MEMORIAL SERVICES IN OTHER CENTRES.

New Zealand Graphic, 27 June 1906, Page 53

MEMORIAL SERVICES IN OTHER CENTRES.

Throughout the eolony on the day of the funeral the knowledge that the last sad and sacred rites were beinz performed over the mortal remains of the colony’s late chief deepened the grief and the gloom which had pervaded the colony ever since the brief cable bearing such momentous news was flashed across the Tasman Sea. The citizens of the colony more fully realised the blow which had befallen them, and on every hand were evidences of genuine mourning. Without respect to party or politics all deplored the death of a great mon, whose greatness was true humility, and whose large-heartedness won him the personal friendship of his strongest opponents in the political arena.

Services in Auckland.

Flags fluttered at half-mast from every flagpole in Auckland, each of the Consulates flying the national flag in token of mourning. Every shop was draped in black, and black-bordered photographs of the late Mr. Seddon were displayed in every window. The cottager mourned equally with his employer, and from many dwellings half-masted flags were flown, or bore knots of crepe on the doors, Government and other offices and schools were closed for the day, and wholesale and retail businesses for the afternoon. But although business was at a standstill, there was nothing of the holiday spirit—the day was observed as one of complete mourning, all classes uniting to do the last honour to the dead. Impressive memorial services in the city churches were conducted by the various denominations, and by. the Masonic brethren and Friendly Sorfetiee, and each of these was attended by large numbers of people, who attended out of no idle curiosity, but in deep regret at the loss of so true a friend of the democracy. Crowds lined the route of the military procession from the Drill Hall to St. Matthew’s Church, where the military service was held, and the procession of the Masonic fraternity from the We-’ey Hall to the Pitt-street Weslevan ( I. The hour of the funeral was heralded by the toiling of bells from every church and fire station, while the bells of the vessels in port were also tolled.

the mhjtary and naval PARADE.

Shortly after one o’clock the men of the various volunteer units began to Toll wp at the Drill Shed, and as the steady stream of uniforms poured into the enclosure it was evident that the Auckland volunteer anny was going to muster in strong force to take part in the final ceremony of respect to the memory of the deceased Minister for Defence. As the men arrived they fell into their respective ranks, some within the Drill Hall, pod others without, while near the rr ewav the veterans to the number of over paraded in grand force under Majors Broun and Morrow. ■Shortly before two o’clock the rattle of kettledrums announced the approach of the Baltimore’s men, and presently three companies of splendid fellows swims into the drill ground, with colours trailed and draped, behind their drummer and bugler. The Baltimore contingent, under Lieutenant Miller, numbered some 200 men, and they led the way towards -St. Matthew’s, headed by the Garrison Band (Lieutenant Hunter). Next came the Veterans, and then followed the Contingenters, 40 strong, under Colonel Abbott; Captain Holgate followed, then the Devonport Artillery, Captain Pilkington (40 strong), Torpedo, Captain Moorhouse (40 strong); A Battery (50 strong) ; No. 1 Garrison (30 strong); No. 8 (40); Coastguards (25); Submarine Miners, Captain Murdoch (20 strong); Engineers (24 strong); First Regimental Band, Bandmaster Adams; Auckland Mounted Rifles (50 strong); First Battalion Band, Bandmaster Mohr; Auckland Rifles, five companies (200 men); Bearer Corps (20 men), ifi that order. Then followed the St. John’s, King’s, and Grammar School, and Eden Cadets, the last named bringing up the rear of the column. The whole column, which numbered upwards of 1200 men, was un-

der the command of Lieut-Colonel Davies, with whom walked Commander Stone, of the Baltimore. Major Reed was commanding officer of the infantry battalion, Captain Harrowell being adjutant, while the mounted contingents were under Colonel Holgate.

