CABLEGRAMS AND LETTERS OF CONDOLENCE SENT THROUGH HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE ON THE DEATH OF THE RIGHT HON. R. J. SEDDON.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1907 Session I, H-33

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CABLEGRAMS AND LETTERS OF CONDOLENCE SENT THROUGH HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE ON THE DEATH OF THE RIGHT HON. R. J. SEDDON.

WELLINGTON. BY AUTHOEITY: JOHN MACKAY, GOVERNMENT PEINTEE, 19 0 7.

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1907. NEW ZEALAND.

DEATH OF THE EIGHT HON. R. J. SEDDON. (CABLEGRAMS AND LETTERS OF CONDOLENCE SENT THROUGH HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE.) [In continuation of H.-28, 1906.]

Sir,— Westminster Chambers, 13 Victoria Street, London, S.W., 30th June, 1906. I need hardly say with what deep concern I received the cablegram of the 11th instant from the Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones, reporting the death of the Eight Hon. R. J. Seddon. The news was a great shock not only to New Zealanders who were in this country, but to a very large section of the people of the United Kingdom. I enclose herein typed copies of the many letters and telegrams of sympathy which I have received. I send them in duplicate, as you will no doubt like to hand one set to Mrs. Seddon, who will be sure to appreciate them. Many of them I have already cabled to you. I also attacli a copy of a touching letter of regret from the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain. As you will doubtless have gathered by cablegrams th'roiigh the Press, a memorial service to the late statesman was held in St. Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday, the 19th instant, and was very largely attended, the large number of seats reserved for colonist's being well filled. I enclose some copies of the specially printed form of service, and a very large file of newspaper cuttings. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington, New Zealand. W. P. Reeves. Dear Mr. Reeves,— Highbury, Birmingham, 11th June, 1906. I have seen with deepest regret the news in the paper this morning of the sudden death of my friend the late Prime Minister of New Zealand. I have ventured to cable a short message to Mrs. Seddon, but desire also through you, as the official representative of New Zealand in this country, to express my keen sense of the loss the colony has sustained by the death of its able and patriotic leader. On the various occasions on which I had the pleasure of meeting him I formed the highest opinion of his ability, courage, and devotion to the interests of New Zealand, while I had full opportunity of recognising his far-seeing appreciation of the privileges and responsibilties of the Empire in which he so earnestly desired that New Zealand should take her appropriate place. At the time of the South African War he was the first to appeal to his fellow-colonists to give a practical proof of their sympathy with the Mother-country in her time of trial, and he induced New Zealand to offer a larger material assistance l>oth in men and money than any other British colony in proportion to their wealth and population. The spirit which moved him then is to be found in almost his latest spoken words delivered at Sydney just before he sailed for what has proved to be his last voyage. During his long conduct of affairs the colony has made splendid progress in all that constitutes the true μ-icnlness of a people, and his friends looked forward to a continuance of his valuable life as a guarantee for the further advancement of the interests to which he had devoted himself with so much energy and power. The Empire has lost one of its noblest citizens, the colony a great administrator, while in our personal capacity Mrs. Chamberlain and 1 sincerely deplore the death of one whom we were proud to number amongst our friends. I beg you to acoepi the assurance of our most heartfelt sympathy with his family, and with the colony which he served so well. Believe me, Yours very truly, J. Chamberlain.

