The Daily News. FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1904. THE PREMIER'S HEALTH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 110, 13 May 1904, Page 2

The Daily News. FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1904. THE PREMIER'S HEALTH.

Commenting upoil the indisposition of the Phmiifet- the Dimedin Star says *'lt is anything but a secret that for some time past the state of Mr Seddon's health has been causing considerable anxiety to the right honourable gentleman's family and to his colleagues. The rumours on the subject, which have been more or less exaggerated, hint darkly at the eause, and it must be confessed that a fortnight ago there was some ground for the serious apprehensions thus engendered. But it would appear from the information placed at our disposal that Mr Seddon is now happily progressing towards convalescence, although it would be extremely hazardous to say that the need for the utmost carefulness and watchfulness on the part of those nearest to him has 'been removed, or is likely to be relaxed in view of the early approach of the Parliamentary session. However, it is clear that important changes are pending. Indeed, their announcement cannot, in tho public interest be much longer delayed. What these are it is impossible for us to even suggest. But it will be consoling to the right honourable gentleman's many political friends and well-wishers in this part of the colony to hear that there is nothing organically amiss with him. The strain o{ eleven years' tenure of oflice as Premier during unusually strenuous times for. a considerable part of that long term has, however, told its tale ; his system has completely broken down at last; and, as we affirmed on a previous occasion when his health was far from robust, unless there is on his part an absolute cessation from the cares, trials and worries inseparable from his high office, there will inevitably bo, as happened to Sir Harry Atkinson and Mr Ballance, another valuable life sacrificed to overzeal in tho interests of the colony. It does not surprise us in the least to hear that the medical verdict is uncompromising and stern, but it is only what the circumstances absolutely require. Thorough rest from departmental worries and cessation from active duty of every kind are what are enjoined, and it goes almost without saying that the easingo£f must not be temporary if uny permanently good results aro to be achieved. Will Mr Seddon bow to the inevitable, and act on the advice tendered him by those who justly appreciate their responsibility und aro very hopeful that contentment of mind and change of scene may bring to the right honourable gentleman the mental and physical relief he so sorely needs? There will, we feel sure, be but one feeling from end Ito end of the colony—a feeling of genuine sorrow that one who has rendered New Zealand such splendid services should be in jeopardy of having to surrender, before his work can be completed, the high position he has so well won and the traditions of which he has so worthily upheld. But far better it should be so, and that the reins should fall into other hands, than that by retaining office and attempting to discharge the onerous duties of Premier and Leader of the House Mr Seddon should put his life in any degree of peril. The sympathy of all classes in the land, irrespective of political leanings, will go out to the right, honourable gentleman, and all will unite in wishing fervently that with the blessing of Providence he may speedily regain the health and strength required of one who has to direct the destinies of the country."