THE LATE. SIR H. PARKES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2201, 7 May 1896, Page 17

THE LATE. SIR H. PARKES.

London, April 27. The Times cays that Sir H. Parkea was the most striking flguro of pnblic life in Australasia, and helped in no ordinary degree to impress the English character on the community. April 28. A meeting of the Cabinet regretfully acqnieoced in Sir H. Parkes'c wish for a private funeral, and resolved to place. on record an expression of deep regret at h!s death. The Government have invited all publio officers to attend the funeral .tomorrow, and have also ordered that the flags on the public buildings be lowered to halfmast. The Hon. Mr Ssddon wired expressing the sympathy of fcne New Zealand Government; with Lady Parkes. « Some years »g« L9OOO was 'subscribed by the publio, of which * Sir Henry Parkes received the interest. The amount will now be divided, according to the terms of the trust, between the' chil&ron of the first marriage, consequently' the children of the second marriage and of the present Lady Paikeß are left unprovided for. The eldest of the children by the second marriage is twelve and the youngeet throe. April 2th The Colonial party in the House oJE Commons passed a. resolution recognising the great services of Sir H. Parker, aud deploring his death as a loss to the Empire. , Mr Chamberlain, Secretary for the Colonies, has cabled stating that her Majesty and the Imperial Government heard with regret of the death of Sir H. Parkes, who was so long a prominent figure in Australian politics. Telegrams and letters of condolence have been pouring in from all parts of the colonies. Over 50 wreaths arrived yesterday, including emblems from Lord Hampden, Lord Glasgow, Lord Oarrington, and all colonial Governments. The funeral of the late Sir Henry Farkes took place to-day. It took the shape at a national tribute to the memory of the deoeaied statesman, and the soeae waft moat impressive. The route from Kenilworth to th« city was lined with mourners, and the most of the houses w«r« draped. The route along which the cortfye passed was densely crowded. The mortuary hearse and two carriages were completely hidden by beautiful wreaths. Escorted by a guard of mounted troopers were the Governor's carriage, also those of Ministers and members of botb branches of the Legislature. The civil service was represented by all the heads of departments, while innumerable private vehicles followed. A special train oonveyed the coffia and a large number of friends and members of Parliament to Fauloon Bridge, in the Slue Mountains— a beautifnl spot chosen by the deceased as his last resting place. The scene at the grave was most affecting.