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Dhar Mr. Chamberlain,— 13 Victoria Street, S.W., 12th June, 1906. Allow me to thank you for your eloquent letter of sympathy with New Zealand in the loss it has sustained with such grievous suddenness. Your warm appreciation of Mr. Seddon's aims and talents, patriotism, and strength, will, I feel convinced, be greatly valued both by his family and by New-Zealanders as a people, all the more because he was a sincere admirer and staunch supporter of yourself. Perhaps you will permit me, as an old friend and colleague of Mr. Seddon, to thank you personally for the frank note of friendliness and esteem for him shown in your letter, feelings with which you have been good enough to associate the name of Mrs. Chamberlain. I have already cabled portions of your letter to my Government. The manuscript will be posted to them on Friday. I remain, yours very sincerely, * W. P. Reeves. COPY OF CABLEGRAMS AND LETTERS OF CONDOLENCE SENT THROUGH THE HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE. To Hon. Hall-Jones, Wellington. Sent 11th June, 1906. Mk. and Mrs. Arthur Rhodes desire express their deepest sympathy with Mrs. Seddon. To Mrs. Seddon, Wellington. Sent 12th June, 1906. Wipe and self unite in heartfelt sympathy. Joshua Strange Williams. To Premier, Wellington. . Sent 12th June, 1906. Am desired by Lord Tennyson, as former Governor-General of Australia, express to you his sincere sympathy with Mr. Seddon's family and with people of New Zealand on the loss to them of a strenuous Imperialist and patriotic statesman. Reeves. New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Limited), London, Sir,_ 11th June, 1906. The announcement of the sudden death of the Right Honourable Richard J. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand, was received with feelings of deep regret by the directors of this company ; and at a special meeting convened for the purpose the resolution, copy of which is enclosed, was unanimously passed. Such resolution has this afternoon been telegraphed to the company's representative in New Zealand, to be communicated to the proper authority in the colony. My directors also desire to express to you, as the official representative of the colony in London, their deep regret at the great loss which they feel New Zealand has sustained by Mr. Seddon's death. I am, &c, The Hon. W. P. Reeves, J. Brander, Secretary. High Commissioner for New Zealand, 13 Victoria Street, S.W. Enclosure. New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Limited). At a special board meeting called for the purpose the following resolution was unanimously passed: — "The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Limited) desires to express its sorrow at the death of the eminent statesman and great New Zealand leader, the Right Hon. I!. .1. Seddon, and to record its appreciation of the valued services he has rendered to the industries of the-colony. The directors also tender their deepest sympathy to Mrs. Seddon and family." 1 Coleman Street, London, E.C., 11th June, 1906. Wμ. C. Dawes, Chairman. Dear Sir, 88 Gracechurch Street, London, E.C., 11th June, 1906. As New-Zealanders and admirers of our late Premier, we desire to express our deep concern at his sudden death, which will be a severe loss to the colony. We should like to tender our sincere sympathy to Mrs. Seddon mid family through you. We all held him in the highest esteem, and consider he has sacrificed himself for his beloved country, and that it will be difficult for us colonists to adequately show our gratitude for his great services. Yours sincerely, J. E. Nathan. L. J. Nathan. Hon. W. Pember Reeves, W. J. Nathan. High Commissioner for New Zealand, Victoria Street, S.W. My Dear Mr. Reeves, — 15 Victoria Street, London, S.W., 11th June, 1906. The morning news shocks and grieves me: " Dick " Seddon was Australasian in his force and his influence for good. That sudden snap will send your thoughts travelling over past years, and revive many almost forgotten incidents in your long and honourable co-operation. Whilst I sympathize with New Zealand I feel a greater sympathy for the loss you feel as you think of the days that are gone. Yours sincerely, Walter James.

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My Dkar Reeves,— Colonial Office, 11th June, 1906. Thank you for letting me know of the death of Mr. Seddou. 1 saw it on the posters as I came to the office, and was most sorry to see it. He was a strong man and a good citizen of the British Empire, and as Prime Minister of New Zealand for so many years he held a high place in the world. You will be inundated with letters and telegrams. Yours sincerely, C. P. Lucas. Dear Sir, — South Sea House, Threadneedle Street, JxMidon, E.C., 11th June, 1906. On behalf of ourselves and many leading members of the Stock Exchange who have requested us to do so, we desire to convey to you our very sincere regret at the great loss which 3'our colony has sustained by the death of Mr.- Seddon. We are dear Sir, Yours very truly, % The High Commissioner for New Zealand. J. and A. Sorimgeouk. Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company (Limited), Dear Sir, — 34 Leadenhall Street, E.G., 11th June, 1906. We have been appalled this morning to learn of the death of Mr. Seddon, the Premier of New Zealand, and we beg you to receive and convey to your Government our sincerest sympathy in the great loss sustained. Mr. Seddon , s work for New Zealand and for the Empire is probably without parallel, and history will bear witness to what he has done. To his own family we would offer our most respectful condolence. We are, &c, Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company (Limited). (J. A. Potthr, General Manager.) The High Commissioner for New Zealand, Victoria Street, S.W. 30 Great Cumberland Place, W., 11th June, 1906. Madame Melba desires to express to the High Commissioner for New Zealand her deep regret for the untimely death of Mr. Seddon, and her sincere sympathy with his family. Telegrams, To Hon. W. P. Reeves, 11th June, 1906. High Commissioner for New Zealand, Westminster. It is with sincere regret that I offer you my deepest sympathy on the sad news of poor Seddon's death, which unfortunate event may be counted as a national loss to the British Empire. Moss Davis. 11th June, 1906. To Hon. W. P. Reeves, 13 Victoria Street, Westminster. Please accept expressions of profound sympathy and regret sad death of Mr. Richard Seddon. Tavernbb. 11th June, 1906. To Hon. W. Pember Reeves, 13 Victoria Street, Westminster. We are greatly distressed receive news unexpected death our dear friend Mr. Seddon. It is a national loss. Harold Beauohamp. 11th June, 1906. To High Commissioner, New Zealand, London. Regret death our noble Premier and friend. Luke. To Deputy, London. nth , J « ne > 19 06- , Pray express to Mrs. Seddon deep sympathy of Lady Onslow and myself at sad news. He died as he would have wished, in harness, and with words of Imperial concern on his lips. Onslow. To Hon. W. P. Reeves, J Ith June, 1906. High Commissioner of New Zealand, Westminster. With deepest regret I learn to-night of Mr. Seddon's death and New Zealand s great loss. (i. Anton, Post Office, Douglas.