The respective units were in charge of their company officers. By the time the troops marched out and set their faces toward St. Matthew’s the throng of people had grown almost impassably dense all along the line of route, and the silently marching uniforms had to wind their way along a lane hedged on either side by a solid mass of onlookers, many of whom had been waiting since one o’clock. As the head of the column reached St. Matthew’s the Albert-street firebell commenced to toll out in solemn accents the nature of the occasion, and continued its mournful peal while the troops filed into the church, while just before the half-hour the Baltimore commenced firing minute guns. AT THE CHURCH. The service in St. Matthew’s Chureh was of a most impressive character, and was attended by a large number of official personages. The Rev. W. E. Gillam, vicar of the church, conducted the service, opening with the processional hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” sung by the ehoir as they marched from the main door to the chancel. The Garrison Band accompanied. The hymn was followed by the usual sentences for the opening of service, after which Psalm xe., "Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge,” was recited. The Lesson from 1 Cor. xv. was then read, followed by the anthem, ‘’Blessed are the Departed” from Spohr’s “Last Judgment.” A portion of the burial service, “Man that is born,” etc., was then recited by the vicar, the hymn “God of the Living,” being then sung. The viear then read another portion of the burial service, “I beard a voice,” etc., the hymn “Now the Labourer’s Task is O’er” following. The address was then delivered by the Bishop of the diocese, Dr. Neligan, and after the singing of the hymn, “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” the service closed with the Benediction. THE BISHOP’S ADDRESS. Bishop Neligan took as his text at the n emorial service at St. Matthews, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground” (Genesis ii. 19 part). He said: The gloom of the story of the “Fali” is irradiated by the knowledge that Work and Life and Happiness were "m the beginning” only one and the same gift of an all loving God. That is the Lesson of to-day. The preacher’s office to-day is one neither of fulsome eulogy of that great Englishman, the late Premier of New Zealand; nor of estimating his place among the Empire-builders of the 19th and 20th centuries. The preacher’s office is rather to appeal to that patriotism of the national conscience which, pn an occasion such as. this, should be peculiarly susceptible to the Voice of God. “Let us now praise famous men,” cried the son of Sirach, but it is because “the Lord hath wrought great glory by them through His great power from the beginning” (Ecclesiastic us xliv. 1-2). Tne heritage bequeathed to us of this young nation by our late Premier, Richard John Seddon, is a potential national blessing—the glory and the dignity, and the gladness of Work. The strife of tongues is silenced to-day; the rancour of political controversy is quiescent; tile fierce competition of nation with nation for the trade of the Pacific finds no place in our thoughts; employer and employed know no difference now —New Zealand’s hardest worker has got some rest at last! The capacity, alike intellectual and physical, foi work was always in the man; but the nature of the work itself and his utter devotion to it were what brought out, developed, and proved to the world the essential bigness of the character of the man.

The late Premier,- as it seems to me, stepped out into the theatre of the world’s affairs, and by the underlying principles of his labour legislation told the world that it was forgetting the old lesson of the dignity of Work. Whatever you agree or disagree with, all, or with portions, of that legislation, the fact remains: Prior to such legislation Work was not honoured as Work. Quite pos-

sibly the thing did not present itself to the late Jremier as I have put it just now; but the man who does big things seldom knows all the issues involved; the one I have named was, as we look back, one of the issues. But the very man who did this big thing did something else that we arc in danger to-day of forgetting; he exhibited by his own life a broader definition of Work then that generally understood by the term Labour: he has taught us that it means brains as well as hands. It is a lesson worth remembering. There is mental labour as well as manual labour. “labour,” “Work,” they are honourable terms descriptive of an honourable thing. Let us try not to be narrow in the meaning we give to what is broad and honourable in principle and in fact. The hardest worker in New Zealand is dead! A gentle lady, widowed full early, stands with fatler’ess children at an open grave: “We beseech Thee, good Lord, that it may please Thee to defend the fatherless children and widows and all that are desolate and oppie sed” is the petition in the Litany of New Zealand to-day. The practical teaching of that life seems to appeal to young New Zealand to-day to take for its motto the words of the old English singer.:— “My country claims me all, claims every passion; . Ili-r liberty henceforth he al! my rhougnt. For her my own I’d willingly resign, And say with transport that the gain was mine.’

