RICHARD JOHN SEDDON

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1923, Page 1

RICHARD JOHN SEDDON

ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH. HUMANIST. LEGISLATOR, AND imperialist ; AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY.. (New Zealand Times.) The honour and esteem in which the name of Richard John Seddon is still held and reverenced was evidenced by an impressive little, ceremony which took place on Sunday morning at the foot of the statue of the late Premier iu tho Parliamentary 'grounds, the occasion being' the seventeenth anniversary of his death. It will he remembered that Air Seddon passed away with tragic suddenness at sea on the Oswestry Grange, while returning to ’Wellington after a triumphal visit to Australia. ‘•Leaving to-night for God’s own country,” which he telegraphed on the eve of his departure, is the prophetic ;mesisago always 'associated with the name of the dead .statesman. A graceful tribute to the chief with whom he was so intimately associated for so many years was delivered by. Sir Joseph Ward, who also, incidentally, succeeded Air Seddon in the leadership of the Liberal Party. “A GREAT ALAN.” He sincerely thanked the West Coasters’ Association on hclndf of Airs Seddon and members of her family for arranging the little ceremony which commemorated the memory of n, great man. whose handiwork was to be seen from one end of Now Zealand to the other. The ox-TVcmior spoke of Air Sodden's genuine interest in his old comrades on the West Coast, and tho stories he often told of the old miners and the pioneering days. The sentiments of the West Coasters wore those of many other citizens throughout the Dominion who had not forgotten the memory of the great statesman. In his earlier days Air Seddon was closely associated with the West Coast; several members of his family were later born there. “No name is held iu higher regard and alfection than that of the late Richard John Seddon,” added Sir Joseph. who remarked that many of liis IT lends were miners, and they always spoke of him more in the nature of a father and brother than as the leader of a Government. •He was a big-hearted. generousminded man. who never lorgrt a Iriend as he made his way up the hidden of 1

lame. He was above all a humanist, and 1 think it is in that way ho would have liked to he remembered by the people of this country. The statute books are full of his legislation.” As an ardent Imperialist, yet free Iron! the spirit of Jingoism, the late Premier could never he forgotten, the speaker instancing how he had (spoused the cause of the Alotherland and dispatched troops to Smith Africa to defend the tairname and fame ol the Empire. “COURAGE NEVER FAILED." “If is all very well and easy t* judge and criticise alterwards, reminded Sir Joseph. “But it is a far more difficult matter to initiate great movement, and what is more, accept full responsibility for it. Where responsibility had to he snouldcrod Mi ,Seddon's courage never failed He did much to cement the ties ol blood and kinship that hind us to the Old Country, and his name can never he forgotten in that connection.” ■He was a great, generous, and dean-minded man,” he proceeded. “He never did an unworthy Filing to an opponent. And that is a gloat t hi.iii (~ he a 1 >li* to stiy of such a forceful figure.' Tribute was also paid to the Premier’s’ peace in the home. A devoled father, he Had been held in love and esteem by all the members of his family; first and Vast lie was a family man. PREMIER'S ’PRACTICAL SIDE. “He was also a very practical man." coni Milled Sir .10-opli. ‘Tie never loi - rrot that side. Through this country one can see his handiwork in many directions, due undoubtedly to his foresight and action. 1 am glad to see here ibis morning people who were not members of the political party o! ~-l-q.q Mr Seddon was leader, and I feko it as a compliment to hi** memory. lie did not leave behind one enemy in the ordinary sense ol the word. Ft also shows llint, with ihe passing of the years anv political bitterm ss has vanished.” It was a pleasant hill sad ceremony, he said, for ike name of Seddon held for him many memories. As a groat statesman, a humanist, and above all ;i practical man. the late Premier could never he forgotten. “If ever a wan sacrificed himself hv the pro-

digious u-o of Ids brain, energy, and o-eat physical stature, it was the late Air Fed don.” concluded Fir Josgnli. On behalf of the West Coasters’ Association, Fir Joseph Mard placed a wreath of laurels, tied with ihe national colours, nil the steps of the monument. Several other wreaths were received, including one irom Mr T. Al. Wilford. ALP.. Leader of the Opposition, inscribed: “hi affectionate memory of our late beloved chief, from the Liberal-Labour Party.’ Lady Ward was present, also several members of the family ol the late statesman. Air .1. J. AlcGrnth, chairman of tho West. Con-tors Association, was also at the gathering, with members of the committee, who were photographed wit'll Fir Joseph Ward and the Hon R. McKenzie .who was a member of the Seddon and Ward Ministries’). Some two hundred spectators n.aid tribute to the memory of Afr Feddon. including representatives of the civil service, old political opponents a = well as members of his party, and others associated with ihe I reniici during his regime. After the foremen v Mrs Seddon received Fir Joseph and Lady Ward. Mr McKenzie. Afr McGrath, members of the association, and many old friendat her residence at “Eeeioston.' fodder's Hill.