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London, 11th June, 1906. We desire to express our profound sorrow on the news of the sudden death of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, and would like to join with other X.Z. in this country in sending a message of sympathy to the bereaved family. FixLAY McLeod F. A. Ford. Frank Hodgson. Queen Anne's Mansions, St. James's Park, S.W., 12th June, 1906. Dear Mr. Pbmber Reeves, — As an old colonial, please lot me send you a line to offer you and New Zealand my heartfelt sympathy at the irreparable loss you suffer by reason of die death of the great Premier, whom I had the privilege to know, not only officially but in private life. When in Australia I remember we often looked over with envious eyes, admiring a man who was so ably steering the ship of State —particularly -did he distinguish himself in the troublous times of some few years ago. My birthplace, Sydney, will indeed be a city of sadness and mourning to-day. Yours sinscerely, F. E. Joseph. The Hon. W. Pember Reeves, Agent-General for New Zealand. The Waihi Gold-mining Company (Limited), Dear Sir, — 11 Abchurch Lane, London, E.G., 12th June, 1906. It was with feelings of very deep regret that the directors of the Waihi Gold-mining Company (Limited) heard the sad news of the death of the Right Hon. Richard J. Seddon. I am instructed to convey to you, as the official representative of the New Zealand Government, an expression of sincere sorrow on behalf of the company, and to enclose a copy of the cablegram which we have despatched to our representatives in New Zealand. I have the honour to be, &c, Hubert Ake«s, Secretary. The Hon. W. Pember Reeves, High Commissioner for New Zealand, 13 Victoria Street, S.W. Translation of Cablegram sent to Auckland Office, 11th June, 1906. Please convey to proper authorities deep regret Board of Directors Waihi Gold-mining Company (Limited) at the death of the great New Zealand Premie-, the Right Honourable Richard Seddon. Board of Directors also desire to tender their respectful condolences to Mrs. Seddon. Dear Sir, Dashwood House, E.C., 12th June, 1906. I was shocked to hear last night of the sudden death of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, P.C., M.H.R., &c. I enjoyed his personal acquaintance, and much regret his loss. May I add my condolences to his family and the colony on their irreparable loss. Yours faithfully, The Agent-General, New Zealand, 13 Victoria Street, S.W. G. D. Ingall. Dear Mr. Reeves, — 1 Coleman Street, E.C., 12th June, 1906. May I be allowed to offer you my sincerest sympathy in your great loss. I know you will feel the death of Mr. Seddon very deeply, as you were old friends, and he was your leader. ■ What a leader he has been ! The more one looks back to all he has done the more one appreciates his grand character. I know you will be inundated with letters, but 1 hope you will accept my sympathy, and I realise what a great loss it is not only to New Zealand, but the whole Empire. I am, dear Mr. Reeves, yours very truly, William C. Dawes. (Extract.) Deah Mr. Reeves, — 49 Devonshire Street, Portland Place, 12th June, 1906. I have read with the sincerest regret the loss the Empire has received in the death of Mr. Seddon, and I beg, as your expert adviser, to ask you to convey to Sir Joseph Ward my sincerest sympathy with his colleagues. He impressed me very much when he was over here with his strong common-sense (which I regard as true science) and his wide experience, with a magnificent memory and a strong right arm Sincerely yours, Hon. W. P. Reeves. . W. H. Preece. Dear Mr. Reeves,— . 1 Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C., 12th June, 1906. I desire to add my own sincere regrets to those so universally expressed at the death of Mr. Seddon. Our thoughts naturally turn to those he has left behind, and when you are sending out to Mrs. Seddon and her family (as you no doubt will be) many expressions of deep sympathy may I ask you to be kind enough to add to them those of my colleagues here, Messrs. Holmes and Lubbock, and my own. YourB sincerely, Richard Bltth.

