The Late Mr Ballance.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 236, 8 April 1897, Page 3

The Late Mr Ballance.

THE UNVEILING CEREMONY. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, April 7. At tbe unveiling ofths Ballance statue there was a large attendance of the general public. The Premier, on opening, said there was a relative of Mr Railance present and he asked him to place on tlie base of the monument a wreath, which was done. Mr Seddon said that tbe occasion of the unveiling of the monument was unique in the history of the colony and it was a great pleasure for him to do honor to his late chief, colleague and friend, and be trusted it would not be the last occasion on which the people of the colony would assemble to show their appreciation of their good and true men. To tbe toilers of New Zealand the credit web due for the statue, which they were about to unveil, and the Trade and Labour Council had taken the initiative. Mr Ballance was unassuming, of great ability, penerous to a fault and nover allowed principle to be departed from. One and all mourned his loss and sympathised with his widow, who had been of great assistance to their departed leader. Mr Sedeon briefly re ferred to the administration of Mr Ballance, and declared that to bis successful legislation the present position of the native race was brought about without force oi arms or loss of blood. The land policy, too, was originated by his late chief, who at all times acted conscientiously for the good of his fellow-man. Sir Maurice O'Rorke referred to the friendship between himself and Mr Ballance and regretted the loss of one bo esteemed from a position he adorned. The ceremony then ended.