NATIVE MINISTER TRIBUTE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8132, 12 June 1906, Page 2

NATIVE MINISTER TRIBUTE.

VITALITY SAPPED TO BREAKING POINT.

FIB PBBBB AMOCUTIOIC. ArcKiASD. June 10. The Hon. Jas. Carroll was greatly * shocked and very deeply effected, when J*, the cable announcing his chief's dealfr^' ; was communioated to him to-day. For over sixteen years they hare been Ministerial colleagues, meeting daily round the Cabinet table in session time, and as occasion demanded in re- n cess. Asked as to whether Mr Hall' 15 Jones, who has been acting-Premier since the dopartnre of Mr Beddon for Australia, would retain temporary eon* trol of the administration of the affairs of the Colony, Mr Carroll stated that the remaining Cabinet Ministers would meet in Wellington as soon as possible, and would then in conference decide upon their course of action, which will ' be followed out until the return of Sir Joseph Ward. The late ■Premier'i first lieuteuand, Sir Joseph Ward, was at the latest advices received by Mr Carroll, still in London, and at earliest cannot return to New Zealand under 5 about five weeks. Asked as to what would happen in connection with the approaching meeting of Parliament fixed for Wednesday of the week after next, Mr Carroll pointed out that under the Constitution, Parliament must meet before June 80. The Administration has power to expend moneys after the close of the finanoial year, but on June 30th that power absolutely ceases. No money, not even for salaries, can be expended without Parliamentary authority by means of an Imprest w Supply Act. It will thus be necessary for Parliament to meet at or within a couple of days of the appointed date, but in the opinion of Mr Carroll, an immediate adjournment will be made after the passage of Imprest Supply, tor three or four weeks, to enable the allocation of portfolios to be made and the business of the House to be prepared. The Native Minister pointed out that while Mr Beddon was attending the round of banquets and conferences with the political powers of Australia, he was at the same time working M diligently in preparation for the ap. proaching session. It was his custom in New Zealand, after attending banquets which demand his presenoe, to go home to his home or his hotel to recommence steady work, perhaps from one 0 clock in the morning till day. light. Then after a few hour's sleep lie HP it work nsjain, und eighteen hours work a day for several days in succession was nothing unusual for him. His tremendous energy and vitality enabled him to do what was impossible to others, and after working night and day he was still more than a match for the freshest of his opponents. In this way he must have been work' ing in Australia, for while he was being banquetted and made much of by the people of all shades of opinion in Australia, he still had his work for the incoming session to accomplish. 80 it was, that after accomplishing a day's work that would be sufficient for two ordinary men, he would, instead of seeking repose, commence work on the preparation of the Governor's Speech and the Financial Statement, together with consideration of more important Bills which have to come up for the consideration of our legislature. The immense strain involved would, Mr Carroll considers, probably sap the immense vitality of • Mr Seddon to breaking strain. Mr Carroll thinks it certain that Mr Seddon's remains will find their last resting place on the West Coast, the district which he so long represented, and which loved him so well.

Mr Carroll stated to a "Star" representative in the course of cowersation this afternoon, that Mr Beddon had always L said he would die in harness. That Iprediction has been fully verißed, Mr Seddon dying while in the zenth of his powers, and while occupy/"* ing the highest position in the gift of his people. >, v