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Dear Mk. Reeves, — 3 Loudoun Road, N.W., 12th June, 1906. Ever}' one connected with New Zealand must feel a personal loss in the death of Mr. Seddon, and I beg to offer my siucerest condolences with an expression of deepest respect to his memory as a great Imperialist Should a memorial service be in prospect I would esteem it a favour to be permitted to be present. Very sincerly yours, Frank Masham. Dear Sir,— 10 Queen's Square, W.C., 11th June, 1906. Will } 7 ou please convey, with other messages you may receive, my sincere sympathy with the family of the late Right Hon. Mr. Seddon and with the Government in the great loss they and the people of New Zealand have sustained. We will all deplore our great political loss, but much more will we feel the passing-away of a great personality, which for its integrity has endeared itself in the hearts of every man and woman in (he colony. I am, dear Sir, yours sincerely, The High Commissioner for New Zealand, London. A. J. Hall. Dear Mb. Reeves, — 28 Finsbury Street, London, E.C., 12th June, 1906. With deep regret I read in this morning's papers of the sad and sudden death of Mr. Seddon. He will be a great loss to the colony. Although 1 differed from him on some of hie legislation I always looked upon him as a great man, and that he had the interest, welfare, and greatness of New Zealand at heart. He will be missed by the people as well as by his colleagues. My wife joins with me ii? offering our heartfelt sjanpathy, and I hope you will express the same on our behalf when writing to his wife and family. I remain very sincerely yours, Hon. W. P. Reeves, 13 Victoria Street, S.W. Wolf Harris. Tblbgeams. 12th June, 1906. To High Commissioner New Zealand, Victoria Street, Westminster, London. Deei'lt regret Scddon's death. Thomas Ward. To Hon. W. P.-Reeves, 13 Victoria Street, S.W. 12th June, 1906. Pray accept from me my unfeigned grief at the sad and sudden death of that splendid Imperialist statesman, the late Mr. Seddon. Duke of Abercorn, 35 Park Street. To High Commissioner, New Zealand, Victoria Chambers, London. 12th June, 1906. Deeply grieved to hear of our Premier's sudden death. Condolences to Mrs. Seddon and family. Richard Moth, Brunnerton, New Zealand. Deak Mr. Pember Reeves, — General Post Office, London, 13th June, 1906. Perhaps you will allow me to express to you the very deep regret I felt on hearing of Mr. Seddon's sudden death. He will be a great loss to the Empire, as well as to New Zealand. All Englishmen appreciated his sterling qualities, his common-sense, his straightforwardness, his courage, and determination. Yours very truly, Sydney Buxtoh. My Dear Reeves, — ■ House of Commone, S.W., 13th June, 1906. I have l>een instructed by the Labour party to forward you the enclosed resolution. Could you send it to Mrs. Seddon ? We hope she will not be unwilling to receive it from us as evidence of the value which we place upon Mr. Seddon's work. With kindest regards, yours very sincerely, J. Ramsay Maodonald. House of Commons. That the Labour party in the British House of Commons sends its condolences to the wife and family of the late Mr. Richard Seddon, the Premier of New Zealand, and expresses its appreciation of the great services he has rendered to labour by the social legislation passed by Cabinets over which he has presided. Royal Colonial Institute, Northumberland Avenue, W.C., Dear Sir,— 13th June, 1906. I am desired to inform you that, at a meeting of the Council of this Institute which was held yesterday, Admiral Sir Nathaniel Bowden-Smith, X.C.8., in the chair, the sad and sudden death of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon came under discussion, when a resolution of cob-

