DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT AT A FUNERAL.

Evening Star, Issue 3632, 13 October 1874, Page 3

DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT AT A FUNERAL.

Mrs Henry Hallam was buried on September 24 . The coffin (says the ‘Argus’) bore the following inscription ;—“ Hattie Sheppard?, died 21st September, aged 26 years,” and underneath, “Not lost, but gone before.” Wreaths of flowers and crosses composed of flowers were laid on the coffin. Nearly all the members of the dramatic and musical professions in Melbourne attended, and the large number of private showed that the deceased lady had earned the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends. At the cemetery there was a considerable innovation on the usual practice. Instead of the hearse being driven close to the grave, it stopped outside the entrance gates. The following ladies acted as pall-bearers Mesdamea Williamson, Harwood, Appleton, Bryer, Wheeler, Garner, and Dumpier Mademoiselles Carey, Docy Stewart, Maggie Stewart, Woolridgo, and Hennings 'ihe prqwd surged round the pall-bearers, and, thrjisting the mourners completely away, broke up the procession. The scene at the grave was even more discreditable. The pall-bearers, who had followed their friend * companion to her last resting-place, were rudely thrust on one side that a uum- . 9] women might se-ure a position to gratify their curiosity. The graves in the neighborhood were invaded, and the flowers trampled upon ; the gravestones and railings round the enclosure w-re made use of in order to get a view of the proceedings. After the sad ceremony was over, the pallbearers were fairly mobbed' by the crowd, wljp crowded round them and stared at them as if they were so ma y wild beasts.