FUNERAL OF THE DACRES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 10477, 30 November 1895, Page 2

FUNERAL OF THE DACRES.

An immense assemblage of people attended'the Waverley Cemetery, Sydney on November 19, and awaited tho arrival of the melancholy cortege which was on its way to the cemetery. The feeling of pity outweighed every other, and whilst at and near the starting point the streets were densely crowded, everywhere along tho route groups of people were waiting to pay iv tribute of respectful sorrow to tho sad occasion. Tho affectio; ifco : - 0lations subsisting between Dr. and Mrs. Slate arid the deceased made especially welcome the hospitable uso of tho reception-rooms at 131 Macquarie-street for tho display of wreaths and flowers and the assembling of friends. The coffins were covered with flowers The wreath sent by Her Majesty's Theatre comiany and staff was said to be the finest Messrs Searle & Sons have executed. It consiated of an immense wreath qf white lilies and roses, on which the words "Rest in peace" were in violots. Within the circle two hearts in pansies stood plainly out amidst white flowers which formed the monogram "A. A." and on the streamers was written, "Thoy loved each other and in their death they were not divided ' The " Land of tho Moa " Company sent two great hearts, worked in crimson carnations ; Dr. and Mrs Slate sent the monogram m lilies, white roses, and cactus flowers ; Mr Leighton, in allusion to the part he played with tho Dacres in Grundys drama, sent "A Bunch of Violets" from " Harold Inglis," with the added words, " God Bless You ! " The ™°» ffr om Miaa Maggie Moore (Mr* J. U. Williamson) was supplemented by a floral anchor from litto Nellie Moore "with Borrow for poor Mr and Mrs Dacro ;" and many other lovely flowers were ssnt by tho Lieutenant-Governor, Lady Darley, Lady Innes, the Lyceum Company, and other sympathisers The^Rev J^ Campbell, of St Nicholas' (Church of England), Coogee, officiated. After reading a shortened form of aervice, he delivered a short address. He said that the reason why he officiated that day was because he well knew that some might o' ject to act in viow of the rubric which procoeded the beautiful Church of England aorvice, defining those cases which were excepted irom its privileges But he felt that, as a Christian man ho must offer kelp in the event of its being required. lie accordingly telephoned to Mrs Kirby, and was soon informed that his services would provo very acceptable He then made Up his mind to read only such portions of tho service ns could be decorously used, and adapt other portions to suit tbo exigencies of a case in which a man had taken that life which was not his own. It was hardly necessary for him to say that his sympathies went out to those who had gone to their long rest, and he was much impressed by the words on the coffins before him-'' They loved each other, and m death they were net divided. Not only was he specially drawn towards tho auiforers in the present i.d tragedy, but ho bad at oil times '

held the theatrical profession in high esteem. He had many worthy friends in the o'd country who belonged to it, and he had never been amongst those who e-^v nny necessary incongruity iv the associition of religion and the stage. Mrs Dacre had a desire to be buried in English soil, and with a view to making that possible wherever her death took place she carried a small quantity of earth with her on her travels. She kept it in a small biscuit barrel, with a quantity of English moss. This waa found in the room in which the tragedy took place. She had more than once expressed the desire that when she was buried this should be buried with her. A friend had promised that if she died away from England he would see that the earth was placed in the grave with her remains. Steps were taken to give effect to the deceased lady's wish in this direction. Immediately before the tragedy occurred, Mr Dacre, having finished the letters which he had spent the afternoon in writing, gave them to the dresser, and later on asked him to place his hand on the Bible and swear that if ever he was asked to give evidence in regard to them, he would always state that he had been well treated, aud never received any injustice from him. Of course the promise was readily given, through the dresser regarded it as extraordinary. As he was leaving the room Mrs Dacre shook hands with him and bade him "Good bye," a thing she had never done before. There were other letters to be taken, but Mr Dacre told the man to come back for them at 7 o'clock.

Mr Dacre was about 45 years of age, and his wife about five years his junior. It is believed that they were both natives of the county of Kent. They were married something like 15 years ago, but had only one child — a daughter— now dead. Mr Dacre abandoned the medical profession 16 years ago for the stage.