ST. PAUL’S.

The memorial service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Lower Symonds-street, was very largely attended, every seat in the building being occupied. The congregation included! two battlions of the public schools’ cadets and 60 boys from St. Stephen’s Native College, in charge of the headmaster, Mr. Wilson. The service opened with the processional hymn, “ O God. Our Help in Ages Past,” wb“ ’’ was followed by the Church of England burial service, the sentences sung instead of being read as is customary. Canon Nelson read the lesson, and then the anthem. “ Blessed Are the Denarted.” was sung, after which the Von. Archdeacon Calder delivered an eloquent address on the life of Mr. Seddon. The congregation and choir- then sang " Onward. Christian Soldiers,” and the service concluded with the singing of “ God Save the King.” PTTBLIC SCHOOL CADETS. The public school cadets paraded in three battalions, the first under Major Robb, and third marching to St. Paul’s, while the second, under Adjutant Woolier attended the service at the Tabernae' =. The following schools were repi ' — Nv. 1. Battalion: Onehunga, GO, Major Bobb; Epsom, 50, Captain Wilson: Newmarket, 35, Lieut. Gordon; Parnell, No. 1, 35, Captain Davidson; Parnell, No. 2, 40, Captain MacLauriu; Remuera, 43, Captain Bowden; Graf tonroad. 52, Captain McKay. No. 2. Battalion: Beresford-street, 44, Captain Walker; Nelson-street, 20, Captain Hall; Northcote, 29, Swb-Lieut. Jaekson; Napier-street, 47, Lieut. Moore; North Shore, 25, Captain S. H. Macky; Normal, 30, Captain Patterson. No. 3 Battalion: Ponsonby, No. 1. 38, Captain Trayes; Ponsonby, No. 2, 22, Captain Birss; Richmond-road. 47, Captain B. M. Green; Bayfield, 23, Captain Lee; Newton East, 44, Captain Brown; Newton West, 51, Captain Braithwaite; Mt. Albert, 34, Captain Campbell; Mt. Eden. 46. Captain D. 0. Brown. The total number ol carets paraded was Sl5

MINISTERS’ ASSOCIATION MEMORIAL.

A memorial service in the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle, promoted by the Auckland Ministers’ Association, drew together at the hour of the late Premier’s funeral a large representative gathering of the churches connected with the Association. The pulpit was draped in black as a mark of mourning, but the most impressive sign of mourning was in the feeling of the congregation itself, eloquent addresses upon the departed statesman being followed with earnest attention, and hymns expressive of Christian faith in the life to come being sung with deep feeling. The Rev. Joseph Clark presided, and the meeting opened with an invocation by Rev. B. F. Rothwell. “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” was the opening hymn.

An appreciation o the ueptrfed mier was given In the Rev. W. Gray Dixon, M.A. Viewed through M* death, Richard John Seddon wM invested with a glow of romane* to tha spell of which his honest critics must yield. “That voyage to ‘God’s own country’ can never be forgotten,” declared Mr Gray Dixon. And yet, he continued, they would have but a poor reason for the gathering if they had but the fact of his success. Greatness was not to be gauged by the cheers of majorities or the deeorationa of princes. Failure was often the highest success. Nay, heaven's consummate successes had always been earthly failures. They had to look deeper, therefore, for full justification of the honour they accorded to the memory of Richard John Seddou. Such success of the quality he had achieved could not but have behind it some eminently admirable qualities, and it was to these they did deference, discerning in them that which was Divine and eternal, an inbreathing of the spirit of God.

