GOVERNOR’S FUNERAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1923, Page 1

GOVERNOR’S FUNERAL.

A notable: tribute. AUBTBALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. SYDNEY, Sep. 18. Thousands of people flocked to the (~itv from tho suburbs to pay a final tribute to the dead Governor, Sir AY. Davidson. Most business places closed from 10 to 11, and traffic ceased to hum during this period, a stillness like that of night prevailing. A salute of guns looms at minute intervals, while the muffled St. Andrew’s Cathedral bells sadly tolled the people’s sympathy. A never-ending stream of motor ears, conveying representatives of every phase of human activity, set out for the South Head Cemetery in bright spring sunshine, which, by contrast, only emphasised the solemnity of the impressive ceremony. The people’s tribute lias expressively been described as homage to be earned, not to be commanded. A HUGE CROAVT). SA'DNEA’. Sep. 18. It is estimated 250,000 people viewed the funeral procession. They began to congregate in the vicinity of the Anglican Cathedral and along the route hours before the funeral was due to start. Lady Davidson and her two daughters were present at the Cathedral service.

Archbishop AYright paid a tribute to Sir AV. Davidson’s high conception of duty and governorship, and bis untiring discharge of bis duties. He said: “ We must reflect whether be was not asked to do too much. lie was a soldier bred and in the dark days of the war proved himself a soldier. He had a simple faith in God, and was not ashamed publicly to acknowledge it. lie died, as he lived, in harness, and in the fear of God.” When all the ceremonial was over, Lady Davidson and her two daughters knelt a moment at the graveside for a last look at tho casket, whereon they dropped flowers. Lady Jcllicoe, who beard the news of the" death aboard the Manuka, an hour before it arrived, expressed deep grief at Sir Walter’s death. She was a guest at Government House on her last visit to Sydney. “ All my heart goes out to Lady Davidson,” she said. She regretted she arrived too late to attend the funeral. The wreaths filled seven motor ears. The Assembly formally met and adjourned as a mark of respect, alter short feeling tributes were paid by the leaders of the various parties to Sir AY. Davidson’s memory.

A SOLE AIN CEREMONY

SYDNEY, Sep. 18.

Up to the last minute, while the body of the dead Governor lay in state in St. Andrew’s Cathedral a steady stream of people filed past the bier, and today the population of the city and suburbs, and many form tho country, were massed along tho route from the Cathedral to the cemetery. The whole ceremony was most solemn and impressive. An apparently endless line of State and other ears and eariages, laden with beautiful wreaths, of which there were several hundred, wended their way through silent bareheaded crowds. 'Detachments of mounted ih>lice. military, mid naval forces preceded tho gun carriage bearing the body ol the noble dead. Then came the carriages of the Lt.-Governor, Federal and State Parliamentarians, naval officials and departmental beads, followed by unofficial mourners. The whole was marked hv mournful pomp. The unwonted silence of suspended business was broken only by the wail ot the funeral music, the boom of minute guns, and the tolling of bells. Prior to tlie removal of the cotlin from the Cathedral, a short service was held, and at the graveside, m me oldtime South Head Cemetery, overlooki„c the Pacific, the last sad obsequies were performed in tho presence ot a large and notable gathering. On every band were displayed unaffected tokens of the real love and affection m "hub Sir AA'nlter Davidson was generally held, Six gunners lifted the coffin from the gun carriage, and six policemen lyyre it to tho grave. At the end of the service, a salute of 17 guns was fired, and the " Last Post souncci . The King’s message to Lady Dae son, after expressing sincere sympathy and sorrow, added: In Su I,t Davidson, tho Empire loses a faiihim and valued servant.