OBITUARY

Hokitika Guardian, 14 January 1928, Page 2

OBITUARY

AYIELL KNOAVN POET’S DEATH,

(.Australian & N.Z. Cable Association

LONDON, Jan. 11. Mr Thomas Hardy died at his home in Dorchester to-day. He was in good health almost to the last, and was able to read and take an interest in the day’s news. 11c caught a chill in the recent severe weather. His last poem appeared in “The ’l imes” on Christmas Eve. * LONDON, Jnn. 13.

The nation was so moved at Thomas Hardy’s death, that there was no surprise when it was announced an Ahhev Burial was offered and aceep.-rd. The remains will he cremated at AYoTving and ashes interred in the Abbey on Alonday.

If s understood that Sir James Barrie who frequently visited Hardy, saw the Prime Alinister and his mother in reference to this tribute. The Dean of AA’estmilister, wrote the offer to Airs Hardy, and meantime an offer of acceptance was exchanged by telephone. The decision was rendered difficult owing to the first sentence of Hardy’s will—l desire • burial at Stinnsford Church, but Mrs Hardy felt she must defer to the general wishes that her liusband receive the greatest honor in the power of England to give. A’illagers at Stinnsford were disappointed, for there is buried in the churchyard, Hardy’s grandparents, father, mother, sister and his first wife.

The King telegraphed Airs Hardy that Ins and the Queen’s “grief to hear of the sad loss you have sustained by the death of your distinguished husband. will be shared by all their countrymen, ill whose literature his name will live permanently.”