MOURNING IN NELSON.

Colonist, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11668, 2 July 1906, Page 3 (Supplement)

MOURNING IN NELSON.

On June 22 there were evidences od all sides of mourning for one who had done much for the uplifting of humanity and the welfare of the Colony, which he loved to term "God's own country." Flags were flown at half-mast on all the public buildings and business houses in the city, the main entrance to the chief Post Office and the Municipal Buildings and several business houses were draped, and many persons wore emblems of sorrow. During the afternoon business was almost vvholly suspended, shops, offices, and factories being closed, the banks being the only premises open. The hotels were also closed for two hours during the afternoon, and the firebell at the Central Station, and the bells at the Presbyterian Church and St. Mary's Catholic Church were tolled. The imnense gathering of citizens, Volunteers and Cadete at the Central School ground?, estimated roughly at between four and five thousand people, was a last fitting tribute of respect, to the memory of the doceased statesman, the Right Hon. R J. Seddon, who was loved and reverred by all with whom he had come in personal contact. The memorial service was most impressively conducted, and his Lordship the Bishop's eloquent address bore striking testimony to tho high esteem in which the late Premier was held. As the solemn strains of Handel's beautiful "Dead March from Saul," played by the Nelson Garrison Band, rose upon the air, heads were reverently bowed with sorrow on all sides, and many were visibly aiVected by the music. The scene of Nelson's last tribute to Mr Seddon 's memory will remain indelibly impressed on the minds of those whose privilege it was to be present.

(By Telegraph.— From Our Own Correspondents.)