LATE PRIME MINISTER.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 11 May 1925, Page 7

LATE PRIME MINISTER.

Funeral on Thursday.

PRIVATE BURIAL GROUND,

By Teleeraph—Press HBSoclatiou,

WELLINGTON, May 10

A private burial ground lor tho late Prime Munster will be constituted by Jtiis Excellency’s warrant. A small part of a Defence reserve at Point Halswell, overlooking Wellington Harbour, lias been especially set apart lor that purpose. Tlie body will bo interred there on Thursday, tae funeral service being conducted by the Rev. George Miller, Moderator of tlie Presbyterian General Assembly, who will come from Dunedin for the duty.

WELLINGTON’S SORROW

NO DETAILS OF ILLNESS,

Expressions of. sorrow were heard on all sides as the people learned the news of the death or Mr Massey. Up till Eriday last, Mr Massey was able to recognise people, but for tlie last iorty-eiglit hours he was unconscious. WELLINGTON, May 10. A “Times” representative approached a member of the late Prime Minister’s family to-night, suggesting that it was a matter of Dominion-wide interest that something of the actual nature of Air Alassey’s last illness should be made known, but it was explained that the subject was naturally a very painful one to Airs Alassey, and that out of consideration for her feelings it was desired that no reference should bo made to it for the present at least.

Schools to Close Monday and Thursday.

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES TO

SHUT DOWN

By Telsgraph —Press Association. \V JiLLIJN UTOiN, May 10

The Government bus suggested to Education Boards that on the schools assembling ou Alonday morning, suitable reference be made by teacners to the demise of the Prime Minister, ana that thereafter the schools be closea for the day, and that they be closed on Thursday, too, which is the day of the funeral. It has beoii suggested -that secondary and primary schools should follow a similar course.

The Public Service Commissioner lias advised the Departments under his control-that all offices are to be closed from Alonday to Thursday inclusive, except those offices necessary for the transaction of public business. Instructions have been issued for all flags on public buildings to be half-masted till Thursday.

A special “Gazette” formally announcing the death of the Prime Alinister will be issued to-morrow. Alore detailed announcements will follow, probably on Tuesday.

MEETING OF CABINET.

POLITICAL SITUATION NOT ’ DISCOS'SED.

WELLINGTON, Alay 10

Cabinet met in Sir Francis Bell’s room to-night, ail the Ministers being present except the Hon. A. D. McLeod, who is in the Wairarapa.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Sir Francis Beil said he had no statement to make except that details oi Air Alassey’s funeral had been arranged. The political position was not discussed.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL RETURNS TO WELLINGTON.

WELLINGTON, Alay 10,

The Governor-General and Lady Ferguson will arrive m Wellington on Monday morning. It was iinpossibit, for them to get here sooner. It has been requested that all wreaths be forwarded to the Prime Minister’s office in Parliament Buildings, and not to the residence in Xmakori Road.

RECEPTION OF NEWS IN CHRISTCHURCH.

TOLL FROAI CATHEDRAL BELL

CHRISTCHURCH, Alay 10,

Not unexpectedly, but to the great grief of a saduened city, the nous came of Mr Massey's death. Many anxious and sympathetic inquiries were made to-day as to how Uis illness Mas developing, and many people attended at the Telegrapn Oiiice between 5 and S.dU p.m. seeiiing the latest news. in most churches to-night feeling and sympathetic references Mere made to the personal worth of tho dead statesman.

Throughout the evening, wherever people gathered, tho death of the Prime Minister Mas the only topic of conversation.

A solemn toll was rung from the Cathedral tower for an hour after the evening service.

PROFOUND REGRET IN DUNEDIN.

DUNEDIN, May 10. News of Mr Massey’s death was received with profound regret by all sections of the community. Sympathetic and appreciative refer-

ence to the deceased statesman was made in practically all the churches, feeling tributes being paid to his outstanding abilities as a public man and as a citizen.

Alessages of condolence have been forwarded to Airs Alassey by the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, and by the chairman of the Harbour Board.

COURSE OF PREMIER’S ILLNESS.

PERIOD OF SEVERAL AIONTHS

By Teiegrapk—Press Association

\v isnLiiN GTON, Alay 10.

Ever since tne close of. tne 1924 session, tue Prune Minister (me itigiro Hon. W. F. Massey) had been m somewnat nidinerent health, suhermg from a painful illness stated to he sciatica, bur some time he wus undo, treatment at Xvotorua, and alter ins return to Wellington it seemed as n no was making steaay if slow progress upwards recovery, it was snortiy aite. the welcome to the Dovernor-uenerai (Mr Uiiaries i< ergusson) on December loth, that Ail’ Massey was precluded mini taking any lurtner active part in politics lor tne tune being. liis Heartening message to the people o. tho Dominion on iNew Tear’s Day win long be remembered for ns strong tone ol optimism.

For the next two months Air Alassey was under the eaie of liis medical attendant, and apparent satisfactory progress towards recovery was marked oy Ins lirst appearance in public since December lorn, wiien he visited tho Aorangj while lying at Queen’s Wharf. He did not leave ins car, as the ascent of tho gangway would have been too severe a tax upon his strength. On his way home Air Alassey called upon Lord and Lady Macivay at tlie Midland Hotel.

Un Alarcli 2nd the Prime Alinister was reported to have benefited by his short outing when. lie visited tho Aorungi; he was going for a motor ride, and was v. eu ou tne way to complete recovery.

vju u eunesuay, Alarcli 18th, he attended a Lio\ eminent luneneon to tho Ait Biacits, at winch lie gave a rousing spcecn, hut ou Marcii oist tho nows oi liis operation tne previous day came like a hombslieil upon the public. A turn lor tne worse had taken piace. Dr. Canuck Kobertson, of. Aucmand, nad been called in, and an operation performed. It was lollowed by the issue of tho following bulletin: —

‘'The Prune Munster's illness has lately developed moio serious symptoms. After consultation between his medical advisers and Dr. Garrick itobertson, of Auckland, it was decided that investigation by operation M'as essential. Ilie operation took place in tho Bouen Street Hospital early this morning. The patient bore tho operation well. Further bulletins will be issued from time to time.” Bulletins Mere issued for a few days and were then withheld until there was a definite change. The renowal of the bulletins created iurther suspense, and then a M’eek ago a slight improvement was recorded, the Prime Minister showing an unexpected reserve of vitality. The improvement was not maintained, however, and the acute anxiety of tho last two or three days terminated to-day, when the toiler of 70 Jong years passed to his rest.