SERVICES IN OTHER CENTRES. AUCKLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2728, 27 June 1906, Page 29

SERVICES IN OTHER CENTRES. AUCKLAND.

June 21. All business . was suspended in Auckland this afternoon, and several largely-attended memorial services wore held. The official military service was held at St. Matthew's Anglican Church, a fine stone building capable of seating about 1600 people. It was crowded in every part, those present besides the troops being the officers and men from the United States warship Baltimore, the foreign Consuls, represontativeb of local bodies and the Government service, magistrates, and other officials. The service, which was a moot solemn one, wa9 mainly taken from the order for the burial of tho dead. The Bishop (Dr Neligan) gave a striking and most impressive address on tho glory and dignity of labour, as illustrated by the life of Mr Seddon, and, addressing the American representatives, he »aicl : — "Between us of the Union Jack and you, my brothers, who equally proudly own allegiance to the Stars and Stripes, there is 'the thin red line' of blood kinship, which of necessity provokes a sympathy and regard for a strong and fearless character." Addressing the French Consul, ho said: — "To jou, Sir, representing illustriously an illustrious nation, tho thought of the larger 'Entente cordiale' will be the more valued by the memory of kindly feeling and act exchanged between France and N<-w Zealand because of men rescued from the peril;, -of the sea." To«the Consular service of other nations he spoke as follows: — "The memory of our late' Premier will bo, I doubt Dot, that of a man wholly devoted to the interests of tho British Empire, but equally wholly devoted to the maintenance of those coulial and friendly relations with other countiir-s which we of that. Empire love io call (he 4if<>-work of our King and Emperor." Referring to Mr Seddon's uoluical life, the Bishop said: — "Tho lato Premier, a^ it .-ooms to me, stepped out into the theatre of the world's affairs, and by the underlying principles of his labour legislation told the world that it was forgetting the old les-on of the dignity of work." Dr Neligan also referred most feelingly to the bereaved relations. "Tho hardest worker in New Zealand is dead ! A gentle laxJy. widowed full early, stands with fathorlens children at an open grave. We beseech Thee. Good Lord, that it may please Thee to defend tho fatherless children* and widow, and all that are desolate and oppressed, is tho petition in the Litany of New Zealand to-day." The Friendly Societies held a memorial 6ervirp in the Choral Hall, which was crowded in every part. The service was ! an impressive one. Sacred solos and hymns weio sung, and at tho conclusion of the fcoivice the '"Dead March" in "Saul" was played. An eloquent address was delivered by Mr A. J. Black, a well -known evangelist. Mr Black said:— "We are gathered to-day to do honour to the memoir of an illustrious man wlkwo sudden death ha« left not only the Jovod members of his family circle, not only the people of this country so de-ar to his lieaif, but the whole of the English-speaking world in mourning. To-day men of every station of life will bo found in solemn assembly pajing their la»t tribute of respect to a man who.-c position in this country was unique, and whose influence has spread the wide worlrl over." A great gathering of the brethren of the Masonic Order took place in the Pitt

Street Methodist Church, where a memorial service was held. As the deceased was a member of the New Zealand Constitution, the service was arranged by the brethren of that section of the fraternity, but invitations were extended to other constitutions to join, and the result was a combined meeting of the four constitutions. As the brethren filed into the church the organist nlayed Chopin's " Funeral March." The service was conducted by the Rev. J. A. Luxford. The Rev. Bro. Oliver Nicholson, Grand Superintendent, in his address stated that, full of honours and crowned with the eulogies of the people amongst whom he laboured, our beloved and distinguished brother had entered into rest. He was kind, loving, and just, a Mason tried and true. He loved his God, his family,* his country, and the brethren of the mystic tie. Rtronp in frame, and mighty in intellect and will, he was a born leader of men. lie was a true philanthropist, a man of noblo instincts. high thoughts, and grand aspirations. He believed in the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, and