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dolence —the terms of which are appended—was unanimously adopted, with directions that it should be telegraphed to the Governor of New Zealand, whose acknowledgment has now been received. I am, &c, J. S. O'Halloran, Secretary. The Hon. W. Pember Reeves, High Commissioner for New Zealand, 13 Victoria Street, S.W. Royal Colonial Institute. — Resolution op the Council, 12th June, 1906. The Council and Fellows of the Royal Colonial Institute deplore the death of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, who has always so strenuously supported the unity of the Empire. They desire to convey to Mrs. Seddon, her family, and the people of New Zealand their deepest sympathy. Reply. Pleake offer Council and Fellows Royal Colonial Institute sincere thanks for kind message of sympathy which shall be conveyed to late Premier's family and people of New Zealand. Plunket. Dear Sin,— 9 Billiter Square, E.C., 13th June, 1906. We have learned with deepest regret the sudden decease of the late Prime Minister of New Zealand, and we feel that New Zealand and the Empire have lost a statesman whose place it will be difficult to fill. We beg that you will accept the assurance of our sympathy with Mrs. Seddon and New Zealand in this great loss. We remain, &c, Robinson, Fleming, and Co. To the Hon. W. Pember Reeves, High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W. g m> East India Chambers, 23 Leadenhall Street, E.G., 13th June, 1906. We beg that you will permit us to convey to you, as representing the Government and Colony of New Zealand, our sense of the catastrophe which has come upon you in the death of your Premier, the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon. Our business relations with your Government are of quite recent growth, although we have for years past had steamers calling at ports in the colony. It is not necessary, however, to have hud close association with the deceased statesman to appreciate his great and •sterling qualities of character, and the severe loss to the colony and also the Empire at large by his death. We are, &c, Bucknall Brothers. The Hon. W. P. Reeves, High Commissioner for New Zealand, Victoria Street, S.W. Dbab Sin,— 15 D °wgate Hill, E.G., 13th June, 1906. The New Zealand Dinner Committee met this afternoon, and passed a resolution expressing deep regret at the death of Mr. Seddon, and cancelling the dinner for this year. A cable expressing sympathy with Mrs. Seddon and family was sent to the colony. The committee feel sure this course will commend itself to you. I am, &c, W. A. Parks, Hon. Sec. The Hon. W. Pember Reeves, High Commissioner for New Zealand. (Extract.) Dear Sia Rome, 30 Via Toscana, 13th June, 1906. If you do not consider it out of place, or a breach of etiquette in any way, kindly include mv name in any messages of condolence on the death of Mr. Seddon which you may cable to New Zealand. Yours faithfully Edward Green. To the Hon. W. P. Reeves, High Commissioner for New Zealand. With sincere sympathy and regret for the great loss New Zealand and the Empire have sustained in the death of Mr. Seddon. Sir Thomas E. Fuller, Agent-General for the Cape of Good Hope. 100 Victoria Street, S.W. Mowbray, Bickley, Kent. Dear Sir,— West India House, 96 and 98 Leadenhall Street, E.C., 13th June, 1906. 1 am desired by my Executive Committee to ask you to be good enough to convey to Mrs. Seddon the deep sympathy of the Chamber in her bereavement, and to express its regret at the greai loss which has been "sustained by New Zealand and the Empire through the death of the flight Hon. Richard Seddon. I am, &c, D. R. Hα u lam, Secretary. The lion. W. P. Reeves, High Commissioner for New Zealand, 13 Victoria Street, S.W.

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Telegram. To Reeves London. 13th June, 1906. Just heard Seduon. Extremely grieved. Atack. (Extract.) Dear Sir, — No. 61 Gloucester Crescent, Regent's Park, N.W., 14th June, 1906. Allow me to express, on behalf of my wife and family and self, our heartfelt regret at the death of the Premier of New Zealand, our great statesman and friend to all New-Zealanders. With kindest regards, yours truly, Allan D. Maodonald. Sir > — Hardy's Mines (Limited),, 8 Pinch Lane, E.C., 14th June, 1906. I beg most respectfully and earnestly to express my deep regret at your great loss through the death of Mr. Seddon. Yours respectfully, C. J. HUTCHINSON. To the Secretary, the Agent-General for New Zealand, London. National Flint Glass Makers' Society, 65 Dibdale Street, Himley Road, Dear Mn. Reeves, — Dudley, 14th June, 1906. I am instructed by the members of the Dudley Branch of the above society to express our keen sense of the loss the colony lias sustained by the death of its able leader, Mr. Seddon. And we ask you, as the representative of the above patriotic colony, to accept our most sincere sympathy and condolence for the family that are left to bear the great loss of a so-devoted son of this great Empire, and we also extend that sincere sympathy to the whole of the subjects of New Zealand. Believe me, &c, W. Bradford, Sec. Mr. Pember Reeves, High Commissioner for New Zealand, London. Sir, — 2 London Wall Buildings, E.C., 15th June, 1906. On behalf of Rhodesia and the British South Africa Company, I am directed by the board to ask you to be so good as to convey to your Government an expression of the deepest regret and sympathy at the death of your distinguished Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Richard John Seddon, in whom New Zealand and the Empire have lost a devoted servant. I am, &c, D. E. Brodie, Secretary. The Hon. W. P. Reeves, High Commissioner, New Zealand Government Offices, 13 Victoria Street, S.W. Dear Sir,— 16 Great George Street, Westminster, S.W., 15th June, 1906. At a special board meeting of this company held here yesterday, a resolution of condolence was passed with Mrs. Seddon. and a cable sent to our manager in Auckland, asking him to transmit it to her, and I now beg to convey to you, on behalf of myself and colleagues, our very sincere sympathy at the death of the late Premier, whose loss is one which is felt not only in New Zealand, but throughout the Empire. Believe me, &c, The Colonial Ammunition Company (Limited), (Sidney T. Batley, Secretary). The High Commissioner for New Zealand, 13 Victoria Street, S.W. The Equitable Life Assurance Society, 3 Royal Exchange Buildings, Dear Sir, — London, E.C., 16th June, 1906. I desire to express my deep regret at the death of the Right Hon. Mr. Seddon, and to tender my sympathy to the members of his family. The Colony of New Zealand will lose one of its ablest public men and a great Imperialist. I knew the late Mr. Seddon for many years, and always found him a kind-hearted and warm friend, and I very much deplore his death. I am, yours sincerely, Hon. W. P. Reeves, London. S. W. D'Arcy Irvine. (Extract.) Dear Sir, — Cranston's Kehilworth Hotel, Great Russell Street, W.C., 16th June, 1906. The death of Mr. Seddon was a very big shock to all N.-Zealanders. My wife felt it very much, as she was born in Hokitika, and knew Mr. Seddon and family personally. Yours faithfully, Frank Hodgson.

