Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1930, Page 4

Tim complimentary social to Ire tenj d ere cl to Mr T. E. Y. Seddon exi Member for Went In ml is a very fitting compliment for the district to pay. Mr Seddon has had a long and honourable and highly respected career in political life and his work in Parliament was a credit to himself and of great value to the community. Mr Seddon entered Patlionient at very short notice in 1906 following the death of his lamented father and represented the electorate continuously until 1022, wlien four candidates entered the field, and the splitting of votes caused his defeat. He was elected again for three years in 1925, so that Mr Seddon has had almost a score of years’ service as Member for Westland. Tn that period he performed his duties faithfully and well, and with that urbanity for which he is characteristic. The same goodwill spirit made him a popular figure in Parliament with all shades of opin-

ion, and he exercised an influence wiiich was far-reaching, for liis pei sonality has been such that all doors opened readily to him. In his political career he thought strenuously for man;, important works and undertakings in Westland. His stand regarding the completion of the East and West Coast railway was rewarded with success, Sir •Joseph Ward being con voiced with the result that the tunnel contract was entered into. Another notable work was in l'cspe.t to South Westland, a district Air Seddon really loves. He succeeded before the 1928 election in convincing the Government of the necessity of carrying out a road construction scheme to connect Westland and Otago —a s licune which is to cost .£500,000-, and is destined to have a- marked effect- on the future of the southern country. Iu the House of Representatives, Air Seddon always showed keen

interest in mining and forestry, two subjects with which Westland was closely concerned. In 19.15 Air Seddon volunteered for service with the New Zea’knd 'Expeditionary Force. Mr Seddon left u’ith the 9lli. Reinforcements as adjutant- to Colonel It. Allen. After seeing so: vice in Egypt he went to Flanders, where he was with the Canterbury Regiment at Ariiicntiercs. Subsequently he was with the Second Battalion Canterbury Regiment ar the first Somme battle. He was in command of a company at Passchendaele, and for four months was A.D.C. io Major-General Sir Andrew Russell. Afterwards, Captain Seddon went on an important mission to the United States in connection with the war. Since the war, Air Seddon has identified himself with the executive work of the Returned Soldiers’ Association. Some years ago he was elected as delegate of the New’ Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association to- meet Earl Haig in South Africa at a conference of Returned Soldiers’ Associations, but was unal.le to go. Undoubtedly his ncrsoiialitv carried him to the forefront, and gave him that entree to public and social life which has made him so widely esteemed. Air Seddon has remained unspoiled with all his success, and old Lionels are to him to r dav all that they were of yore. That is typical of the whole Seddon family who are so much endeared to the A Vest Coasters of old. . Tt remains only to anticipate that the forthcoming social will he a very genuine and hearty compliment to ATr and Airs Seddon —recognition well earned from every point of view.