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

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3686, 14 June 1906, Page 3

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

MR SEDDON’S DEATH

THE CLOSING SCENE

Sydney, June 11

Mr Seddon went down to the saloon half an hour after sailing on Saturday, and retired to his berth immediately. He was obviously very tired, having spent a busy day. Complaining of tiredness Mr Seddon did not rise till about noon On Sunday.

After lunch he slept two hours. On awakening lie appeared to Ire greatly refreshed, excepting once or twice lie complained of his shoulders which had troubled him earlier in the day. Just before dinner, at 6.20, he was lying on a couch fully dressed, and was seen to sink backwards in a hunting condition. Mrs Seddon, and his private secretary (Mr Andrews). Were the only persons present, and Went for assistance.

During the afternoon lie appeared languid, and was apparently suffering from slight stomach trouble,’but nothing serious was anticipated. The end came with terrible suddenness.

Mr Seddon was seized with faintness, and gradually became unconscious.

The doctor was called and remedies applied, but all were unavailing.

He died in Mrs Seddon’s arms apparently without suffering. After consultation, it was decided to return to Sydney. The vessel’s head was turned thitherward.

CALMLY AND PEACEFULLY

After his afternoon’s sleep he appeared refreshed, but a few minutes afterwards he had a recurrence of the symptoms that had shown themselves in the morning, but in a more aggravated form. He was treated by Mrs Seddon and Mr Andrews, one of his secrecies, seemingly with good effect, for he conversed with them on several public and private matters in which thev were interested. ‘Then suddenly, just at twentyfive minutes past six, he gave a short gasp, spoke a few words to Mrs Seddon and collapsed. It was supposed that he had fainted. Dr Minchin was hurriedly summoned, and arriving in a few minutes, he saw that the great New Zealander was dead from failure of the heart. He saw there had been no struggle, no pain. Mr Seddon lay there in bis cabin seemingly askep, as calmly and peacefully as a child.

WIDESPREAD REGRET

London, June 11

All the evening papers publisl appreciative notices ot Mr Seddon

The Pall Mall Gazette says—- “ Every branch of the Imperial family will deplore his death. We will never cease to lie grateful for his zeal in promoting the despatch of troops to South Africa.”

A’SORROWFUL HOME-

COMING

Wellington, June 11

The acting-Premier is informed that Mr Seddon’s body is on tin Oswestrv Orange, which is due in Well ingtoii'rm Saturday morning.

MESSAGE FROM SIR JOSEPH

WARD

Wellington, June 11

Cabinet will carry on under the present arrangements of the administration of Mr Seddon’s various portfolios by those Ministers to whom they had been allotted prior to the Premier’s Mr Hall-Jones cabled to Sir Joseph the news of Mr Seddon’s death, and late to-night received the following reply from London ; —"The awful news of onr dear old chief having passed to his long home cohies as a stunning blow to me. His colleagues will fee! with the people of the colony that a great and good ma n who wot bed with unflagging zeal lor the country he loved has been taken from them. His death removes the most striking figure in colonial public life. The grief of bis dear wife and family will be tempered with the knowledge that the hearts Of the 'people of New Zealand will go out to them in the unpreceEented trial thev have to bear. — iG. Wakd.”

THE NEW CABINET,

THE PROCEDURE

Auckland, June 12

The Hon \V, Mitclielsnu. an ex-Minister, stales the constitutional position is that when the

Premier dies the Cabinet dies with him. The procedure will be for the Government to send for Mr Hall-Jones, in the absence of Sir Joseph Ward, and Mr HallJones will forma Ministry to meet the House on June 27th.

SIR JOSEPH WARD’S DEPARTURE.

Sir Joseph Ward sails on Friday to catch the first ’Frisco steamer instead of remaining till the end of July. He received many callers,"letters, and telegrams of condolence. The Ageuts-General sent messages of deep sympathy, and half-masted the flags on their offices. THE INTERMENT. The Acting-Premier states that nothing will be decided in connection with the interment of the late Premier until the arrival of Mrs Seddon and the members of the hmily who are expected to reach Wellington by the Oswestry Grange early on Saturday morning. The time yesterday, did. nop permit of Mrs Seddon’s wishes being obtained by cable. After Dr Morice’s death, Mr Seddon expressed a wish that he might be buried alongside him in Grevmouth cemetery. It is thought he will be interred as desired.