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g IRj Dugard, Exeter. As an old colonist of thirty years I deeply regret the death of Mr. Seddon,«N.Z.'s eminent statesman, a loyal man to his adopted colony, a loyal citizen to the British Empire, a loyal citizen of King Edward. New Zealand has lost a good and straightforward honest man: that is my opinion as a N.Z. colonist. Believe me, yours truly, Robert Dunsford, C/o Mr. Job Bye, Dugard, St. David's, Exeter. High Commissioner for New Zealand. Dear Mr. Pember Reeves,— House of Commons Library, 19th June, 1906. Thank you for your notification about the service in St. Paul's to-day. Unfortunately it was sent first to Whitehall Gardens, and did not reach me in time to be used as an order for a seat ; but. I had heard of the service, and went at 12.0., and had a good place, and was glad of the opportunity of joining in a most beautiful service in a church, the vastness and unity of which were peculiarly fitted to the character of the man we commemorated and the Empire he loved. Yours truly, R. Williams. National Conservative League, Fitzalan Lodge No. 244, Oswestry, 20th June, 1906. At a meeting of the above'it was decided to forward the undermentioned resolution to Mrs. Seddon and family (per Hon. W. P. Reeves) in her sad bereavement: — " That this meeting of the Fitzalan Lodge No. 244, N.C. League, held at Oswestry, expresses its sincere sympathy with Mrs. Seddon and her family in their sad bereavement, and the great loss to the Colony of New Zealand and the British Empire by Mr. Seddon's death." Signed on behalf of the above lodge. William Felton, Worthy Master. William Jones, Worthy Secretary, 2 Church Terrace, Oswestry. The London Society of Amalgamated Brassworkers and Gasfitters, Dear Sir, — 15 Berestede Road, Hammersmith, 20th June. At a meeting held by the executive of the above society, a vote of condolence on behalf of the friends of the late Mr. Seddon was passed, which I hope is sent to the right quarter. I am, yours sincerely, H. Medlake. (Extract.) Dear Mr. Reeves, — Erl Wood, Windlesham, Surrey, 20th June, 1906. What a sad loss for N.Z. is Mr. Seddon's death! We were deeply concerned, though not for the manner of his passing away, as that was grand. Yours sincerely, 'Stella M. Izard. (Extract.) Dear Sir, 551 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, 21st June. We should also like to express our deep sympathy with Mrs. Seddon and family in their great loss to themselves and the colony. I remain, &c, M. E. Miller. (Extract.) New Oxford and Cambridge Club, Dear Reeves 68 P all Mall, London, 23rd June, 1906. I was sincerely sorry to hear of Mr. Seddon's death. Mr. Seddon's loss will be deeply felt by all New-Zealanders. He was a fine man and a great statesman, one who not only had the interests of New Zealand at heart, but the interests of the Empire—a grand Imperialist. Perhaps, naturally, we did not hold the same views on several political matters touching New Zealand. Nevertheless I had great admiration for Mr. Seddon. His extraordinary personality and strength and force of character could not but compel respect and admiration, and even his most ardeni political opponent cannot but admit that by Mr. Seddon's death N.Z. has lost a statesman whose equal one would have to go far back in the history of the colony to find, and whose pleae will be one almost impossible to fill, and whose loss is a loss not only to N.Z. but to the whole Empire. Yours very sincerely, J. F. Studholme.

