TESTIMONIAL TO PREMIER.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 356, 5 March 1902, Page 2

TESTIMONIAL TO PREMIER.

MEETING TO BE HELD. At the meeting of the Borough Council last night the following requisition was received and read : We, the understand citizens and residents of Poverty Bay, being anxious to show our appreciation in common with those living in other portions of the colony o£ tho national services of the Right Hon. R. Seddon (on the eve of his departure for England as the accredited representative of the colony), respectfully request that a public meeting of those interested be

called for the purpose of discussing and taking the necessary steps in the matter : —E. P. Joyce, J. Sheridan, John W. Mackrcll, W. 6. Skeet, G. W. Primrose, G. B. Oman, F. Wilkinson, W. Howard, W. C. Walsh, Ed. Cussen, E. A. Parnell, Jno. G. Henderson, H. Sandlant, W. Webb, John H. Ormond, W. T. Larsen, M. Haisman, T. J. Dickson, W. F. Crawford, Robert Johnston, M. Rice, J. Nutting, Allen Bros., Arch. Cooper, W. E. Attwood, F. Harris, A. Sawyer, K. Humphreys, H. .Hamblett, T. Cotter, G.

Goldsworthy, C. H. Ambridge, John Win, Wade, H. R. Smith.

Cr Lysnar said that the necessary steps were to say how many guineas they would subscribe. The Auckland Committee also sent a subscription list with a circular similar to that received by other local bodies. Cr Miller said it would be best to call the public meeting as desired, and hand the matter over to them. After further remarks, Cr Jones said that though some might sueer at this movement, he thought that people should look at it in a broader, a more national

light. Apart from Mr Seddon’s position is Premier, and his position in polities, lie was going to attend the King’s coronation as the representative of this colony, md it they 7 could give weight to his mission they should do so. A largely 7 -signed testimonial, showing that the Premier not only had the broking of his own Cabinet, of members of Parliament, but of the people of New Zealand, in the steps he had taken such a testimonial would show that the people of the whole country supported what he had done. Now Zealand had been to the fore all through, and though unfortunately there had been sad sacrilices, still they were prepared to have some grief if they were helping the Empire. They were deeply sorry for the relatives of those who had given up their lives for their country, but believed that those people would willingly join in the testimonial. lie had heard one mother

say, •' I’m sending my son away ; if he is killed I will miss him very much, bull know that ho is going for his country's good.” And that was the prevailing spirit. They should show that they were with the Premier in this matter, and give him their support. Those who were not inclined to contribute should not sneer at the move-

ment—they could keep their names off. He supposed that at a later date it would b“ found that some good had beeu done with the money collected. There was a subscription list and a testimonial list, and people could sign either of their own free will. He did not altogether understand the idea of a presentation, but it seemed

to be the Englishman's idea of showing his appreciation. If a man got married he was given a presentation ; if he sold his business or left the district a presentation was given; he hardly knew why, but that was the custom. He cordially supported the requisition. They should call a meeting, and not be behindhand in showing their loyalty to the Empire, and in backiug up Mr Heddon in what he had done he (Cr Jones) believed that they were showing their loyalty to the Empire. The Mayor endorsed the remarks of Cr •Jones. At present Gisborne was rather holding back in this matter. He was verypleased to endorse the remarks of Cr Jones, and hoped that Councillors would show their appreciation of the services of the Premier and their desire to give him the best send-off that could be given him. Gisborne should take part in a movement

that was going on all over the colony. He proposed that a meeting be held in the Academy of Music on Friday night. The motion, seconded by Cr Jones, was carried unanimously,