THE LATE MR SEDDON.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8161, 19 June 1906, Page 5

THE LATE MR SEDDON.

THE WESTLAND SEAT. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 18. It is now stated on reliable authority that neither Captain Seddon, the eldest son of the late Premier, nor Mr T. Y. Seddon, the second son, will contest the seat rendered vaoant by the death of their father. Captain Seddon, it is represented, has no desire to enter political life, and Mr T. Y. Seddon is said to be desirous of continuing his law course without interruption. In this case Mr Miohell, the Mayor of Hokitika, will no doubt be a candidate. THE BURIAL PLAGE. WELLINGTON, June 18. The site for the late Premier's buritil has been definitely fixed for the Observatory grounds, adjoining the Sydney Street cemetery. THE FUNERAL PROCESSION.

WELLINGTON, June 18. Colonel Collins, who has been appointed to marshal the funeral prooession, states that tbeJlbody will be in state at the Parilamentary Buildings from ,9 o'clock to noon on Thursday, and that the prooeasion will leave there at 2.30 p.m. by the way of Aitken Street for St. Paul's Pro Cathedral in Mulgrave Street, where a short service will be held. Afterwards the prooession will prooeed by the way of Mulgrave Street to Pipitea Street, along Davis Street and Thorndon Quay to Lambton Quay, past the Government Buildings, up Bowen Street and through Museum Street to Sydney Street and thence to the cemetery gates, and through the grounds to the Observatory. A number of bands have offered their services. It has been arranged that they will play alternately the "Dead March in Saul," and the "Garland of Flowers." Sir Joseph Ward, who is to leave London next Wednesday week, June 27th, will reach Auckland, via San Francisco on July 30th, and will be in Wellington on the following evening.

MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY. PALMERSTON N., Jane 18. Tji& Palmerßton,,Nor.tb Chamber of Commerce* to day passed' the following resolution:—"That-this Chamber desires to place on record its recognition of the splendid self sacrificing services of the late Bight Hon. Richard Johu Seddon to New Zealand and the Empire over a long series of years, and desires to convey to Mrs Seddon and the members of the family its hearfelt sympathy in their sad ; bereavement." Messrs Nash, Simmons, and Johnston were appointed to represent the Ohamber at the funeral. The Manawatu A. and P. Association also passed a resolution of sympathy and appointed its President and Mr J. M. Johnston to represent them at the funeral. WAGANNUIEDUCATION BOARD. WANGANUI, June 18. The Eduoation Board, to-night, passed a resolution appreciative of the late Mr Seddon's services and expressing sympathy with the relatives. / ) It was also resolved to establish a Seddon Scholarship. THE PASSING OP THE PREMIER. HIS LAST HOURS. "REST TO-MORROW, AND THEN TO WORK!" CAPTAIN TAYLOR'S NARRATIVE.

"On the 10th of the 6th of 1906, the Hon. R. J. Seddon, passenger on the above steamer from Sydney to Auckland, expired, and, after careful examination by the ship's surgeon, he pronounced the cause of death to b« owing to heart failure."—Extract from the log of the s.s. Oswestry Grange. "I sincerely hope that 1 may never be'oalled upon to make saon another voyage as that which has just ended with the passing of your late Premier! And there goes a man, the like of whom is only born once in a long time." Ihe speaker was Captain Taylor, as he stood, with head uncovered, on the deck of the Osweetry Grange as the- hearse passed from Glasgow Wharf bearing the body of Mr Seddon at an early hoar on Sunday morning. Aferwaras, when he had given directions about oargo and mails, and had consulted with the ship's agents, Captain Taylor granted an interview to a Post representative. The captain said the experience waa one of a life-time, and added that Mrs Seddon bore up like the brave woman she was. "Despite the awful blow that came to her with I lightning rapidity," said he, "she I waa ever thoughtful of others. All the members of the family were simply dazed at the stroke ibat bad taken away husband and father. All of us could hardly realise that it was Death!" Then Captain Taylor told.the story of the passing of the Premier. Mr Seddon, he said, arrived on board late on Saturday night, looking very tired, but appearing to be in bright spirits. The waiting and accompanying crowd gave the Premier three cheers, but he would not give them a speech, though he thanked them for their kindness to bim. Mr Seddon soon retired to rest, and awoke in the morning refrshed. Asked what he intended

doing, he eaid he wuuld put in a qniet day. "I'll rest to morrow, and then get to work. We'll put in some hard work when we start." The smoking room was set apart as the Premier's workroom for the voyage, and there the two private secretaries, Messrs Andrews and Matthews, laid out a mass of papers—which were never touched by Mr Seddon. Fine weather prevailed on Sunday, and the Premier and his family spent a very quiet day. About noon Mr Seddon bad sent for the ship's doctor, comnlaining of some slight pain, especially under the left arm The medical man sounded the statesman thoroughly, and reported that he was very much run down, and must have a period of übsolute rest. Otherwise, there was nothing to b* alarmed about. "You require rest," said the dootor. The Premier admitted that : he was very tired.

