The Premier at Home.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 233, 24 July 1902, Page 4

The Premier at Home.

i ° j London, July 22. I Sir Montagu Nelson, on behalf jof a number of Anglo-New Zoa- • landers, presented Mr Seddon with a massive silver centre-piece, and Mrs Seddon with a diamorid ornament (together with £500), in recognition of Mr Seddon's patriotism in promoting the solidity of the Empire. The subscribers included opponents of Mr Seddon's domestic policy, though all were admirers of his Imperial services. Mrs Seddon was present at the gathering.

Mr Seddon, in replying, said tho war had proved tho virility, energy, and determination of New Zealanders. He claimed that the New Zealanders had recognised the dangerous character of the South African difficulty before the Motherland had. He referred to the overwhelming character of British hospitality, and was confident that the future would show that the ties of Empire would become closer and closer. He believed that the good results of the Imperial Conference would become apparent much quicker than many people suspected. New Zealand desired to see Great Britain a self-contained nation, and less dependent on the foreigner, jwho must allow the British tho same liberty of action that they claimed and exercised. He considered that the gigantic American trusts were a greater danger to |Great Britain than a great war. If J Britain were once aroused she jwould be able to avert their evil consequences. New Zealand was willing to concede preferential trade relations with the Motherland without exacting a reward, though the Motherland way able by means of subsidies to steamers, by bounties, and other ways, to help the colonies.