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Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1918, Page 2

To-day is a very sad anniversary for Westland for the date recalls the death of the late Right Hon. R. J. Seddon twelve vears ago. Indeed, the sad amd evrsarv is of concern to all parts, ot the Dominion, for there are but few places, however remote, where the memory of our greatest Premier is not livid iu tender regard. The, flight of time has not, dimmed interest in the great man’s public services, and ©vents have given point to his life’s work and ideals. Circumstances have so fallen out, that, from time to time occasions arise when hLs loss is deeply deplored, and his absence is so poignantly felt. The late Mr Seddon was held in high esteem when he was suddenly called away. The esteem has been intensified as the ve;(rs have, gone by, and the guiding hand and spirited leadership hav o lieen missed. In the larger happenings of the . world to-day, Mr Seddon would have been a figure no less prominent than ho was at-the time of the South African war eighteen years ago. His Imperialism was of the robust order, largo and magnanimous. He had great foresight, as witness his efforts to convince Downing Street to annexe Samoa for Great Britain. In his feverish haste to accomplish a task' which appeared to him so obviously necessary, he hgd the Government boat, with steam up to sail at a moment’s notice for the goal ho urged—but British statesmen could not be awakened to a sense of a policy in the Pacific. There have been occasions to rue the fact that Mr Seddon’p sound advice* was ignored. But chief of all, Mr Seddon is revered still in the hearts of the people, and those who knew him best., regard his memory with the greatest, reference. Ha passed away all too soon for New Zealand, but be has'loft a record which the flight of years has not dimmed—rather made the brighter.

I'jib secret of the late Air Seddon* s political greatness was the fact that he devoted his energies to the betterment of the masses. In other words, it washis humanitarian legislation which gave him such an enduring reputation, and has left his life work as a monument which becomes more and moro significant as time goes by. Air Seddon’s broad human sympathies led him to bo most considerate for thotee about him. Continually going and coming among the people, he was ever iu touch with thorn, nnd always had his finger on the public pulse. The intimacy was not at all forced—it was his natural way of doing things. When Mr Sedon came into power he had to livo down a strong class prejudice. There was a great press campaign directed against him. The ordinary man would never have emerged successfully from the ordeal which Mr Seddon had to pass through. His methods of meeting theso press opposition tactics was to take to the platform. He stumped the country and his frank bluff oratory not only drew largo audiences, but steadily won the confidence of tho people. His political professions from the platform were backed by deeds in Parliament which won him renown and gave the people a degree of consideration which helped to improve their lot, and give them contentment. Mr Seddon’s policy was essentially national and along lines which ensured the greatest good for the greatest numbers. The policy of self-reliance which his sort-lived chief, Mr Ballance, formulated, Mr Seddon caried into full practice, and gradually, but surely, despite the prophets of evil, New Zealand forged ahead and learned to appreciate the invaluable services of one whose whole energy and enthusiasm was devoted to its best interests. It was the achievements won bv this means which gave Mr Seddon such enduring fame, and leaves his memory to-day sincerely mourned and revered.