THE WAIMATE ADVERTISER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1902. THE PRESENTATION TO MR SEDDON.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 293, 9 December 1902, Page 3

THE WAIMATE ADVERTISER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1902. THE PRESENTATION TO MR SEDDON.

It will be remembered that prior to the Hon. 11. J. Seddon's departure for the Coronation a written testimonial expressive of the goodwill of the people of Xew Zealand, Avas presented to him. The presentation was made before a large gathering in Christchurch by Sir John Hall, who stated that a purse of sovereigns was also to have been presented, but that the lists were not yet complete, and 'that another opportunity would be taken of making this further presentation. There the matter ended. However, when 'Mr Seddon arrived at Home he found that the news of his

willingness to accept a money preS pnt had caused a revulsion of feeling jind that the pleasure of his ,stav in England was to be consider;j,]V handicapped by it. \l»wn. -.vhpn a representative of 'RcuUt's jit/elicy approached him he duelured that he had no intention of accepting any such gift. This put matters straight at Home, but. now that Mr Seddon has again reached Now

Zealand subscribers to the fund are beginning to ask where the money has gone. They certainly paid it iti for the specitie purpose of making up a jiur.se of sovereigns for the Premier and if the latter gentleman does not intend to accept it. a refund is sure to be asked for.

At the time the subscription lists were being circulated there was a rumour that the Premier would accept the purse and then devote it to a memorial for the New Zealanders who fell in South AfricaThat may still be his intention. Jn any case it would save a great deal of speculation and possibly ill feeling if the Premier would throw some light on the a flair. He is not in the habit of giving tiny hint of his intentions, but in this ease surely information belongs to the public as a right.