How his career rebuked all indolence ami forgetfulness, all slackness of will and of loot, all tending to trust to luck, or to inborn ability, all disposition to sleep at our posts-! In the toll of the bell, the salute of the canon, tliat sounded the finale to a career so strenuous, every live man must hear the sound of a trumpet, a bugle-call, a reveille, to be alert, brave, “working to do with all his might whatsoever he docs, that he may prosper.” “He lived strenuously. He died beautifully.” A special address was also given by the Rev. George Bond, who pointed out that the Old Testament recorded the fact that when Abner fell, David, “the King lamented and all the people wept.” History was repeating itself to-day. as the eolony and the nation ■wept at the grave of a patriot, a statesman. a trusted loader, a sympathetic friend, and n magnanimous opponent They were too near the departed statesman rightly to estimate his character or appraise his work. Nevertheless, men of every shade of political thought and religious belief had almost vied with each other in their expressions of appreciation and sympathy, and that because it was universally recognised that a Prince and a great man had fallen in Israel. Political opponents bad been among the first to admit his essential greatness and the probity of his private life. All agreed that he was a man of princely endowments and lofty ideals—a man with a big heart full of tender sympathy, combining in himself tire strength of a lion with the tenderness of .a woman. This was borne out by an illustration from the speaker's own experience. On Christmas Day last he found the Premier and Mrs. Seddon sitting by the bedside of a dying man, who bad formerly been a messenger in the Parliamentary buildings, seeking to comfort in lite’s last hours a poor man unknown to ths world. Not only was he great in the possession of natural gifts, but also in political influence and achievement. The measures he passed, the laws which he succeeded in placing on the Statute Book were humane and for the bettering of human circumstances, the lightening of the toilers’ burdens, and the equalisation of educational advantages. He also made provision for old age, the protection of child life, and for the Jives of others at the most critical and sacred moment of motherhood. The old age pension scheme and workmen’s dwellings were his best memorial, and for generations to come his “own works will praise him in the gates.” A RESOLUTION. The following resolution, moved by the Rev. A. North, seconded by the Rev. John Wilkins, was adopted in reverent silence: — “This meeting convened by I lie Auckland Ministers’ Association hereby expresses its tender sympathy with Mrs. Seddon in. the sorrow she suffers froav her great and sudden loss; and the earnest desire and hope that she may be enabled to realise the sweetness and strength yielded by the assurances of the fatherly pity of the Eternal God, and of all sufficiency of His grace. The meeting also expresses its warm sympathy with the sons nnd daughters of the late Premier, and all other members of his family. It prays that they, in the dark hour of their trial, may have given to them a vivid sense of the presence with them of Him who wept witU sisters of the dead Lazarus, and of tli# consolations of His infinite compasalflS and perfect sympathy.”

IMPRESSIVE MASONIC SERVICE.

