THE SPEAKER'S FUNERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 12, 14 June 1913, Page 5

THE SPEAKER'S FUNERAL.

"LAST SCENE OF ALL.. Per Press Association.' Grejmouth, Last Night. To-day broke beautifully fine, and early this morning special trains from Tekuini and all the West Coast railways began to pour in crowds of people. Their mournful mission was to pay the last tribute of respect to Sir Arthur Guinness, Kt., M.P. and Speaker of the House of Representatives. .Business places, public offices and public and private schools closed. General expressions of mourning were heard throughout the town. At two o'clock the largest gathering seen on the. Coast began to assemble, including the Hon. A. H. Hcrdman, Ml'. Seddon, Mr. J. Cblvin and Mr. G. Witty, M.P's, the mayors, chairmen and members of local bodies for Ross in the south and Westporf. jn the north, to pay reverent respect to one of the Dominion's foremost legislators. For the most part the assemblage was one of young people and those in the prime of life, but there were present numerous old meij,, veterans bent and supported on sticks, true and staunch supporters of the deceased through many political campaigns, and cemented in a friendship severed only by death. The cortege was headed by brass bands. The members of the Grey Harbor Board acted as pall-bearers. The hearse was burdened' with floral tributes, including wreaths from the Cabinet, Liberal Party, members of Parliament, Messrs. Herdman, Witty, Colvin and Seddon, the members of the Westland Law Society, the, chairman and members of the .West Coast ti%rbpr Board, the governors of the High SchooF Board, the mayors and members of borough councils, the Wtjstland, Grey arid Inangahua County Councils,' education boards, school committees, trotting and jockey clubs, friendly societies and the general public. The carriages in the cortege extended about a mile and a half. There was an impressive ceremony, and the last solemn rites in the Church of England were performed in the presence of a trememUms congregation by the Ven Archdeacon York, assisted by Dr. Black (Presby-' terian). Thus was laid to rest the remains of a man honored and loved by all. His name will long be held in grateful memory. ,