SEDDON MEMORIAL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10721, 19 June 1906, Page 3

SEDDON MEMORIAL.

„♦■■. In response ..to' "the invitation of the Mayor there was a representative gathering of citizens at the Council Chambers this afternoon, to make arrangements for the holding of a memorial service on Thursday m respect of tlie memory of the lato Prime Minister. The Council Chamber Mas well filled, including ministers of the various churches, the Salvation Army, etc., besides Messrs Whinray, Pettie, W. L. Rees, Kinder, J. East, A. F. Matthews, G. Darton, F. J. Rowley, F. Harris, Colonels Porter and Winter, and others. His Worship tho Mayor, Mr Townley. explained hi 6 reason for calling the meeting, and thought they should fall into lino with the rest of the colony, where memorial services were being held m respect of the memory of the Premier. He suggested that tliey might have a similar service as wasi held oil the death of the late Queen Victoria. An offer had been received and accepted for the use of His Maje.-ty's Theatre. All they could do was to express their regret at the death of the Premier, who had done so much for the colony. Colonel Porter, at the invitation of the Mayor, explained that under the-regula-tions, although the lato statesman was Minister of Defence, they did not permitmilitary display at a civic function. ' The military would", however, with side arms, be present. He suggested that the clergy, men of the district might be asked to oe present and make short addresses. Representatives, also, might bo- present of tho various local bodies,lodges, etc. About the time of the burial, the band, if m attendance, might play "The Dead March" and "The Last Post" sounded on the cornets. He suggested that the Mayor and two or three other gentlemen might form ! a committee to draw up a programme. The Ma yor stated! that the Band was at their disposal for the ceremony. Mr East proposed that they- might fall iv at the fire-bell' and march to the theatre. , . The Mayor. said l there was no need for a wliole holiday,, and if business premises closed ut noon it would give sufficient time for the people to be present. Mr Pat erson . moved thut^M. Miller's offer of the theatre be accepted with thanks. Mr Whinray proposed that the ccre'mony be held at the Recreation Ground if the day was suitable. Mr Reea said ho was very pleased to Bee the very representative gathering of • members of the Church, which was the I greatest respect that could be paid' to a ( man who had gone to his last rest. If

the day was fino, they would be very much better m the open air, although, if necessary, he was glad the kind offer of the theatre had been accepted. He proposed that the Chairman (Mr Townley), Colonel Porter, tlie Rev. Paterson, and Mr Pettie be a Committee. The Rev. Dawson Thomas seconded the motion, whioh was carried, with the addition of the name of Mr Rees. Mr Rowley stated thrtt tho school children wor..d fall m with any suggestion arrived at. The Rev. Dawson- Thomas moved that tho service bo held at the Recreation Ground if tho weather was fine, and, if wet, m the Theatre. The Rev. Griffen seconded. Other places mentioned were Victoria Domain, tlie Point, and Read's quay, m front of the Courthouse. Colonel Porter proposed as an amendment that Reade'e quay, m front of the Courthouse, lio the site* used, being the most official site. The suitability of the various sites was discussed at some length. Messrs Wild, ish and Pettie spoke advocating that something more than a service should be held. They should assemble somewhere m town and march m procession to the grounds chosen upon. Colonel Porter withdrew his amendment selecting, tho Courthouse, m favor of the propositi of the Rev. D. Thomas to utilise the Recreation Ground if fine, or the Theatre if wet. Major Kinder announced that the cadets were anxious to be present. Captain Bcere, of the Gisborne Rifles, stated that there was a district volunteer order for all volunteers to turn out and take part m any demonstration that migh . take place, but at present they were m the dark as to what the proceedings were to be. Mr Rowley suggested that the Committee meet to-night and 1 invite the attendance of the volunteers and arrange the programme. Mr Wildish said the Fire Brigade were anxious to take .part. Ultimately it was decided that the Committee confer after the meeting and arrange details m conjunction with tlie military officials and the Band. The Rev. Father Lane announced that he was unfortunately unable, to be present, and expressed his regret ir. being unable to be present m honoring so great a statesman. ■ He asked that the children of the Catholic school also be allowed to attend. Tlie Rev. Dawson Thomas suggested to the Committee that the speakers be limited to two, and that a couple of thousand copies of the hymns be printed. The motion that the gathering assem. ble m town, and march to the Reciv.ition Ground was carried. The names of Father I_ii:ie. _Me._-.-_it: Dr.rton, Wildislv, Kohcre. Rowley, I'Y.rs, and Pickford were added to the Committee. The suggestion was made that tlie natives should be invited to be present at the ceremony. Tlie meeting, then adjourned, details being left to the Committee to arrange and publish. At tlie Committee meeting it was resolved that the school children should fall m at the school and join m at the head of the procession at the Firebell. The band will meet at the Bright street corner. Tlie general, muster will be at- the Post Office. The order will be : Mounted Rifles, Gisborne Rifles, and Cadets, followed by tlie organised bodies, etc., the children and the band heading the procession. The hymns will consist of "Oh, God, our lielp m ages past," "Near, my God, to Thee," .and "Onward Christian Soldiers."