A great gathering of brethren of the Masonic order took place „at the Pitt-street Methodist Church, ■where a memorial service was held in connection with the funeral of the •M.W. Brother, Past Grand Master Richard John Seddon. As the deceased was a member ot the N.Z. Constitution, the service was arranged by the brethren of that section of the fraternity, but invitations were extended to other constitutions to join, and the result was a combined meeting of rhe four Constitutions. The brethren assembled in the Wesley Hall in evening dress, and there put on their regalia, which was draped with crape in the manner usual on such occasions. The procession was formed in the hall, and the brethren marched to the church, English Constitution first. Scotch next, third, and New Zealand last. The. R.W. Brother Oliver Nicholson, Grand Superintendent, in the course of an address, said:—“My remarks will be more particularly directed to his associations with our brotherhood. He was, as most of you are aware, a Past Grand Master of the N.Z. Constitution of Free and Accepted •Masons, and during his period of office as grand master he did yeoman service towards the material advancement and prosperity of the craft in this territory. He was loyally devoted to the principles of Freemasonry, and his fidelity to its highest teachings of fraternal love and helpfulness, was marked in all his actions. He never lost an opportunity of impressing upon the brethren in that dear and decisive ■manner so particularly characteristic of him, their duties as brethren towards their fellow men. The last Masonic gathering which he attended in this colony, wasAthht connected with the installation of Brother Lord Plunket as Grand Master. This was held in Christchurch some three days before his departure on his Australian tour, from which he was destined never to return alive. The brethren-who were privileged to be present on that occasion, will always remember'"the ' cordial fraternal greetings' and hearty handshake they received from him as they severally passed him on the stairways. He loved his God, his family, his country, and the brethren of the mystic tie. Strong in frame, mighty in intellect and will, he was a born leader of men. The stout heart is now stilled, and the busy brain is at rest, but the impress of his individuality will ever remain in our colonial and Ma,sonic institutions to their lasting benefit.” PAST GRAND CHAPLAIN’S ADDRESS. inc Rev. J. A. Luxford, in addressing the congregation, took for his text I. Sam. xx. IS, “Thou shalt be missed.” In the past the colony had able and notable Premiers. Some of them were still with them, and their names were synonymous for integrity and honest administration, but none had been of the people, from the people, and for the people, as Mr Seddon. .They would miss his striking personality, for his presence amongst /them had had a thrilling effect, (Various causes accounted for his power, 'Among them were his facility of expression, his massive brain, his constructive energy, his sanguine temperament, his genial disposition, but the principal cause of his influence was'his intimate knowledge of the people. Whether in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Otago, or Southland; he knCWttpe residents almost as well as he knew'his> own constituents. He realised that if life 1 were to serve the people he must MWite liito contact with .them, be one of th'enf.’bttd the methods he adopted were aS old as human nature and as familiar as the sunlight. They Were kindness and sympathy. They, would miss the man, who, like Livingstone, loved the honest poor, the class from which he sprang. There was no labouring man, toiling for his daily bread, who did not look upon him as iris friend, and no oppressed man failed 4.0 get the ear of his Prime Minister. He was endowed with the highest form of greatness—humility—associated .with a kindness of heart and demeanour that not only Won men but blessed them »a it won. He was a man of heroic courage, of constructive energy, of marvellous endurance,' of sweet and gentle iciudneas, loving the King, the craft, the brother, the friend, and above all the (eternal God and the better land."

UNITED FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

The Choral Hall was crowded to suffocation on Thursday when a special memorial service to the late Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon was held. The service was indeed an impressive one. An eloquent and impassioned address was delivered by Mr. A. J. Black, the well-known evangelist. Mr. Black said: “We are gathered to-day to do honour to the memory of an illustrious man, whose sudden death has left not only the loved members of his family circle, not only the people of this country, so dear to his heart, but the whole Englishspeaking world in mourning. To-day men of every station of life will be found in solemn assembly paying the last tribute of respect to a man whose position in this country.;- was unique and whose influence - has spread the wide world world over. Might it not be as truly said of Richard John Seddon as of Abraham Garfield, “He rose from obscurity to honour and power and place.” “Surely he 'being dead, yet speaketh.” Is»t not our appreciation of this life cease to-day and close with words. Rather let us stand closer together than ever before, and seek one another in the bonds of love and unity, living for each other. Irving for our country, and, above all living for God.

SERVICE AT THE AUCKLAND SYNAGOGUE.

A memorial service was held at the Synagogue, special psalms and a special, prayer being chosen for the occasion. Rabbi Goldstein, in the course of an address dealing with the personality and works of the dead statesman, said that the colony could only view with fear and trembling the suddenness with which its. great political head had come to such a tragic and pathetic-end. Struck down in the zenith of his power and greatness, a career so eminently valuable and useful came to an end. that they eould only say of him as David spake of Abner, “Know ye not that a Prince and a great man has this day fallen in Israel,” which expression seemed to define pithily and concisely, not only the character of their departed leader, but the nature of their-rioss. Npw that thp -giant brain was stilled, and the well-known: voice hushed, the greatness of the late Premier stood out in yet more bold relief than when he lived. The qualities in which he excelled shone more brilliantly than ever, the virtues, the manliness that marked the man, forced themselves into notice with a vividness previously unknown, overshadowing the faults from which no human being, however great and noble, is free. Greater even than the statesman was the man; the man so full of character, which is the sole grand distinction between man and man. They could remember the man, so brimful of the milk of human kindness, broadminded, warmhearted, a doughty champion and a hard fighter in the politcal arena, he could not onlygive but take blows and bear no malice, one to whom the spirit of revenge was foreign. If the work of a life were to be measured by its moral value, his was priceless. Such a life had not been in vain, the casket was shattered, but the jewel remained; his mortal remains had returned to dust, his spirit to the Lord who gave it. His life was long, for it answered life’s great end. The influence of such a man never died. “I sleep, but my heart waketh.” The words of Shakespeare could be well applied to the noble life of the late Premier, “His life was gentle, the elements so mixed in him, that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, ‘This was a man.’ ”