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Dkah Sik,— 4 Lemon Villas, Street, Truro, Cornwall, 25th June, 1906. I was very much grieved to read the announcement in the newspapers of the sudden death of Mr. Seddon. It will be a great loss to New Zealand, as he was an exceptionally capable man, and one who had the welfare of the country at heart. It was no doubt the great strain of office and his anxiety to legislate beneficially for his adopted country which shortened his life. Kindly convey to Mrs. Seddon and family our deepest sympathy with them in their bereavement. Yours faithfully. The Hon. VV. P. Keeves. Jambs A. MoMahon, Captain. ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL. Memorial Sekvice held on Tuesday, 19th June, 1906, at 12 noon, for THE LATE RIGHT HON. RICHARD JOHN SEDDON. Processional Hymn. No. 401 (A. and M.). Now tie labourer's task is o'er; Now the battle day is past; ,Now upon the farther shore Lands the voyager at last. Father, in thy gracious keeping, Leave we now thy servant sleeping. There the tears of earth are dried; There its hidden things are clear; There the work of life is tried By a juster Judge than here. Father, in thy gracious keeping Leave we now thy servant sleeping. There the sinful souls, that turn To the Cross their dying eyes, All the love of Christ shall learn .At His feet in Paradise. Father, in thy gracious keeping Leave we now thy servant sleeping. There no more the powers of hell Can prevail to mar their peace ; Christ the Lord shall guard them well, He who died for their release. Father, in thy gracious keeping Leave we now thy servant sleeping. " Earth to earth, and dust to Just," Calmly now the words we say, Leaving him to sleep in trust Till the Resurrection-day. Kather, in thy gracious keeping Leave we now thy servant sleeping. Amen. The Sentences. I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, vet shall he live : and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. — St. John, xi, 25, 26. I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh Khali I see God : whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. —Job, xix, 25, 26, 27. We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord. — 1 Tim., vi, 7 ; Job, i, SI. Then shall be sung: .Psalm xo.— Domine, refugium. 1. Ijord Thou hast been our refuge; from one generation to another. 2. Before the mountains were brought forth or ever the earth and the world were made: Thou art God from everlasting and world without end. 3. Thou turnest man to destruction: again Thou sayest, Come again ye children of men.

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4. For a thousand ye.ars in thy sight are but as yesterday: seeing that is past as a watch in the night. 6. Aa soon as Thou scatterest them they are even as a sleep: and fade away suddenly like the grass. 6. In the morning it is green and groweth up : but in the evening it is cut down, dried up, and withered. 7. For we consume away in Thy displeasure: and are afraid at thy wrathful indignation. 8. Thou hast set our misdeeds before thee: and our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. 9. For when Thou art angry, all our days are gone: we bring our years to an end as it were a tale that is told. 10. The days of our age are three-score years and ten; and though men be so strong that they come to four-score years: yet is their strength then but labour and sorrow, so soon passeth it away and we are gone. 11. But who regardeth the power of thy wrath: for even thereafter as a man feareth so is thy displeasure. 12. So teach us to number our days*: that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 13. Turn Thee again, 0 Lord at tlie last: and be gracious unto thy servants. 14. 0 satisfy us with thy mercy, and that soon : so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life. 15. Comfort us again now after the time that Thou hast plagued us: and for the years wherein we have suffered adversity. 16. Shew thy servants thy work: and their children thy glory. 17. And the glorious majesty of the Lord our God be upon us: prosper Thou the work of our hands upon us; 0 prosper Thou our handiwork. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : find to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen. Psalm xxiii. — Dominus regit me. 1. The Lord is my shepherd: therefore can 1 lack nothing. 2. He shall feed me in a green pasture : and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. 3. He shall convert my soul: and biing me forth in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff comfort me. 5. Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me: Thou hast anointed my head with oil and my cup shall be full. 6. But thy loving kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen. Then shall follow the Lesson taken out of the fifteenth chapter of the former Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. The Lesson. —1 Cor., xv, 50-58. 50. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incurruption. 51. Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. 52. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump : for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be broughi to puss the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55. 0 death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56. The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Then ihall follow The Anthem. Happy and blest are they who have endured; for though rile body dies, the soul shall live for ever. Then xiuill be sung : Man that is born of a woman hath but a short time to live, and is full of misery. He cometh up, and is cut down, like a flower; he fleeth as it were a shadow, and never continueth in one stay. In the midst of life we are in 'death: of whom may we seek for succour, but of Thee, O Lord, who for our sins art justly displeased? Yet, O Lord God, most holy, 0 Lord most mighty, O holy and most merciful Saviour, deliwr us not into the bitter pains of eternal death. Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts: shut not thy merciful ears to our prayer; but spare us, Lord most holy, 0 God most mighty, 0 holy and merciful Saviour, Thou most worthy Judge eternal, suffer us not, at our last hour, for any pains of death, to fall from Thee.

