Mr Seddon.

Manawatu Herald, 24 July 1902, Page 2

Mr Seddon.

PRESENTATION FROM ADMI< RERS IN ENGLAND.

Sir Montagu Nelson, on behalf of a number of Anglo-New Zealanders, presented Mr Seddon with a massive silver centrepiece, and Mrs Seddon with a diamond ornament, together worth £SOO, in recognition of Mr Seddim’s patriotism in promoting the solidarity of the Empire. The subscribers included opponents of Mr Seddon’s domestic policy, though all were admirers of his Imperial services. Mrs Seddon was present. Mr Seddon, io reply, said the war had proved the virility, energy, and determination of.. New Zealanders. He claimed that New Zealanders had recognised the dangerous character of the South African..difficulty before the Motherland. "He'referfjSd the over*. * whelming character ot British hospitality, and was confident the'future would show that the ties of Empire bad become closer and closer. He believed the good results of the Im* perial Conference would become apparent much quicker than many suspected. New. Zealand desired to see Great Britain a self-contained nation, less dependent on foreigners, who must allow the British the same liberty of action they claimed and exercised. He considered the gigantic American trusts were a greater danger to Great. Britain than a great war, but if Britain was once aroused she would be able to avert evil consequences. New Zealand was willing to concede preferential relations with the Motherland ’ without exacting a reward, though'the Motherland would be, able, by means of subsidies to steamers and paying bounties in other ways, to help the colonies.