CTHER SERIVCES IN AUCKLAND DISTRICT.

ONEHUNGA*S TRIBUTES. - ■ A combined service, was held in the Presbyterian Church .by the ... Nonconformist bodies. Rev. M. Scott presided, and was assisted by,, the Rev. J.-Mills Stoops, 8.A., Rev. Mr Slade, .and the adjutant .of the .Salvation Army. .„ At St. Peter's Canon . Haselden . conducted a memorial-service. - The -firemen paraded in uniform to the church. The burial service was gone through, after which the Canon referred to the irreparable loss the colony has sustained; and urged the- stern necessity of adopting the late Premier’s high ideals, and endeavour to make the colony “God’s own Country.**

- ■ HUNTLY.- - -• The volunteers, school eadets, pupils of the district school, band. Road Board, representatives of the Miners’ Union, tradesmen, Freemasons, various local bodies and societies, and other residents of Huntly assembled in the school playground, where a procession was formed and marched to the Volunteer Hall. The platform was draped in black, relieved with white camellias, and a large picture of Mr Seddon, the work of Bugler Brooks. The hall was too small to accommodate the attendance, variously estimated at 800 and 1000. The open air was resorted to, and the service was conducted by the Rev. Beck (Anglican), assisted by the Revs. Bishop (Presbyterian) and Avery (Wesleyan). WAIHI. The public funeral service > iwas held on the Recreation Reserve, and was attended by a large gathering. A procession was formed up near the Drill Hall Shed, consisting of the band, volunteers, school cadets, borough councillors, members of the’ Miners’ Union, Foresters, Oddfellows, Druids, Hibernians, Rechabites, and the general public. Major Kenrick acted as marshal. The procession marched to the Recreation Ground, where service was held and suitable addresses were delivered. The main iirebell was tolled as the procession moved towards the ground. The miners stopped work entirely, and the mines were closed down for 24 hours. Mr J. Newth, president of the Miners’ Union, in the course of a eulogistic speech, said that 30 years ago he first met Mr Seddon in a little room at Kumara, when the latter was soliciting assistance from the West Coast miners in recognising the work done by Mr Bonar in the Provincial Council, which had then been abolished. It was not then thought that Mr Seddon would rise to such an eminent position. As a community of workers they one and all deplored the loss by death of one of the greatest friends the workers ever had. Mr Donaldson, in the absence of the Mayor, who was at the funeral at Wellington, spoke on behalf of the borough, and brief speeches were also made by Messrs. Armstrong and Johnston, representing the Miners’ Union;, Mr. A.-H. Benge, education; Mr J. Henderson, Waihi District High School Committee; Mr Munns, Foresters; Mr j. Malcolmson, the Druids; Mr Seymour, Reehabites; and Mr Max B. King, the Waihi Hospital. DARGA VILLE. A large and touching memorial service was held at Dargaville.' The school /Children gathered at the school, the school flag being draped. Mr Day, chairman of committee, said a few words, after which the cadets marched to the public hall. Nearly 500 assembled. A large photograph of Mr Seddon was draped on the stage. The Rev. Mr Wansbone (Presbyterian) presided, and a number of representative people were on the platform. (HAMILTON. The memorial service was attended by over 1000 people. A procession of band, volunteers, cadets, and members of friendly societies marched from Sydney Square to the hall, where a united service was held, in which ministers of all denominations took part. A eulogium was delivered by Rev. Father Darby, and Mr D. M. Ross read a touching poem written by himself for the occasion. The building was fittingly draped. WHANGAREI. There was a large gathering of volunteers, eadets, members of the friendly societies, Freemasons, and members of local bodies, and the general public. A procession was formed at the Drill Hail, and, headed by the brass band, marched to the Anglican Chureh, when a memorial service -was lield. The bells of the churches and the firebells were tolled, and the band played the-“ Dead March.” ■" / ' -i' ; m ' CAMBRIDGE. iThe memorial service was preceded by a procession of bandsmen, volunteers, cadets, school Children, clergymen, Freemasons, borough cotuicilFors, 'and Oddfellows, and followed by the general public. The Mayor (Mr W. F. Buckland) made appropriate reference to the daceased statesman. ” ' <* - ■•.

