THE FUNERAL.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 220, 18 March 1895, Page 2

THE FUNERAL.

A GREAT AND MOST IMPRESSIVE SCENE. Sydney March 16. Sir Robert Duff's funeral, which took place this afternoon, was a true national tribute and much the largest ever witnessed in the Australian colonies. The whole line of route from the Government House to the Waverley Cemetery, extending over a distance of four miles, was one dense mass of humanity. Balconies and roofs were also crowded with people, and large sums were paid by spectators to secure points of vantage. ft is estimated that fully 200,000 people witnessed the procession. The funeral cortege included 250 carriages and other vehicles (containing leading colonists and representative men), 1200 of the military and 400 of the naval forces of the colony, 200 sailors and marines from the ships of the Royal Navy in port, 40 from the German warship Bussard, large contingents of members of Masonic bodies, fire brigades, guilds, &c, every class of the community being fully represented. The remains were encased in lead, enclosed in a plain oaken shell, bearing a plate containing the name, titles, and dates of the birth and death of the deceased. The ceremony at the grave was a most impressively performed by the Primate, assisted by the Dean of Sydney and other clergymen. The remains were temporarily interred in the family burying ground of Sir Geo. Innes, it being the intention of the family to have them eventually removed to Scotland. Lady Duff and her daughters went to the cemetery in a private carriage by a different route to that of the procession, and witnessed the ceremony at the graveside. A message was received by the family from the Queen, expressing deep regret. The procession took an hour to pass a given point. This Day. The Messages of condolence include cables from Lords Roseberry, Ripon, and Carrrington. Lady Duff is bearing np bravely, but serious results were feared when the strain on her endurauce lasted.