Throughout the afternoon there were no signs of illness, no premonitions of the coming end. Ju6t before leaving Sydney the Premier had taken a great fancy to an exceptionally clever and handsome white cockatoo, witli a ready Ajw of language and the gift of smart retorts. He purchased the bird and had it sent on board as a present to Mrs Seddon. He Bpent some of the short time ho was on board the steamer on a seat alongside the bird's cage, and greatly enjoyed the new experience of being "talked at."

Shortly after 6 o'clook on Sunday evening, the Premier and Mrs Seddon, their daughter May, and Mr Andrews were in Mr Seddon's cabin, just off the saloon. Mr Seddon was reclining on the couch, Dibbling at a bisouit, his wife was sitting on a chair at the head of the oouoh, and the other two ocoapante of the cabin were standing. An animated general conversation had been going on, when, without the slightest warning, the Premier straightened himself, and, whilst in the act of putting a hand towards bis heart, exclaimed, "Oh, Mother!" immediately his bead fell over to the right and lay upon his wife's shoulder. So passed New Zealand's Prime Minister. Miss Seddon immediately called the captain, who summoned the ship's dootor, but Death had left its unmistakable mark upon the now placid features. • The story of the patting back of the steamer to Sydney and the diverting of her course from Auckland to Wellington has already been told in our columns. By the express wish of Mrs Seddon, the body was embalmed on board, the ship at Sydney. Mrs Seddon also directed that the'fmembers of her family should receive advioe of their father's death before the public was made aware of the reason of the return of the Oswestry Grange to Sydney. It was not until Mr Matthews' had had time tjoget bis cablegrams away that Ca'ptaih Taylor flew from his foremast the New Zealand ensign as the signal that the Premier had passed away. "The grief of Sydney," said the captain, "was genuine and mpst marked on that day of our sad return."

MR SEDDON'S LAST DAYS IN AUSTRALIA. "DEAR OLD BALLAKAT." On Saturday, June 2nd, Mr Seddon visited Ballarat, where he lived in the early "sixties." He was accompanied by Mrs Seddon, Mrs Dyer (his daughter), Miss May Seddon, Mr Stuart Seddon, Mrs Bleazby, the Prime Minister (Mr Deakin), the Premier (Mr Bent), and Messrs Outtrim and Hilden, M.L.A.'s, and Mr P. 0. Meson. The party travelled in the commissioner's comfortable inspection car, whioh enabled the visitors to obtain an ample view of the country along the line. On arrival at Ballarat (says the Argus) the party was met by the Mayor (Councillor Whykes) and other Councillors. Hearty cheers were given by the public for Mr Seddon, and the Mayor, on behalf of the city, expressed a cordial welcome.

Mr Seddon, in reply, said:— "Contending emotions permeated my brain as I approached dear old Ballarat. 1 felt pleased with my visit, and sad with the thought of acquaintances passed away, and who live now only in memory. 1 have passed nearly all my life on the goldfields, and as I came to the outskirts of the oity 1 saw what reminded me of a very happy life. Having represented a mining community in New Zealand for 27 years, I think I can claim to know something about miners. I know their aspirations, their ideals and I know the great work that miners have done for the colonies. Ido not hesitate to say that the miners and mining in New Zealand have put that colony 50 years ahead. (Applause). I thank you for the hearty welcome to the oity."

The visitors were then conducted to electric trams and oonveyed to the gardens. At the entrance was a penDy-in-the slot weighing-ma-chine. Mr Seddon dropped a penny in and stood on the scale. The indicator swept rapidly round to 19st 51b. A visit was paid to the statutary pavilion, where the sculpture was much admired. "There was nothing like this in '64," remarked Mr Seddon. Care was taken that Mr aeddon should not omit to put his name in, the visitors' book. He added his address, "N.Z." AT THE TOWN HALL. Mr Seddon met a large gathering of citizens in the Town Hall. The Mayor presided. In the course of half an hour's address, Mr Seddon said that he would havj been wanting in his duty to the Commonwealth if he had returnea without visiting fiallarat add Bendigo. A Voice—Don't go to Bendigo. (Laughter). Mr Seddon (laughingly). He knew the old troubles between Baliarat and Bendigo, and no one wbb better pleased than be to see how both cities survived, and vied with each other in greatness. (Cheers). In hiß constituency were many Ballarat miners, and he brougnt from them their "Arpha"—their love—and with the permission of the men now in fiallarat, be would take back their greeting. (Applause). With regard to the diffi-

