GREAT STATESMAN

Hutt News, Volume 3, Issue 4, 19 June 1930, Page 3

GREAT STATESMAN

RT.-HON. R. J. SEDDON

TRIBUTE TO SERVICE

The twenty-four anniversary of -the death of the Rt* Hon. R. J. Seddon, ; former Prime Minister of New Zealand*, was marked by a brief ceremony at his statute m Parliament House grounds on Tuesday afternoon. There was a large attendance o,f relatives and friends of the late statesman, as well as Ministers of tbc Crown and Members of Parliament. .A.wreath was placed at the base of .„ the by the Prime Minister (Hon. hkG. W. Forbes) on behalf of himself andi" Ms colleagues. Others were placed on behalf of Mr Seddon's widow, and Sir Joseph: Ward and his family. Those present included Sir Apirana Ngata, Sir Thomas (Sidey, the Hon. H. Atmore, the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe, and the Hon. A. Ji Stallworthy, members of the Cabinet; Mr R. 'McKenzie, a former Minister of Public Works; Mr Nash;, Mr C. H. Chap-. -man, Mr P. Fraser, M.P/'s; Mr Vincent Ward, Mr P. J. Griffin, Mr. J. Thorne, Mr Arney, M. W. Bromley, Mr T. E. Y. Seddon, Dr. Morice, Mrs Hay, Mrs Dyer, Mrs M;oriee and others connected with Mr Seddon's family. The United Party was represented by Mr J. W. Henderson <chairman) ,* and Mr J. A. Slvand (gener- . si secretary). In a short address the Prime Minister paid a tribute to the life work of Mr Beddon in politics. His labours had been of lasting benefit to New Zealand. A strong inau. he had nevertheless applied humanitarian principles in carrying out his policy and as a result he had gained the affection and respect of the people. His broad vision had broken down the barriers impeding the country's progress.' He would always be remembereoj for his work for the aged and infirm. His name was probably better remembered than that of any other in New. Zealand political history. Mr T. E. Y. Seddon expressed his appreciation of the tributes paid to his father's memory. The acknowledged .recognition, of his work would no r . doubt "be an inspiration for the present Prime Minister and others who remembered his father's public life. Mrs Seddon also greatly appreciated the remembrance of old friends and she regretted that she was unable to attend that day owing to ill-health. ~ *■