HIS BELOVED WESTLAND.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8134, 14 June 1906, Page 3

HIS BELOVED WESTLAND.

A SOLEMN SCENE. Hokitika, June 13. A very solemn scene was enacted to day at the West land County Chambers, when the Council met for its ordinary meeting The Chambers were draped in black, and a large photo of the late Premier was covered with mourning Mr Seddon was a former member of tin Council, and the building was the sceni of many of his early political fights foroads and bridges to open the bad country of his beloved Westland. On the motijn of the County Chairman the following resolution was adopted, members rising in their places to give assent to the proposition• That on behalf of the people of Westland, the Council expresses its profound feeling* of regret at the sudden and untimely death of the Bight Hon. R. J. Seddon, Privy Councillor, distinguished Premier of the Colony, honored member of thw constituency and warm-hearted colleague of bye-gone days; that the Council places on record its very high sense ol appreciation of the magnificent services so unselfishly rendered to King and country during a colonial career of unparalleled brilliancy; and further, that the Council tenders its most sincere and heartfelt sympathy to tho bereaved ones, and offers to Mrs Seddon, the devoted and cherished wife, aud to the beloved family, its deepest respect of the intimate friendship endeared by pleasant personal intercourse, with the trust that the Almighty in his mercy will give them that and tint peace of mind which will aid and sus tiytt them in so great a domestic I affliction.' 1 1

Councillor Jas. F. Byrne, who was associated with Mr Seddon- on the Arahura Boad Board, the first public body the 1 rentier was elected to in the Colony, seconded the motion, in a very feeling reference to his long standin: friendship. The Council resolved to ask Mr H. J. H. Eliott, late UnderSecretary for the Mines Department of Wellington to represent the County on the arrival of the Oswestry Grange on Saturday, and it was further decided, if steamer facilities permit, that t'le whole Council attend the funeral at "Wellington jnext week, and that a respectful request be made for a delegxtion frointho Council to act as pallbearers. It was decided that all Council work be suspended in the county on the da; appointed for the funeral, and the ordinary business of the Council was adjourned until after the obsequies

x The Holdtila High School Board, which also met to-day, passed a motion of condolence, and adjourned as a mark of respect.