oulties of self-governing colonies, the chief of these was want of population. In Australia there were 4,000,000 people. There ought to be more—(hear, hear) —aud there would be more. Mr Deakin—Hear, hear. Mr Seddon.—But Australia must do as New Zealand had done. (Cheers). He did not wish to criticise existing policies, but he wanted to say that New Zealand had let the world know that there was suoh a place ad such a people. A country might as well be dead as no let the world know that it was alive. (Cheers) Canada was always advertising herself, and went even to tbe length of plagiarism, hy trying to make people believe tbat Canada was "God's own oountry." (Laughter). The few pe iple who resented more population wore enemies to themselves. (Cheers). New Zealand's prosperity was to an extent owing to its increased population. Since his Government had taken office the population had increased by nearly 200,000 souls. The Government took credit for that. (Cheers and laughter). He wanted to say a word or two ou the desirability of preserving historical facta In the different districts of New Zealand he had appointed commissioners to attend to this wort, and he intended to obtain a complete history of tbe goldflelda of New Zealand. Shorthand writers were to be employed, aud they would visit tbe haunts of old diggers and take the stories first-hand. It weuld be a good thing for Australia if a similar system were followed here. He had been pleased to see the statue of Peter Lalor. The probability was tbat i* the present Prime Minister of New Zealand had been in Ballarafc at the time he would have bben one of those at the Eureka stookade. (Great cheering). He wanted to impress upon Austraila the need for close settlement. Witb thousands of closely settled, and recurring crops growing, Australia wouli have the greatest mice yet i developed. Mr Bent.—We say "ditto" to tbat all right. Later on a deputation from the Trades and Ijabour Council was announoel.

"It's two minutes to train time s " said Mr Bent, warningly. "Oh, bat I must see them," Mr Seddon deolared, "even if I miss the train." Mr W. Harrison (President of the Tradea and liabour Council) conveyed greetings to Mr Seddon. "The organising labour parties of this centre," he said, "have looked upon your aotion, and that of your colleagues, in bringing about industrial peace, as a model for the rest of Australasia" "I'm off to keep the train back," ohimed in Mr Bent; and he departed hurriedly. Mr Seddon returned thanks. " 1 want to see," he said, "the complete organisation of labour—(obeera) —and also the complete organisation of capital. (Hear, hear). It is the organisation of both labour and capital in New Zealand that has brought about the industrial peace and prosperity." Cheers). "Train time," shouted someone. "As an old engine-driver," replied Mr Seddon, "I know that we o<*n make up a quarter of an hoar on the way." He stopped to shake hands with a number of Lancashire fol*, who pressed round him, after which the party were driven to the station. The train steamed away amid the the cheers of a large crowd on the platform.

"WE MUSTN'T DISAPPOINT THE GiRL." | i """"""* ! A resident of Carterton tells the following story of how he obtained j a ride in a special train with the late Premier to Carterton: At Woodville he had missed the ordinary south train, and there. was not another train for two hours. He heard a porter remark that the late ' Premier was ooming through from the North on a speoial. Happy thought I He would ask the Premier for a ride in the special as far as Carterton. In a short time the train arrived and stopped at the station. The Cartertonian approaohed Mr Seddon. ... He had missed his train. . . . wasn't another for two hours. ... his "girl" would be waiting on the railway station for Lim. . . .she would be disappointed. . . . could the Premier—if he might be so bold—— "Come right aboard, my lad," said Mr Seddon, slapping the Cartertonian on the shoulder. "We mustn't disappoint the girl." And together they journeyed to Carterton. As the train left the latter station a kindly voice from the carriage window called "Good-bye!" to the couple as they stood and waved their hands to the departing Premier. MEMORIAL SERVICES IN MASTERTON. PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS. At the invitation of the Mayor a meeting was held in the Masterton Borough Council Chambers, yesterday morning, to discuss matters in connection with the holding of a memorial service in Masterton on Thursday next, the day fixed for the funeral of the late Premier. The Mayor presided, and there were also present:—The Revs. A. M. Johnson, Dean McKenna, J. N. Buttle, Ad jutant Powick, Captain Rimmer, and Messrs M. Caselborg, S. E. Wright, J. Heyhoe, J. D. Cruiokshank, J. Dixon, J. 0. Ewington, W. H. Jackson, W. M. Easthope, A. B. Charters and R. Brown. The Mayor explained the objeots of the meeting. He suggested that there should be a publio prooession on Thursday. If it were a fine day the aervioe oould be held on the Showgrounds, or if wet in the Town Hall. The Holidays Committee had agreed to observe a whole holiday in Masterton on Thursday next. He moved that a united citizens service be held in Masterton on Thursday. Rev. Dean MoKenna stated that he sympathised with the movement. As representing the Gatholios in Masterton he wbb not in a position

to join in a pabiio religions ceremony. In addition be had arranged and had announced in bis Oburcb that a memorial [service would be held in St. Patrick's Churob on Thursday afternoon. He asked that Catholias should , be excused from taking part in the services. They bad conscientious objections, and he hoped those present would understand his objections. Rev. Johnson said that he had also announced at St. Matthew's Church on Sunday last that a memorial service would be held in that Cbnroh ou TLursday. It was impossible for him to cancel the arrangements now. Rev. J. N. Buttle seconded the Mayor's motion, and in doiug so thought it was right that the oeople of Ma9terton should join in a united service. If one or two religious bodies had conscientious objections to taking part in the service the others would excuse thorn and understand their objections. The majority of the public, however, would be looking forward to a publio service.

Mr Brown favoured holding a pro-, cession of all religious bodies, school children and cadets. At a given point in the route the people belonging to the various churches that were holding services could leave the procession. The remainder could take part in the public services. After some further discussion the Mayor's motion was'carried. It was then decided to start the prooession at 12.30 p.m., and conclude the putlio service before the respective church services commenced. The arranging of the details were left in the hands of the Town Clerk and Borough Councillors.