OBITUARY

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1931, Page 4

OBITUARY

MORS R. J. SEDDON, AT WELLINGTON.

The passing of Mrs R. J. Seddoii, wife of the late 'lit. ’Hon. R. J- Seddon, wlio died at Wellington at 11.15 o’clock last night, removes a widely-known and well beloved figure from New Zealand. Mrs Seddon arrived in the Colony over sixty years ago, Hokitika being the landing port from the Melbourne steamer, With her illustrious husband Mrs Seddon resided first, in the Goldsboroegh district. Later, as the fortunes of goldinning changed, her residence was in Ivumara. Then, when 'Mr Seddon set out on his remarkable career as a Min-ist-r of the Crown, in 18H, fhe residence was chang'd to WelHng’on, and there Mrs Seddon has had her home since. Arriving on the Coast a young woman. Mrs Seddon took her part with the call/ pioneers on the goldfields. A house was soon made and Mrs Seddon was soon a notable figure, for being a woman of parts and of high character, she came to be well known and highly respected. A fanrly was born and the members came to be. well known also. Mys Seddon took her part on the goldfields and among the miners’ wives and and in their homes she was well known and welcomed. When entering in later years th? large .sphere of public politics, Mrs Sed* don became a great helpmate to her husband who rose to the highest place > : n the land. Mrs Seddon accompanied the Premier wherever he went, and was as well known as Mr Seddon. She had the same memory for names and faces as Mr . Seddon, and old friends were remembered always and kindly received. She j . accompanied her late husband on many of his important missions to Australia j and abroad, and visiting Britain for the J Premiers’ Conference, was presented at Court. Here Mr and Mrs Seddon received, welcomed and entertained the present 'King and Queen of Great Britain, when as the ‘Duke and Duchess of York, tlieir Majesties toured New Zealand. In each and every duty Mis Seddon comported herself as the homely j wife of a great man, and was at home in all company, being dignified and considerate in every circumstance. Mrs Se’ddon was very helpful to her . husband in the arduous times he pass' d through. In political contests, in heavy campaigns, or in strenuous sessions, Mrs Seddon was at hand always to do her service to h r r husband. There was an affectionate bond of regard and esteem between them both, and their married life was essentially a happy one. They were blessed, too, wi f h a fine family. Two little ones died in the early days of Mr Seddon’s carrer and were interred at Stafford, where Mrs. Seddon always yisited on her recurring trips to the •Coast. The surviving members of the family, all of whom were well knawil, included six daughters, all of AVhortt Mrs Seddon saw married. They are Ml'S Bean, wife of Canon Bean of Addington : Mrs Dyer, wife of Mr P. Dyer of Wellington ; Mrs 'Hav, who as Miss Mary Stuart, was intimately known as the personal secretary of her late father during his busy political career; Mrs Morice, wife of Dr. C. Morice formerly of Greymouth, now residing in 'Welling- ( ton ; Mrs Knox Gilmer of Wellington and Mrs Wood of London. Mrs Wood, the youngest daughter, visited her mother at the beginning of this year. There were three sons in the family, all of whom, imbued with the patriotism of their father, did not fail the Lmpire when a call was made. The eldest son, Captain Richard Seudon, served in the South African War, and again in the Great War, being killed in France. Captain T. E. Y. Seddon, who became member for Westland following the death of his father, served with distinction also in the Great War, both on the staff and in special duty to the United States. In his political, career, occupying the .seat of Westland for about 20 years, Mr Seddon gave his constituents very faithful service. Mr Seddon is now Chairman of the War Pensions Board and resides in Wellington. Lieut. Stuart •Seddon is the third son, and volunteered for service at the outbreak of war, ancl was with the first contingent which was sent to Samoa. On returning, Air Stuart Seddon went Home and joined the Imperial forces, and was with the British ■Artillery in action in Italy wheye he was severely wounded, and eventually was invalided home. Mrs Seddon, therefore, had the satisfaction of seeing lur sons play men’s parts in the country’s needs, but she had a burden to bear ill the personal sacrifice that service entailed—a sacrifice which threw a shadow on her whole life, but Mrs Seddon was a woman of large sympathies and bore her burden uncomplainingly, and was kindly considerate to others who had a similar loss to bear. Indeed, Mrs Seddon Avas intensely human and kind in all her actions. She Avas most friendly disposed to old Coasters, and never lost touch Avith old friends who settled n Wellington. It Ava-s a pleasure and delight to meet friends of other days, and to do what she could for ail who appealed to her. I

Mrs Seddon was devoted to her Church, and when health permitted, she was a regular communicant. She gave to the ■Churches at Kumara and >vellington where her devotions called her, many g*fts to mark her connection with the services of the Church.

Her personal generosity was shown to many, and she was ready to help all cases of need. Many kindnesses were done unostentaciously. She always renumbered the sons and daughters of old friends, and was willing to do her best to help them. There was always that touch of motherly affection about every act of Mrs Seddon which made her so beloved by all. Her family life was intimate and most affectionate, and the circle has now been widened by grand children and great grand children, ail

of whom have a most affectional regard for a very kindly soul—one whom to know was to love and esteem.

Mrs Seddon’s obsequies are to take place at Wellington on Saturday, when the remains will be laid in the family vault at Sydney ; Street cemetery beside those of her husband. Every tribute of respect will be shown to one so worthy of the esteem, and every sympathy will he extended to the members of the family who have lost one so greatly loved by all Avho knew her.

AIRS R. J. SEDDON. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) WT UINGTOY, July 9. Ob’tuary.—.Mrs 'R.J. Seddon, wife of the late Rt. Hon. R. J- Seddon, last night.