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Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1925, Page 2

Tiik calendar to-day records another anniversary of the death of the late ... J. Scddoii. Mr Seddon lives still in the hearts of the (maple, ami his name anil fame have been recalled frequently to mind of late because of the demise of Mr Massey, who was for years a contemporary of the late Mr Sodium's. Mr Seddon as the member for Westland over a very lone term of years, was very well known all through the district; lint his name. also, was a household word till through Xew Zealand, which lie loved so well, and which he died serving so veil and faithfully. When Mr Seihlon set sail from Sydney on his return to Now Zealand after it holiday jaunt in Att-lralia. he said he "as leaving I'.tf Coal's Own Country. meaning his beloved New Zealand: hut a few hours later he passed away suddenly, and we may well ladieve his latest thoughts wore for New Zealand for which he had done so mu h. Mr Seddon ranks as till outstanding statesman of the Britisli Kmpire. He "as a figure which loomed large in word and deed for the good of his country, and his voice was heard afar. 11 is love lor the people was the guiding factor in his political pulicv. Me "its a humanitarian, and it was for humanity his policy was shaped. The labor laws with llteir initial ramiii etions for the betterment of tin* workers were suggested by him. The pension law for the relied ol the aged v.as his great achievement. The extension of the democratic Iran* lose uas another branch i f law-making into which he throw the "hole force of his j■ ■ iitit-iif-e. Self-reliance in matters of finance ans hi-, guiding principle in directing the affairs of tic State. Me ga.vo the laumors and the workers cheaper mone\ with which to expand their industry or to build tbe.ir Imncs. M<’ wots going about continually doing goad, lie died at the height ol bis tame, for lie had behind him an overwhelming Pillowing in Parliament. Mild lie reigned for another session or two, it is reasonable to believe he would have curried his liiiui.initarian policy further still. IJul his work was done, and lie "as called to rest. I hat lie is remembered still tor bis work and that be live.- still in the hearts of the people of New /calami and o\erscas. i- his great glory and fame, for it est a Inishr ,s him as the st ..teMnan lie was. \ hash Singapore is an absolute ue-(e.-sitv. It is undoubtedly vital.'' In this manner Admiral Sir (Itty (burnt. iMi Australian In birth, and now. since bus been placed on the retired list, a member of the Mouse of Commons, cx- | reuse,l bis persum I point of view in an interview in Sydney. Admiral (burnt i- i'll a pleasure trip to Australia. Me ill l ived I’V the Orsnva* an I experts to leave Sydney lor Knghind shortly. ‘'Singapore," said A<lmira! Cunt, "is ideally situated for ii naval base, h i- in the direct one. if coin in mi i' a l ion s between the west and the east. Eriun every point of view, eoinmet rial, e'onamie. and defensive. it is a sound investment. Moreover, its const ruction (otlld not lip iuterpi' le.l a- a threat to tiny not mu. 111.- United States has spent millions mi i.aval works in Hawaii, and is still spending monev there in the situie way. but there bits been no outcry against America. Hritain is the only iniintiv in the world width 1 1 :ibuilt hattle.ships for defence. All other tuitions build for olfetue. Her gcographii al isolation comppls her to keep an ade(|tiate navy, and to keep her lines of coniinulnictU ion free from attack as far as possible, and Singapore i- a vital centre. It is the shop window to the Far hast, where there seems to he great scope for the promotion of An Iraliau trade; and. studying the question from this aspect a base at Singapore would lie a most valuable asset. It lakes at least thirty days to steam from Kiigland to Singapore, and the lion rest- dockyard is Multo. I In’* objection to Sydney as a silt' for a base." said Admiral (Jaunt, “is that it is not in the lines of communication. With a naval base at Singapore.” he added, "no nation would dare to attack Australia.”