COMBINED SERVICE AT THAMME The combined memorial service held here was one of the most impressive ceremonies ever witnessed at Thames. In the presence of a large and representative gathering an address was delivered by the Mayor (Mr. A. Burns! and by representatives of the native tribes. A memorial service was conducted by the local ministers, and, as the combined chureh choirs and an orchestra were present, the musical portion of the proceedings was most complete. Mr. W. Ensor acted as conductor. The local volunteers and cadets also took part in the ceremony, the. bands playing the "Dead March” from “Saul” at the commencement and termination of the proceedings. The Battalion Band played “The Hero’s Farewell,” while the Cadet Battalion Baud rendered “The Garland of flowers.” The Rev. R. Taylor (Wesleyan) offered up prayer, the Rev. S. Henderson (Primitive Methodist), read psalm 90, and the Rev. A. T. Thompson (Presbyterian) read the 15th chapter of Ist Corinthians, while short addresses were delivered by the Rev. T. A. Williams (Baptist and Congregational) and Mr. E. H. Taylor (Church of Christ).' The hymns sung were, “O, God, Our Help in Ages Past,” “Brief Life is Here Our Portion,” and “A Few More Years Shall Roll.” Services were also conducted at Birkenhead, Tauranga, Waiuku, Te Aroha, Paeroa, Coromandel, Te Awamutu, Helensville, Taupo, and other districts throughout the .province.

BRIEF REFERENCE.

AUCKLAND, Thursday, June 21. In every centre of any size throughout the province memorial services were held this afternoon. They may have lacked the pomp and impressiveness characterising the gatherings in the Metropolitan centre, but were no less marked in their sincerity of mournii\g and deep-felt sorrow’. Indeed, throughout the entire colony it was the same, as the brief records that follow, and- that are all that space permits the inclusion of, sufficiently evidence? WANGANUI, Thursday. ” An impressive memorial service was held this afternoon. The volunteers, cadets, school children, and a great gathering of the general public assembled in Queen’s Park, -where service was conducted by ministers of all denominations. 1 GISBORNE, Thursday. Business was suspended this afternoon, and an impressive open-air memorial service was held. . NEW PLYMOUTH, Thursday., To-day business was entirely suspended, and a memorial service held at St. Mary’s; also a united service in the Recreation Grounds, which the military attended. It is estimated that 4000 people were present. , PALMERSTON NORTH, Thursday. Memorial services were held at th* Opera House, and were very largely attended. ■ NAPIER, Thursday. Business was totally suspended during the afternoon, and an open-air service was held on Marine Parade. Addresses were delivered by all the local clergymen. MASTERTON, Thursday. There was an impressive memorial service at Masterton to-day. There wm» large attehdanee at a procession bended by the town band. Memorial services were held in other parts of the Wairarapa. ~. ... .. • .... FEILDING, Thursday. Over 1000 people, attended a memorial service, and addresses were given by the Mayor and the clergy. There was a parade of volunteers and members of friendly societies, and the bands played the “Dead March,” and Concluded with volley firing and the “Last Post.” i MARTON, Thursday. ' An impressive united memorial service was held at the Ouera House. Special hyfnhs were sung by a combined choir, and addresses delivered by several mini* UM. w ’ 1

