Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 1902. The Rt. Hon. the Premier.

Manawatu Herald, 12 April 1902, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 1902. The Rt. Hon. the Premier.

We believe that the Premier leaves the Colony to-day to attend the King’s coronation. His Majesty’s subject is a wonderful man and has secured the most powerful tribute of esteem and admiration from the colonists, greater than any other man. At every important city his reception has been enthusiastic and tributes to his work and energy have been freely given from the farthest north to the farthest south of the colony. The banquet tendered him in Wellington on Thursday evening was as is reported, “a brilliant one,” and the occasion was marked by the Mayor of the capital city taking the chair and by two old and very distinguished colonists proposing the toast of the evening. Sir James Prendergasl, the retired Chief Justice, made a capital speech in which he referred to the gathering as being a representative one. both in business and politics. He referred to the outburst, in all parts of the colony, testifying to the esteem in which Mr Seddon was held by all, not merely those with whom ho was more intimately acquainted. He stated that Mr ■ Seddon would in the Mother Country voice on behalf of us that there was entire unanimity in regard to the justice and necessity for this unfortunate war. He would testify on behalf of us as to the valour and humanity of the British soldier ; that ve were confident that the British loldiers were fit to associate and fight with the men that we sent to them, ind that we were just as confident that our men were fit to associate with his Majesty’s troops, wherever they might be. He quoted as an instance of Mr Seddon’s political foresight what had taken place in regard to the Boer war. From the very first he bad entertained and expressed the opinion wbicb was entertained by us all now ; but had we at first all entertained that opinion ? Were there none amongst us who at the commencement did not entertain some doubt about the matter ? Speaking for himself, he ventured to say that he could not at the commencement of this war exactly determine to himself what was the position of matters. The veil had now b en lifted; but Mr Seddon had looked behind the veil from the first. ] „.L- it, iho Hon. Dr Grace, M.L.0., to make a most graceful address as from the standpoint of one

who had for fifteen years consistently opposed him, though he was now 1 absolutely convinced that Mr Seddon ! had constantly been in the right. He ! claimed that Mr Seddon’s title to ! real greatness—and he was really a j great man—was founded upon eerI tain leading and important reforms 1 effected in this colony. He asked ' those present whether they had ever : realised the value of Mr Seddon’s ' services to this colony in the affairs ■of the Midland railway. He hap , pened to be intimately acquainted with the whole business relations of this colony with the Midland railway ; and he declared that Mr Sed- : don’s personal force of character, his | integrity and incorruptibility, had 1 saved the colony half a million. .He asked all to consider the value of what had been done in the Agricultural Department,, and to what an extent it had enhanced the quality of our exports. This department had rendered the colony a commercial service of the greatest importance. Let them consider Mr Seddon’s attitude in relation to the Boer war. He had placed this colony preeminently before the world for its energy, its public spirit, its enthusiasm, and its common-sense.

Could any public man leave a country under more pleasing and auspicious circumstances ? Whilst in power, which he has retained for ten years, yet admired and esteemed by his political opponents. Remembering the matters said and written in the past it is most pleasing to hear an advowed political opponent bearing testimony to Mr Seddon’s integrity and incorruptibility. In common with all colonists we bid good-bye to the Rt. Hon. Richard Seddon, wishing him, Mrs Seddon and family a safe and prosperous voyage and a happy return home again.