RECEPTION OF THE NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 384, 9 May 1910, Page 5

RECEPTION OF THE NEWS

AT NEW PLYMOUTH. The news was received in New Plymouth at a fc-w minutes aft<?r 1 o'clock, and when the newspaper "extras" appeared in the street the announcement of the King's death created a profound impression, it was some time before the majority of people eouM 'be convinced of the truth of the news, and all the afternoon anxious glances were cast in the direction of the Post Office flagstaff, only the hoisting of the flag a 1; lmlf-mast being deemed sufficient confirmation. That (lag, howerer, could not be hoisted until official confirmation of the news had 'been received from the Premier. Meanwhile flags, were flying at half-mast everywhere, the legal offices were closed, several of the business places were draped in mourning, and the bell at St. Mary's Church tolled out the news.

Little knots of men gathered here and there, discussing in subdued tones the suddenness of His Majesty's call from hence, his qualities as a man and King, and the .possible effect of his death upon the -policies of the nations. The Saturday Association's football matches and the match between the Central and Wnitaia Hoy Scouts were cancelled.

AT STRATFORD.

The news of the death of the King van a. great snnirise to the majority of ; mc residents of tliis district. The in'.rniation in regard to his illness contained in tins morning's Xows caused some people to lie afraid that he would not recover, 'but a large number of per>ons were not aware that he had been ailing. Fiags are flying half-mast, and wherever a knot 01 people are pi t bored togethor the subject of conversation is sire to he the lamentable event. How stiong a man Hie late King was \>o have not realised yet, and only as time passes will the great bulk of the citizens of (lie Uritish Empire appreciate, what the shrewdness and tact of King Edward have a oomplished fof th" welfare of the nation.

AT TXULEWOOD. The news of the death of King inward'was received at about 2 p.in.. and came as a great surprise and shock to many of the people, and to the majority of country people, of whom there was a'very large crowd in town, owing to the fact that it was Road Boaril election dav. Flags were halt-masted at the Post Office and numerous -private Idings, and the principal topic of conversation was the sad event.

Bv Telegraph—Press Association. Dnnedin. Saturday. Xews of the King's d eftths P r . efl< * through the streets just about the time business .people were going or had gone .

home to lunch. The sail and sudden, if not entirely unexpected., announcement was received without any very perceptible Minv of feeling. From all Government and municipal buildings, as well as from private or business premises, signals of gloom were presently drooped. The usual Saturday afternoon pleasure-seekers gradually thronged the town in their hundreds, in expectation of participation in their accustomed recreation under .perfect weather conditions. Both the Rugbv and Association football executives notified as speedily as -possible that all «ames were postponed. Palpably many were at a loss what to do with themselves.

Dannevirke, Last Night.

Immediately on receipt of the news flags were half-masted and a general feeling of profound sorrow expressed. At the request of the ilayor the Holiday Association directed shops to close from 4 to 0 p.m. An intercessory service for the Empire was held at St. John's Church to-night.

Timaru, Last Night.

The news was a great shock to South Canterbury, and people in the country were inclined not to believe it until the Premier's confirmation was received. Bells were tolled and flags half-masted. At all the churches special reference was made to the world's loss and the "Deacl March" played. Auckland, Last Night.'

■News of the death of the King produced a profound impression in Auckland. Flags began to appear. at halfmast on a number of business places, some of which had their windows draped in mourning, while -others closed. The hell of St. Matthew's was tolled for an hour. All athletic fixtures -were cancelled.

Nelson, Last Night.

News of the King's death was received in Nelson with profound sorrow. Flags were immediately lowered to halfmast, but with the exception of the voluntary closing of the hotels and the cancellation of the sports fixtures there was no other mark of public mourning. Hamilton, Last Night. News of the death of the King was received with great sorrow. Wanganui, Last Night. .

The church pulpits were draped today. References were made to the King's death, and the Dead March was -played.

YEW ZEALAND'S MESSAGE. -J-M Dunedin, Last jSTicrlit. The Prime Minister's message reached him from His Excellency the Governor in these terms:—"lt is with deep sorrow that the Government transmits the following telegram received to-day from the Secretary of State for the Cojonies: 'May 7tli.—t profoundly regret to inform you that .His Majesty the King passed away at 11.45 p.m. to-day.— (Signed) Plunket." The Prime Minister's reply was as follows: —"His Excellency the Governor.—The Prime Minister presents his compliments and desires His Excellency to request the Secretary of State for the Colonies to convey to Queen Alexandra and members of the Royal Family the profound .grief of the Government and -people of Xew Zealand at the death of His Late Majesty—J. G. Ward, Prime Minister."

The/ Premier had. intended to sn°nd a part of the week end at the Bluff!%ut on learning the sad intelligence he cancelled this arrangements as well ,rs other arrangements,, including his visit to the Central Otngn and Wpst Coast, and at once mad(> preparation* for departure to Wellington, where he will arrive on Monday morning.

THE GOVERNMENT'S PROCEDURE,

The Premier telegraphed Yesterday from Invercargill:—"As a number of enquiries are being made as to what ceremonial is required in connection with the King's death. I desire to advise you that 1 will telegraph, you fully on Monday from Wellington what is the proper procedure to follow."