HASTINGS, Thursday. The weather to-day was splendid. The ■tentorial services took place this afterBoon. The volunteers, headed by the town band, marched through the town to St. Matthew’s Chueh, where an impressive service was held. ELTHAM, this day. ‘ A public memorial service was held here yesterday, attended by all the local societies, volunteers, school children and school cadets. Addresses were delivered by ministers of various denominations. The proceedings were most impressive. INGLEWOOD, Thursday. A public memorial service was held on the Recreation Ground, and was very largely attended. The volunteers and cadets attended, and the band played a funeral dirge and the “Dead March” in “Saul.” WESTPORT, Thursday. 'All business was suspended to-day. The collieries and other works were closed down, and signs of sorrow were observable everywhere. The memorial service this afternoon was conducted by the Revs. Dart (Anglican), Barton (Presbyterian), and Prett (Methodist). GREYMOUTH, Thursday. All business is entirely suspended. Flags are Hying at half-mast, and manyplaces are draped in black. Memorial services were held in the Anglican and Methodist Churches. BLENHEIM, Thursday. The memorial service in the Market Place this afternoon was largely- attended. A military-parade was held, the Garrison Band playing the "Dead March.” This was followed’by a service, in which all the Protestant clergy took part. CHRISTCHURCH, Thursday. Fine weather prevailed here to-day-. Busirtess was entirely suspended. Flags were at half-mast everywhere, and the publie buildings were draped. Hotels dosed from 1 o’clock to 5 p.m. A memorial service was held in the Cathedral at 2.30. Bishop Julius and a large numtr of clergy- officiated. A united memorial service was held in Cranmer Square, which all volunteers attended, and there was a large gathering of the general public. Senior Chaplain Chambers, of the Anglican Church, Chaplain. Dewsbury, of the Methodist, and Chaplain McKenzie, of the Presbyterian, conducted the service. The Garrison Rand and massed bands of the city played the “Dead March” in Victoria Square •t two o’clock. ASHBURTON, Thursday. A memorial service was held in the Domain, in beautiful weather. The great concourse lieartily- joined in singing Mr. Seddon’s three favourite hymns: "‘Nearer, My God, to Thee,” “Abide with Me,” and “For Ever with the Lord.’’ , HOKITIKA, Thursday. Tiie whole of Westland observed a elose holiday, all business being completely stopped. The public buildings were draped, and flags were half-masted in all directions. Memorial services were held in all the churches. NELSON, Thursday. Between 4000 and 5000 citizens, volunteers, and cadets attended the memorial service at the Central School grounds this afternoon. The ceremony was very impressive, and the Bishop of Nelson delivered an eloquent panegyric on the -deceased statesman. TJMARU, Thursday. Beautiful weather favoured the openair memorial service, and the gathering was one of the largest ever seen in Tiijiaru.,.. . IN VERC ARG ILL, Thursday. Tlie Seddon memorial service was held in the . Garrison Hijll. The service was preceded by a prpepssion, in. which the volunteers, cadets, friendly societies,, and other public bodies took part. t QAMARU, Thursday. This afternoon a short funeral service was held, most of the local ministers taking part in the proceedings. ■“ duSIEDiIN, Thursday. To-day was observed as. a close holiday, even , places whore perishable goods are sold, and exempted under the Shops Act shutting down. Tfee weather is fine and.eahu. The post office and a few other buildings are draped. In. addition to the chureh memorial services,. wlppli were, attended-,by the volunteers, a special service was held by the University. students, in.the jriajagJe. at which telling refere/un was made, t to the late Premieb and his strenuous