were sung, and Mr Alfred Walmsley rendered the solo “ Nearer. My God. to Thee.” The accompaniments were played by the St. Kilda Band. In his address. Mr Stevely referred to the courage which had carried the late Prime Minister on through seas of troubles, the faith he had shown always in his God and his fellow men. the singleness of purpose which had carried him and his followers to success, and the charity which had never permitted him to Pass over the claims of those in need. From a lowly beginning. Mr Savage had fought his wav to the highest office of State, and in doing so had earned the whole-hearted esteem and respect of all classes. Young and old alike had been drawn to him and he ventured to say that there was no one in this Dominion who was not deeply touched bv the passing of Mr Savage.