TESTIMONIAL TO MR SEDDON.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 374, 25 March 1902, Page 3

TESTIMONIAL TO MR SEDDON.

A public meeting was held last night, the Mayor presiding, to consider what steps should be taken to entertain the Premier on his expected visit to Gisborne. A dilemma arose, there not being sufficient information as to when Mr Seddon would bo able to visit Gisborno. Owing to the rough- weather on tho Coast Mr Carroll had thought it best-to advise him to abandon bi 3 trip to Waiomatatini. The Mayor said he did not think they could do much until they knew whether or not the Premier was comiDg, and Mr Jones took a like view. Mr Sheridan thought they could decide what form the welcome should take if the Premier did come. He mentioned that Mr W. F. Sinclair, proprietor of the Masonic Stables, had offered to supply a four-in-hand fully equipped for tho auspioious occasion. , Mr Jones still contended that it would be better to await until they had definite information on the subject. Mr Sheridan said they could at least decide what form any gathering would take. For instance, for an evening reception there had been suggestions of a dinner, a smoke coucert, and a conversazione. They could decide on one or the other. Mr Jones said that any gathering should be one that would include the ladies. Mr Joyce : Make it a concert. The Mayor : Or a social. Mr Jones: That would be better. The young people could then have a dance, as they would no doubt like. It was resolved to first deal with the

address to be presented to the Hon. Mr Seddon, Mr Joyce urging that they should soon make preparations to have tho address illuminated. Tho address, which had come before the committee, was then adopted by the public mooting, as follows : Address to the Right Honorable R. J. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand. We, the undersigned residents of Poverty Bay, join heartily with the residents of other districts throughout the colony in wishing you a safe, happy, and successful mission to great Britain. Permit us to express our hearty approval of your prompt and statesmanlike action in rendering timely assistance to the Motherland, and our admiration of your characteristic determination to uphold the honor and prestige of the Empire. Upon the eve of movements of world-wide importance, in which you are called upon to take part as the representative of New Zealand, we assure you of our hearty appreciation of your strenuous - and successful efforts to advance the interests of the colony. We feel confident that at the conference of Imperial statesmen your exertions on behalf of this portion of the Empiro will merit a similar endorsement. We recognise that New Zealand is fortunate in that she is to bo represented at the coronation coremonies and PanBritannic Council by one who has gained such marked distinction amongst tho statesmen of tho day. It was agreed that when the address was completed a special meeting of tho committee be again held. On the motion of the Mayor Mr W. I*. Sinclair’s offer of a four-in-hand was accepted with thanks. The Address Committee was authorised to have the address engrossed. It was resolved to adjourn the meeting until definite information had been received as to tho date of the Premier s arrival, the Mayor to call the meeting together again when necessary.