THE LYING-IN-STATE.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 21, 20 January 1863, Page 3

THE LYING -IN -STATE.

Tlio curtain-lias risen upon the last scene but one in the tragedy of Burke and Wills. The Lori, secretary of the Exploration Committee attended at the ltoyal Society's hall on Monday morning, and formally opened the building for the admission of the j>ublie, from ten o'clock in fhoinoruiug until about ten o'clock at night the hall was more or less crowded with persons who came to look at the spectacle presented to them. Whether it was one which should cause solemn impressions or a feeling of distaste in the minds of spectators, it is not for us to say. Some will perhaps view it as a piece of pageantry that can add no renown to the memories of the departed explorers, while others will view it as a proper token of respect to those who have done their country a service. IBut our remarks here must simply be confined to the descriptive. On entering, the appearance of the Hall is gloomy in the extreme, and for a little time, until the eye becomes accustomed to the sombre objects around one, the visitor is unahlo to distinguish clenrly what is before him. The first object that strikes his view is the catafalque in the middle of the floor and surrounded by carved railing. This consists first, of the dais which is 22 x 18 in the base, and having four steps, the tops of which are covered with black cloth, and the sides with crimson velvet. On the top of this, and side by side lay the coffins, which are richly mounted, and above them again are the metallic shells, made in the shape of the body, and containing the remains of the explorers. At the head of each of these there is a glass slide through which the remains can be seen, but we are not aware that any of the public were yesterday permitted to see them, even supposing it were desired. The canopy is most tastefully ,got up, and is supported by four fern trees, ornamented with silver gilding. The canopy itsclt is about 3 feet 6 inches in height surmounted by a white plume of feathers, and the Four fern trees at the corners are surmounted by black plumes. The drapery of the canopy consists principally of black cloth, trimmed with white satin and silver mounting, and the inside of it is 31'naracntccl with Fleur-de-lys and the Norman rose. Burkes coffin lies to the left on entering the building, or to the right -when at the farthest end af it; and that of his companion in misfortune, Wills, by his side. On the panel of the bier over^ which Burkes coffin is placed is his coat of arms or that of the family from which he is supposed to have sprung — namely, the Burkes of Gal way. It is the same as that of Sir John Burke, given in Fairbairn's heraldry, and bears the motto, Ving roy, nny foy, ting loy — one king, one faith, one law. Decidedly the most imposing portion of the spectacle is the catafalque. At the farthest jnd of the building is placed what is called the " State lid," which appears to consist of black plumes, and is to be carried in the procession m the day of the funeral. Placed by this, arc the lids of Burke and Wills' coffins, on which [heir names are engraved ; Burko as having 3ied at the age of 40 years, and Wills at 27. Singularly enough, however, their deaths are recorded as happening on the same day, when we believe it is generally supposed that there ivas an interval between them. The windows of ;he hall are festooned from the centre with black jurtains trimmed with white, which almost cxjlude the light. Between each window and inder the Corinthian capital, are suspended "uneral ensigns. The lower part of the walls ire covered with draped panels, some chequered some paralleled, with Eleur-de-lys and others covered with a Maltese cross. Hound the walls ire sixteen white tablets, containing tha names )f the principal persons connected with the ill'ated expedition, as well as of those who went .0 their relief and assisted in the cause. The lames of Burke and Wills are, of course, of the lumber, and then follows, apparently without my special regard to order, the names of Walker, M'Kinlay, . Norman, Howitt, Landsborough, King, Gray, and Mr Ambrose Kyte. The names )f the principal places on the journey are also •ecorded in the same way, Menindie, Cooper's 3reek, Carpentaria, Swan Hill; Balranald, and Corowotto. At the opposite end of the building "rom the entrance there is a tablet placed igainst the wall containing the names of the Exploration Committee, headed by that of Sir tVilliam Stawell. At the other end, immeHately above the entrance, is a Union Jack, said to have heen used as a covering, by Wills m the expedition. The hull is lighted by two jasiliers, the jets of which are only slightly turned up, !so as not to give much light; and n addition to those, at the corners of the bier itand burning tapers, or rather imitations of >uch, fitted with gas jets. ■ Such is the spectacle presented at the lying n-stato of Burke and Wills ; and between two )r three thousand persons on Monday, and eight housand on Tuesday, availed themselves of the >pportunity of witnessing it. Some, perhaps, vent from mere idle curiosity, others fiotn a dndly feeling or a sense of duly. The spectaors seemed to consist of all classes," and

amongst them was Mrs Dogheity, who remained seated in the hall for a considerable portion of the day. We understand that the hours during which the hall will be open will be, for the present, from ten in the morning until eight o'clock at night.