Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 - 1953), Monday 9 May 1910, page 3


Death of the King. Early on Saturday morning a special wire reached this office conveying the most unwelcome intelligence that the state of the King's health was such as to cause the greatest alarm, that the members of the family were summoned to the Palace, and other steps taken which pointed only too plainly that there were good grounds to fear even more sad news to follow. The wire was at once issued as GUARDIAN extraordinary, and messengers were soon hurrying through the town with the startl-ing intelligence, which was heard with the greatest astonishment and sorrow. Our Melbourne correspondent's wire was followed by others from Reuter's Agency, and, unfortunately, conveyed even greater fears for alarm. This was followed by other which gave little hope to the most hopeful that better news was to follow. Such, unfortunately, proved to be the case, as a special urgent Reuter's wire confirmed the worst fears which had been formed by the previous. It read that the King died at midnight. The Union Jack was at once placed half-mast at the GUAR-DIAN office, and the sad intelligence was thus gleaned even some miles distant. Although most had been prepared, the actual fact that King Edward VII was ' dead could hardly be realised. The people of Portland are well known for their loyalty and we need hardly say this blow was receivcd with greatest sorrow. Soon flags5 were half-mast throughout the town. The' church of England bell was tolled, shutters placed on business establishments, and on all hands the expressions of deep sorrow were made. The town was in mourning yesterday. The chancel at St Stelher.hs' church was draped in black. Archdeacon 'i Allnutt assisted Canon Carmiclhael with the service morning and evening. Tlhe atter miade special reference to the regrettable death of the King. Ile briefly traced tile history of the late King fron i' inl'ancy onward, and spoke inl terins of highest aptpreciation of hii as Kiing. Tlihe service at night was even mnore inpressive. During the offertory liss Allnutt rendured r as a voluntary "The wails of the departed, and at the conclusion of the services, with the congregation standing, the "Dead March" was plalyed. The soul stirringstrains of this fine composition were feel-I ingly and faithfully given by Miss Allnutt, and we doubt if ever the tone of this line organ has been heard to greater ladvantage. 1The last strains had died completely away M before there was the slightest move on the part of the worshippers. The other churches were also suitablyldraped in black, and at each the "Dead March" was rendered at tile conclusion of each service. -------- I