this faith was of so active a quality within him as to influence his conduct through life. The service in the Bantist Tabernacle, under the. auspices of the Ministers' Association, waa also crowded, and was very solemn and impressive. Tho Rev. W. Gray Dixon, chairman cf the Ministers' Association, in concludiaer his address, said: — '"It waa fitting that this man, living in the blaze of publicity as he did. and master of legislative experiments, should yet die simply among the oldfashioned simplicities of his family, and that his last word should be 'Mother.' Home had suffered alarmingly in New Zealand, as in other modern communities, and it was matter for devout thankfulness, that the, eminent Imperialist should have boon so conspicuously faithful to that patriarchal and domestic ideal without which there could bo no sound and enduring society. God had called him at the heierht of his fame, God called him in the midst of his family. He lived strenuously, and he died beautifully." Other addresses wore delivered, and a motion of sympathy was carried. At St. Paul's Anglican Church a crowded service on the lines, of that at St. Matthew's was held, and a service was also held in the Jewish Synagogue. THAMES. A wnited district memorial service was held at the Thames, and proved to be one of Ib© most representative gatherings seen on the gold-fields. All denominations and residents, no matter of what political creed, combined to do honour to the memory of the departed statesman. Members of [oral bcVlies, heads of church*"., representative palcehas and Maoris, and Volunteers, Lands, veterans, Cadets, and the general publio to the number of several thousands assembled at Victoria Reserve, where an impressive open-air memorial service was conducted. Speeches eulogistic of the late Premier and his great work on behalf cf the people were made by the Mayor (Mr Burns), representatives of the churches, and others. .A combined church choir assembled, and led- the' singing. Ths bands played the '•,Dearl March " in '* S&ul " and appropriate dirges. The' whole ceremony was a unique, striking testimony to the high <*ste?m »n which the late Premier was he!d, and his sterling worth as a leading representative of the people, GISBORNE. The weather wa3 beautiful, and c close holiday was observed from noon. At 2 p.m. the bells tolled, and a prooession was formed, including tho military, many vote, rans. friendly societies, school children, members of the Liberal Association, representatives of local bodies. Natives, and the general public. The gathering assembled in tho Recreation (iro".nd, where eulogistic speeches were mada by the Mayor and others. Hymns were sung, the band.played, the "Dead March," and a bugler sounded the " Last Post." NAPIER. Beautiful weathecj- prevailed at Xapier for the Seddon memorial service. Business was totally suspended during the afternoon, and a monster open-air service was held on the Marine Parade. Addresses were delivered by all the local clergymen.- The Volunteers fired a volley, and the buglers sounded tho " Last Post." A combined band played the " Dead March." Tho service throughout was most impie->»ive. HASTINGS. The weather was splendid for the memorial service to the late Mr Seddon. The Volunteers, headed by the town band, marched through rfop -own at a slow march to St. Matthew's Church, where an impressive service was held. The band played the "Dead March." and the Volunteers fired a vollej'. A children's service was also held in the theatre. All the children from the State and other schools marched in procetssiou behind the Volunteers. Addresses were delivered by the local clergymen, and appropriate hymns sung, including " Abide with mo." Business waa thoroughly suspended for thiee hours. PALMERSTON NORTH. Tile train to Wellington fvom Pa'.merston North in the morning was heavily laden with residents of the town, and numbers of vioitors who have been in attendance at th© winter fehow. and who left to witness the obsequies of the late Premier. A clos© holiday waa observed. The fags, in many instances surmounted with streamers of crape, were flown at half-mast from all the Government offices and business establishment* of the town. The memorial yervicea held afc the Opera House were very largely attended. MASTERTOX. Public memorial services were held at Masterton, and largely attended. Addresses were given by the clergy, BLENHEIM. The memorial service in the marketplace, Blenheim, in the afternoon was largely attended. There was a military parado, (ho Garrison Band playing the " Dead March," followed by a service of hymns, readings, and prayers, in which all the Protestant clergy took part, the whole concluding with the " Garland of Flowers," played by the band. WESTLAXD. Repoits from all parts of Westland go io slicw that in every town, village, and settlement people congregated at the appointed time lox the funeral to ]?&* their tribute of

