MEMORIAL SERVICES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8356, 17 February 1913, Page 8

MEMORIAL SERVICES

ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL CROWDED. THE KING ATTENDS IN ADMIRAL’S UNIFORM. (Received February 15, 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, February 15. St. Paul’s Cathedral was crowded two hours before the memorial service commenced. The King, in the uniform of an admiral, drove unescorted to the cathedral. Among those present at the service were the Prime Minister (Mr Asquith), the Secretary of State for War (Colonel Seely), other members of the Cabinet, leaders of the Opposition party, the Lord Mayor of London, relatives of* the dead explorers, and representatives of learned sooieties. Mr John Redmond and Mr 1. P. O’Connor represented the Irish Nationalists. Captain Collins represented Sir George Reid (High Commissioner for Australia). The service started with the singing of the hymn “Rock of Ages.” The height of solemnity was reached by the playing of the “Dead March” in “Saul”’ by a band. The introduction of the names of the five explorers into the Collect, and the words, “whom we humbly leave, in Thy Fatherly keeping,” made a deep impression. The service was closed by the congregation singing “Jesu, Lover of My Soul,” and Beethoven’s Funeral March. Crowded services were also held at Devonport Dockyard and Portsmouth. Memorial services were also held at St. Giles’s, Edinburgh, and at Gestingthorpe, Captain Oates’s native village. Press Association. DUNEDIN, February 16. The Dunedin branch of the Overseas Club held a memorial service for Captain Scott and his comrades to-day in the Octagon Hall, which was crowded to the doors. The local M.P.’s, the Mayor, city councillors, and representatives of all the churches were present. The speakers were the Rev. W. Gray Dixon and W. Slade, both of whom re- ■ feiTed feelingly to the noble work ot the explorers. The service was opened with Chopin’s Funeral March and closed with the “Dead March” in “Saul,” played by the Kaikorai Band. AUCKLAND, February 16. Memorial services were held in Auckland to-day in memory of the Antarctic heroes. At St. Matthew’s Church there was a very large attendance, muffled peals being rung before the service commenced. WANGANUI, February 16.’ A church parade was held hero today at which nearly 700 visiting lire brigade men attended, as well as Territorial officers and two bands. At the various churches references were made to the Antarctic heroes, and bauds played the “Dead March.”