Mr Seddon’s farewell Message.

Manawatu Herald, 11 September 1902, Page 2

Mr Seddon’ s farewell Message.

In a farewell message in the news* papers, Mr Seddon* (hanked the Motherland for the hospitality extended to him, which, ha said, New - Zealand would consider a compliment to itself. He hoped the oouSdehce and goodwill now existing between the Motherland and the colonieajF. would long continue. ' Mr Seddon trusted that the conference of Premiers held recently would improve Imperial trade relationships, and further ensure the stability *of the Empire. * Mr Seddon assured a “ Daily Ex- V< press ” interviewer that his’most ! striking impression was one of surprise at Britain’s apathy regarding 1 the danger which was threatening her - manufacturing supremacy. He con*

conservatism of English ' manufacturers and their obsolete machinery. Mr Seddon said he was convinced that America would adopt the New Zealand labour legislation, and then England would follow suit. He believed the people of the colonies and the Motherland were more Imperialistic than those represeating them. DEPARTURE FROM PLYMOUTH. Mr Chamberlain asked Mr Seddon to convey his best wishes to New Zealand. He said he would never forget the colony’s services to South Africa. Mr parting with Mr Seddon was most friendly. The Mayor welcomed Mr Seddon at Plymouth. In a farewell speech, Mr Seddon stated that he had enjoyed his visit splendidly. The generous hospitality accorded him had helped him to bear the terrible anxiety caused by his wife’s illness. He said he did not intend to go up country on his arrival in South Africa.

The Imperial Conference, Mr Beddon said, had been fairly satisfactory, though it was not Imperialistic enough. The representatives and members of Parliament bad exhibited strange nervousness and a great objection to make progress with regard to any question. A permanent consultative colonial council on the lines of the Indian Council, ought, he held, to be appointed. Mr Seddon strongly urged Mr Chamberlain and other British statesmen to visit the colonies. A league ought to be formed to direct British emigrants to the colonies. A war ought to be declared, Mr Seddon considered, against combines, in order to avert future disaster. He had strongly pressed for the representation of the colonies upon the commission of inquiry into the war. He anticipated that the new Covernor would make changes in Fiji which would improve the conditions of the natives. He advised Queensland and the Pacific Islands to grow cotton, after studying American methods.

Mr Seddon strongly advocated that British and colonial newspapers should pass post free throughout the Empire. Mr, Mrs and Miss Seddon travel by the Tongarlro as guests of the New Zealand Shipping Company. They received an enthusiastic sendoff at the docks, a great crowd being present.