respect to their late beloved representative, J Mr Seddon. Services were held everywhere, the clergy and laity delivering eloquent sermons and speeches, stress being . laid on the late Mr Seddon's sterling ■ religious belief. In Hokitika, in epite of ! the most wretched weather, large crowds , assembled at the Drillshed, where the | Volunteers, Cadets and returned troopers, i headed by two bands, proceeded to the various churches, where crowded congregations were assembled. GREYMOUTH. AP business was entirely suspended at Greymouth. The fiacs were flying at halfmast, and many paces were draped. Me- j morial services were held in the Anglican | and Methodist Churches. At the former the local bodies, Yolunteeis, and friendly societies attended in a body, the Battalion Band playing the " De«d March." The churches were packed. CHRISTCHURCH. The weather was fine and business entirely suspended in Christohr.rch. Flags were at half-mast everywhere. The public buildings were draped. The Licensed Victuallers' Association's request that all hotels should close from 1 till 5 p.m. i\as complied with. A memorial service was held in the j cathedral at 2.50, Bishop Julius and a large ; number of clergy takincr part. A united i memorial -service was also held in Cranraer square. The services were attended by all the ' Volunteers and a large gathering of the -general public. Senior Chaplain Chambers (Anglican Church), Chaplain Dewsbury (Methodist Church), and Chaplain Mackenzie (Pr-Mbytorian Church) conducted the services, the muMc being supplied by tho Garrison Band. The massed bands -of the city played the " Dead March " in Victoria square at 2 o'clock. All the services were \erj largely intended. ASHBURTON. All places of inwiness wore closed a.ll (Uy in honour of the late Premier, and a memorial service wa? held in the Domain in the afternoon in beautiful weather. The mounted and infantry Volunteers, Cadets, school children, borough and county councillors, friendly "societies, Fire Brigade, and two brass bands took part in the procession. The service was most impressive, a sjvoat concourse heartily joining in singing Mr Seddon's three favourite hymns, "Nearer, my God. tb Thee," "Abide with me," and "For e\cr with the Lord." TIMARU. All businesses wove closed and all work ceaswl ir Timaiu at noon. Pcautiful weaIher favoured thr open-air memorial service in Alexandra square, consequently the gathering was one of the largest ever seen in Timaru. AH the Protestant ministers took part in reading tha English burial service. There was a good muster of Volunteers, and school Cadets. The Mavino Band led the procession followed by two fire bnga-d-es, and others. The Battalion Band played the " Dead March" at the close of the service. TARANAKI. Business -was entirely suspended all day. Memorial services tiTt-re- !m!M -at -Sfe. JMasy's, also a. united service in 'he B^teation. Grounds at the hour of- the £ur.et<il, yv'the nuiii»r> attended. It is estimated there were 40i)0 present. Addressee -were delivered and prayers offered by several ■clergympn, including a stirring panegyric by the Rev. Mr Brooke, president of the Methodist Conference. Appropriate hymns were Ming. T^e bands played the "Dead March" in "Saul." Similar united cervices were held at Irinlrwiod, .Stratford, Eltbam, Hawera, and piaccically every township in the province. WANGANUI. One of the largest crowds 3een in Wanganui for a considerable time took part in the memorial service in the afternoon. The Garrison Band played " The Garland of Flowers" and the "Dead March" in '• Saul " Two addresses were delivered hy clergymen. Hymns were sung, and prayer offered. MARTON. An impressive united memorial service was hold at Marton. The Opera House was filled with people Special hymn 6 were i-ung by a combined choir, and addresses delivered by several ministers, all making eloquent reference to the life of tho late- Premier. The Volunteers and brass band attended, and the " Dead March" was played. FEILDESTG. Business was suspended in Feilding. Flags were flown half-mast, and over a thousand ppople attended a memorial