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Then shall l>t sung : 1 heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, From henceforth blessed are the dead which die in the Lord: even so saith the Spirit; for they rest from their labours. Then all kneeling down, the minister, clerks, and people shall say: Priest. The Lord be with you. Answer. And with thy spirit. Minister. Let us pray. Lord have mercy upon us. Chriet have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen. Then the Priest shall say: Priest. The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God. Answer. Who preserveth them that are true of heart. Priest. Turn again then unto thy rest, omy soul. Answer. For the Lord hath rewarded th.cc. Priest. Thou, Lord, hast delivered my soul from death. Answer. Mine eyes from tears, and my feet from, falling. Priest. I will walk before the Lord. Answer. In the land of the living. Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of them ihat depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy arid felicity; we give Thee hearty thanks, for that it hath pleased Thee to deliver thy servant Richard John out of the miseries of this sinful world; beseeching Thee, that it may please Thee, of thy gracious goodness, shortly to accomplish the number of thine elect, and to hasten thy kingdom : that we, with all those that are,departed in the true faith of thy holy name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in thy eternal and everlasting glory ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 0 merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life; in whom whosoever believeth shall live, though he die; and whosoever liveth, and believeth in Him, shall not die eternally; who also hath taught us, by his holy Apostle Saint Paul not to be sorry, as men without hope, for them that sleep in Him; we meekly beseech Thee, 0 Father, to raise us from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness : that, when we shall depart this life, we may rest in Him, as our hope is this our brother doth ; and that at the general resurrection in the last day, we may be found acceptable in Thy sight; and receive that blessing, which thy well-beloved Son shall then pronounce to all that love and fear Thee, saying, Come, ye blessed children of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world : Grant this, we beseech Thee, 0 merciful Father, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. Amen. 0 Lord God of our fathers, who in thy goodness hast led this people hitherto by wondrous ways: who makest the nations to praise Thee, and knittest them together in the bands of peace; we beseech Thee to pour thine abundant blessing on the dominions over which Thou hast called thy servant Edward to be king. Grant that one and all, of whatever race or colour or tongue, may draw together in heart and will beneath the shelter of the throne, united in the bond of brotherhood, in the ways of welfare and peace, and in the one fellowship of the faith, so that we may Im' found a people acceptable unto Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen. Then shall be sung : Hymn No. 512 (A. and M.). 0 God of Jacob ! by whose hand Thy people still are fed, Who through this weary pilgrimage Hast all our fathers led ; Our vows, our prayers, we now present Before thy throne of grace : God of our fathers, be the God Of their succeeding race. Through each perplexing path of life Our wandering footsteps guide : Give us each day our daily bread. And raiment fit provide. 0 spread thy covering wings around, Till all our wanderings cease, And at our Father's loved abode Our souls arrive in peace! A men.

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THE LATE RIGHT HON. KICHARD JOHK SEDEION. MEMORIAL SERVICE I.N ST. PAULS CATHEDRAL, ON Tuesday, 19th June, at 12 noon. Admit t<: Reserved Stats. Entrance by South Door. Kobebt GjtEGOJiY, Dean. LIST OF THE NAMES OF PERSONS WHO HAVE CALLED AT THE HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE TO EXPRESS CONDOLENCE AND SYMPATHY. Mr. A. Duffus Lubecki. Mr. D. Hope Johnston, M.A. Mrs. Sunderland. Admiral Sir Arthur Fanshawe. Mr. E. D. Johnson. The Misses Sunderland. Lord Strathoona. Mr. Tom M. Davies. Mr. Richard Sunderland. Lady Strathcona. "Mr. O. R. Strickland. Mr. Octavius C. Beale. The Duke of Abercorn. Mr. Lionel Abraham. Mr. A. J. Thynne. Charles A. Duff Miller. Colonel Arthur P. Penton. Mr. Godfrey N. Pharazyn. Mr. James Patchett. Mi-. Charles E. Pilcher. Mr. Frank Hyams. Mr. William Cowern. Mr. W. J. Golliu. Mr. E. G. Jellicoe. Mrs. Pudney. Dr. McDowell. Mr. Azira Birch. Mr. Alexander Lang. Mr. A. D. Henderson. Sir Arthur and Lady Douglae. Mr. W. R. Barker. Mr. Howard Richmond. Mr. George Beetham. Rev. John T. Fox. Mr. James .Mill. Lord Ranfurly. Colonel R. Williams, M.P. Commander Crutchley (on behalf Mr. Arthur Rhodes. Mr. William John Birch. of the Navy League). Mr. Justice Williams. Sir Isidore Spielmann. Mr. Stewart Bridge. Mr. Edward Pearce. Mrs. Percival Johnston. Mr. H. H. Bridge. By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington. — 1907.

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