Death of Right Hon. Mr Seddon,P.C. L.L.D.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3685, 12 June 1906, Page 2

Death of Right Hon. Mr Seddon,P.C. L.L.D.

Date yesterday afternoon we published an extra to the effect the Right Hon. the Premier had died suddenly at sea on Sunday on the Oswestry Grange, bound from Sydney to Auckland. The boat was 140 miles out from the Sydney Heads at the time, and she immediately returned to Sydney. THE DATE PREMIER’S dast MOMENTS. Sydney, Yesterday. Mr Seddon was not too bright during the day. At 6.20 last night he was sitting with Mrs Seddon in his cabin waiting for the dinner gong. Suddenly he placed his head on his wife’s shoulder and said “ Oh ! Mother!” and expired immediately. The vessel was 140 miles from the Heads at the time. Mr Minchin, the ship’s doctor, has given a certificate that death was due to heart failure. The body will be embalmed and the vessel will probably resume her voyage as soon as the operation is completed. THE DAST INTERVIEW. The Manager of the Press Association had the final interview with Mr Seddon on Saturday. The Premier looked well but evidently tired. He said;—• It has been one of the hardest month’s work I have had,, but I think it will be of advantage to New Zealand. I wish to thank you for what you have done for me. You have been very good.” In the evening he and his family attended the performance of “The Man from Mexico.” Afterwards they had supper and then went aboard the steamer. All Government and Public Offices (excepting Post and Telegraph) throughout the Colony were ordered to be closed yesterday afternoon and all day to-day-and also the day of the funeral as a mark of respect, while only urgent business is to be conducted from to-morrow. A TRIBUTE FROM THE FOXTON BOROUGH COUNCID. Prior to going into ordinary business last evening, the Foxton Borough Council (on the motion of the Mayor, G. A. Simpson, Esq.) adjourned for fifteen minutes as a mark of respect lor the deceased Premier. On resuming, the following resolutions were carried: — Proposed by the Mayor, seconded by Cr Baker L That this Council wishes to place on record their sorrow and regret at the loss the colony has sustained by the sudden death of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Acting Premier, the Hon. Hall-Jones. Proposed by Cr Gray, seconded by Cr Austin, That a vote of condolence be forwarded to Mrs Seddon and family in their sad bereavement caused by the death of their late husband and father, the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand. [The Oswestry Grange again left Sydney last night for Wellington with the body of the Premier aboard. She should arrive in Wellington on Saturday.