service for the lat& Premier. Addresses were given by tho Mayor and clergy. There was a pafade of Volunteers and friendly societies. The bands played the " Dead March " and the ceremony concluded with voUey-firing. NELSON". Between four and fi\e thousand citizens, Volunteer?, and- Cadets attended a memorial service to the late Mr Seddon at the Central School Grounds, Nelson, in the afternoon. The ceremony was very impressive. The Bishop of Nelson delivered an eloquent panegyric on the deceased statesman. Business was entirely suspended during tho afternoon, the hotels also being closed. The Chief Post Office, municipal buildings, and some shops were dra-ped. Similar service., wre held at Takaka, Motueka. Richmond, and other parts of the district. WESTPORT. | A general holiday was observed in Westport, and during the afternoon a very largely-attended memorial service in connection with the death of Mr Seddon was held in Victoria Theatre. A large number of people were unable to enter the hall. Tho service was conducted by the local clergymen. A choir of 75 voices, with the City Band, led the singing. The service closed with the " Dead March," impressively played by tho band. MEMORIAL SERVICE IN SYDNEY. SIGNS OF MOURNING. SYDNEY, June 21. The flags were half-masted at the Admiralty depot at Garden Island, and on all public buildings and shipping. At noon a large congregation assembled in St. Andrew's Cathedral to pay, in unison with those taking part in the funeral rites at Wellington, a last tribute to the memory

I of Mr Seddon. The building .was draped in purple and "black, and the altar was decked with white flowers, while Union Jacks were suspended from the arching' pillars. The service was a choral one. As tho congregation gathered the organist played "I know that my Redeemer liveth." The opening hymn was -"Brief life is here our. portion," and then followed the service for the dead, impressively sung- by the choir* concluding 'with the anthem " Crossing the bar,"- to Woodward's music. The solemn: service terminated . with the singing of tho hymn "Ten thousand times "ten thousand." the organ playing the " Dead March " in, " Saul " ana. Beethoven's Funeral March.'* The Yen. Archdeacon Gunther officiated, and was assisted by Canons Langley, Sharpe, and Boyee. , Among those present were Lord Northcote (Governor-General), Sir Harry Rawson (State Governor),' the Hon. Mr Hogue {Chief Secretary), the Lord Mayor, Captain Stctke Rees (representing the navy), Messrs O'Sullivan, Donne, and Jackson (Union Steam Ship Company). Pike- (Bank of New Zealand), and a large number of New Zealanders. MELBOURNE. June 21. Flags were half-masted on all public and 1 on many private buildincps to-day out of respect to the late Mr^ Seddon. His former connection with tho railways waa signalised in a special manner. The -railway authorities issued a special order to the - employees at the Newport shops that all work- should cease "• between ' 3. o'clock and- five minutes past 3, during which -time all the engines sounded whistles at minute intervals. The authorities directed that each man should remain at his post, in perfect silence during the .five -minutes' interval. SYDNEY. June .21. The flags 1 were half-masted on pxiblio buildings, and other tokens of respect wero ! paid to the late Mr Seddon throughout tho Commonwealth. THE ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL SERVICE. LONDON, June 20. The mourners at the Seddon memorial service included Colonel Penton and the Hon. Richard Oliver. PROPOSED VOLUNTEER TRD3UTE. The following is a copy of a telegram received by Colonel Koinn from General Babington, and forwarded io the officers commanding battalions with a request that it might bo read to the officers commandj ing ( companies: — "It would seem to Bo a very fitting and graceful tribute from the members of tho "Defence Forces of tho colony to the memory of the late Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, Minister of Defence, if a memorial in the form of the endowment of a bed at the Hospital, to be named by Mrs Seddon, were offered by them. One thousand pounds would be required, and I would propose subscriptions be 2s for adults and Is for cadets. Would tliia proposal meet with a satisfactory reooption in your "command ?" The tejegramwas read at the conclusion of the parade on Thursday. WIvSTRALIAN SYMPATHY. PISRTH> -June 32. Both Houses of Parliament adopted * of condolence ,w.ith the late Mr | Seddon's family, and of- sympathy with i New Zealand.