Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, FEB. 18, 1902. – That Testimonial.

Manawatu Herald, 18 February 1902, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, FEB. 18, 1902. - That Testimonial.

The country is being disturbed by the publication of conflicting views on the question of giving the Hon. the Premier a testimonial before leaving the colony to attend the Coronation ceremonies. Unless that there must be differences of opinion it seems surprising that there should be the least demur to honour one who undoubtedly is the very ablest statesman the colony has had. It is a pleasure to know, by undoubted pluck and ability, the poor Lancashire lad of fifty years ago has worked his way, not only to the top of the tree in this colony, but has made his views heard in the councils of the Empire. The Hon. Bichard Seddon’s career is an illustration of the pure freedom of British institutions to work its way, no matter the question of birth. Those in the colony have seen the rise of Mr Beddon as having been obtained under almost insurmountable difficulties, but the perseverance of the man and his immense power for work, has enabled him to make each step up the ladder he ve.it secure, before he attempted to move higher up. During the ten years he has held office he has disarmed numbers who were against him and indeed converted them into friends and allies. It has been most nofceable that he has secured such confidence that no man hesitates to appeal unto him for assistance, and it is much to his honour that no friend of his in the old days has ever been passed by. To the Empire the Hon. Richard Seddon has done yeoman’s service of such a nature that in the minds of friends and foes he deserves some very marked recognition. Ho possessed the wonderful knowledge of the right thing to do, and the right time to do it in, and has by his actions brought New Zealand into the forefront of all tfcie Colonies. His action as to sending the contingents has been upheld by one and all, thus it is clear in these things he has been the acceptable mouthpiece of the colonists and a grand interpreter of their wishes. It is right that the Premier should go to London to represent the colony, and had he not been invited the colonists would have resented the slight, thus if he goes, though it may be a pleasure trip for him it is likewise a duty the colony expects from him. Thus if he is to go it is well that the colonists should do all they can to make his trip enjoyable. We very much regret that some cavillers to the idea of a presentation urge the fact that Parliament has voted £ISOO for his expenses. It is also stated that he will for moat of his stay in London be the guest of Great Britain, suggesting thereby that £ISOO will give him ample means to move about with. This is really where the shoe pinches. Those who have any knowledge of the iniquitous system of “tips” enforced in the Old Country know that the price of being entertained is much more costly than entertaining oneself. Many distinguished, but poor men, have to refuse invitations to noblemen’s houses simply because they cannot afford to pay the tips expected, and almost demanded, by every servant of the household. It is the same at all hotels, large and small; a visitor after paying the proprietor has nearly to add twenty-five per cent, to pay the servants, thus it

is conceivable to those who are aware of these facts that staying at the Hotel Cecil with free board and lodging, will entail a heavy cost in tips to the Premier.

It must be remembered that provision was made by Parliament for the Premier’s expenses alone. Of course Mrs Beddon will go, for what man who after a long and happy life together would fail to insist on his life’s partner being left out of any honour paid to him, and any pleasure offered to him. The Premier is a man of the people, retains through all the toil, trouble and anxiety of a political career, his affection for his family and we have noticed he has decided to take his daughters with him. We applaud him for his kindly act, and it is his unselfishness which, to our mind, makes the idea of a monetary testimonial more fitting. The majority of the electors have considered for many years that the Premier’s services to the colony are indispensable, and to obey their wishes it is known the Premier has thrown himself entirely into public work, and though he has received a good salary yet there can be nothing spent out of that to secure to the full the enjoyment of the trip Home, as some provision must be made for quickly advancing years) and perhaps, loss of office.

The colony has risen to many occasions, and we trust that it will on the present one, and that the testimonial will be of such a substantial nature as to be worthy of the colony and of the Premier.