DEEP SORROW IN AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8132, 12 June 1906, Page 2

DEEP SORROW IN AUSTRALIA.

A GREAT PUBLIC SHOCK. I?EH Pitisss Association.—Received 11, 5.5 p.m. ! Sydney, Jimc 11. After lunch Mr Seddon slept for two hours. On awakening ho appeared groatly refreshed, except once or twice when ho complained of a pain in the shoulder, wliich had troubled him earlier in the day. Just before dinner at 6.20, while lyins on a couch fully dressed, he was seen to sink backwards in a fainting condition. Mrs Seddon and Private Secretary Andrews were tho only persons presont. Assistance was sent for, but a few seconds afterwards Mr heddon breathed his last, apparently without suffering, Strict Mtieenee was observed respecting the arriyal of the vessel, at the request of Mrs Seddon, who wished first Jjo communicate with her daughter, Mrs Dyer, who had remained in Sydney, Everywhere flags were half-masted and expressions of sorrow are universal. Mr Cavruthcrs, who had an interview with Mr Seddon on Saturday at noon, was much shocked on hearing tho news. Ho noticed Mr Seddon appeared tired on Saturday When he asked him what sort of a trip he had through the Southern States,-Mr Seddon replied he had a very good one, excepting at | Adelaide, whore he felt unwell. ■ During tb.s forenoon, members of Mrs Seddon's staff saw Mr Carruthcrs i and expressed Mrs iseddon s wish that there should bo no public action taken here. Directly ho heard the news Mr Carruthcrs communicated with tho Goyer-nor-General and the Slate Governor expressing tho general feeling of sorro w which pervaded the whole couiiiiunity. Asked if he would say anything regarding Mr Scddon's career, Mr Carrather, replied: The whole thing is such a shock, one is pretty well unnerved, rome it seems such an awful thing. Only on Saturday I went to him, shook Hands and said goodbye, never thinking it was a life farewell. It is coo great a shock to speak now. Tho loss of a man like Mr Seddon at any time would be a ' public calamity, but when it occurs under circumstances like the present it is a ' public shock. Mr Seddon came here for rest, but it was apparent to us all that he worked very liar 1, and probably that and tho strenuous life he has been ' living the last 10 years brought about his untimely doath. The evening papers publish early editions with appreciative notices of the ' deceased statesman. <