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Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1918, Page 2

Ik the midst of his busy duties on active service Captain Seddon (Our Member) has found tixno to turn his attention to ovorsea politics, and our Wellington correspondent in Wednesday’s issue, supplied somo interesting ■views from Mr Seddon regarding the future control of the Pacific. What our member had to say, rocalls what his own father tried to do, secure New Zealand's interests in regard to the isles of the Pacific most adjacent to the Dominion. We referred 1o this matter in these columns early last week, and it is pleasing to find the son following the father’s footsteps in the close interest taken in the country’s welfare, as controlled hy the, neighbouring military or naval situation. Captain Seddon will have gleaned a fund of knowledge and experience in regard to those high in experience in regard to international questions, and his opportunity ofmixing with those high in European and American statecraft will not, we are quite sure be lost. time. When our member Returns he will have mellowed into a representative, speaking with greater force and power than over, and will be one whose clear views on men and matters will enable him to give Parliahicnt a very sensible lead in regard to national action on such a. vital question as that dealing with the control of the Pacific. In referring to this question —one which both Air Massey and Sir Jnseph Ward have in mind and are fully determined to press on British statesmen to the fullest we have mentioned before that its final adjustment is governed in a great measure by the winding up of the war. The complete victory which the Allies are looking for will enable them to solve the problem of the Pacific very satisfactorily, jupl this certainly is one. reason why Mew Zealand should continue to do its utmost to make the victory as complete as possible.

Referring to Captain Seddon recalls the eulogy which Lieut. Frickleton passed so generously at. the Princess Theatre on Wednesday afternoon, when referring to this co-West Coaster on active service. Mr Seddon M.P., as is well-known, volunteered for active service as soon as it was clear that more men should offer. He entered the ranks as a private, took non-commis-sioned rank, and soon won his commission by a very creditable position on the examination list. At the earliest moment he left on active service. Mr Seddon has proved a most useful member of the Expeditionary Force, and he has done the Now Zealand Division every credit throughout his military career. He Ims filled many useful posts in various official duties from transport work to the headquarters staff. He has served in many of the principal engagements the New Zealanders were engaged in, and lmd the honour of taking command of his company at Passchendnelo owing to tho senior officer being wounded. In this engagement he was gassed, and given a respite in the south of France. After his leave, spent in Italy, he returned to duty and to the battalion, being able to participate in the first rush of the New Zealanders to meet the German offensive last March. The following month lie was selected for special duty in the United' States, whore lie went with fourteen other officers on behalf of the British army. With the exception of an accidental and painful injury to his knee (which threw him out of service for some time) and the tnsto of gas he got, Captain Seddon, has passed through trench life, patrol duty, and the battles lie was engaged in, scnthless. He has been fortunate in this respect, and it is to bo hoped the same good fortune will attend him to the end so that in the fullness of time be may return to his people, ho will be received with all the honours and appreciation Ills constituency will be delighted to shower upon him.