A GREAT LEADER

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1929, Page 3

A GREAT LEADER

TRIBUTES TO MEMORY OF AIR SEDDON. (Tuesday’s “Dominion.”) “He led, others followed.” This was said by the Prime Alinister (Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward) of the late Richard John Sodden, Prime Minister of -New Zealand for thirteen years inom 1893, and of whose death yesterday was the twenty-thirtl anniversary, til toe n orning a wreath was placed on lie Sodden statue in the Parliament grounds on l.eha.f of Airs Seddon arii family, while later further wreaths were added by the Prime Minister, members of Cabinet and Parliament, and li3 T friends. Among those present were the Alinister of Labour and Transport (Hon W. A. Veitcli), the Alinister of Native Affairs (Hon Sir Apirana Ngata), the Minister of Health (Hon A. J. Stallworthy), the Attorney-General (Hou T. K. f-.idey), uie Chairman of Committees of. the House of Representatives (Air S. G. Smith), the Leader of the Labour Party (Mr H. E. Holland, ALP.). Messrs J.’McCombs, P. Fraser and R. Ale Keen, Al.P.’s, Air F. Dyer (representing the Seddon family), Air F. T). Thomson (permanent head of the Prime Minister’s Department), Air C. A. Jeffrey (private secretary to the Prime Minister).

In addressing the the Prime Minister suit! tlmt for him to attempt to portray the life of Mr Soddon was unnecessary. As Prime Minister, Mr \Sedclon served for a record period. He was powerful—a man who devoted his life almost exclusively 1o the representation of the masses. By those who had been intimately associated with him his memory would always Ik* cherished. He would he remembered as a man who was devoted to toe work lie had in hand. Mr Seddon was an Imperialist, and he had helped to create, between the Mother Country and the overseas possessions a strone; feeling of close association. The speaker concluded by stating that in asking those present to eav floral Irihnte to the memory of Mr Sod don he had done so on helialf of the people of New Zealand, who revered and respected the departed statesman. “lMr Scddon was one of New Zealand’s greatest sons,’’ said Mr H. B. Holland, M.P. The best tribute that could he paid to the memory of Mr Sedclon was to endeavour to build outlie democratic foundations laid hv him and those associated with him. His w o rk was, after all. the work of a pioneer, and the building of the superstructure was the tn«k of these who came after him. As long as ihe historv of New Zealand lived the memory of Mr Sedclon would remain. Later Sir Joseph Ward called personally on Mrs Scddon and paid his respects.