WESTLAND IN MOURNING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8133, 13 June 1906, Page 3

WESTLAND IN MOURNING.

THE FILLING OF THE VACANCY. OAPIAIN SEDDON SUGGESTED. 188 PEBBB A39oCtmO». HonxiXi, Jane 12. The Hon. W. Hall-Jones, acting- , premier, ielegraphed to the Mayor and County Chairmani "I thank you for your telegram of sympathy. Th mourning will be universal for, th. irreparable loss of New Zealand's great statesman, and one who devoted his life to the welfare of the Empire, the land of his adoption, and humanity." Sir Joseph Ward cabled from London to the Mayor of Hokitika : " The hearts of the people of New Zealaud are saddened by the removal of the representative of Westland from the control of the Colony's public affairs. The Empire, whose interests were ever uppermost in his mind, will feel tinloss of Mr Seddon's powerful advocacy for its welfare. Among those who wil i miss his great public figure most, will be his steadfast friends of Westland. The miners have lost a true triond and champion, and all classes will join me in tendering his wife and family their deepest possible sympathy." Throughout all Westland news comes of the greatest grief and depression ai the death of Mr Seddon, tho feeling being akin ! .to a near and dear family bereavement. All business is practic■ally at a stand-still, and many business places are draped in black. Last week a movement was quietly set afoot 10 arrange for a deputation of West Coast citizens to visit Wellington next week and convey personally birthday greetings. The mission now in the minds of our leading public men is of a very different description. Enquiries arc being made from all parts of the district as to the probable time and place of tho funeral, as many old friends are anxious to be prcsenl to pay their last tribute of respect. There is a steadily growing feeling throughout the electorate that when the time comes to fill the vacancy, MrSeddon's eldest son should be asked to take the position, aud s > retain the honored name of Seddon in the House of Representatives.