THE LATE PREMIER.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8482, 13 May 1893, Page 5

THE LATE PREMIER.

THE PROPOSED MEMORIAL. [press association telegram.] WELLINGTON, May 12. A public meeting, to consider the proposal to erect a memorial in Wellington to the late Hon. John Ballance, was held at the Theatre Royal to-night. Thero was a fair attendance, tho Mayor (Mr 11. D. Bell) presiding. On the platform were the x'remior (the Hon. R. J. Seddon), Sir Patrick Buckley, Hon. A. J. CadmaO, Hon. J. Rigg, Mr J. Duthio, M.H.R., and a large number of prominent citizens. Apologies for absence were received from tho Hon. W. P. Reeves, Hon. J. McK.ui.zio, Messrs G. Fisher and G. Hutchison, M.H.R'a, Mr Justice Denniston and several others.

In his opening remarks Mr 801 l spoke in recoguition of the late Premier's distinct ability in politics, ot his power of solf-com-lmuul, and his rectitude of intention. Mr D. P. Fisher (President ■of the Wellington .rades and Labour Council) moved tho following resolution-*- ---" That iv tho opinion of this meeting it is desirable that tiie movement to establish a gating tribute to tho memory of tho late Premier should be encouraged, and agrees that the names of the following gentlemen, with their conaont, be added to tho Committee net up by the Trades Council:—The Hon. tho Premier, the Mayor, the Chairman of the Harbour Board, the President of tho Chamber of Commerce, tho President ami Socretarjr of the Wellington Liberal Association, aud tho President and Secretary of the Wellington Knights of Labour." Ho explained the way in which the Wellington Trades Council hall initiated the present movement, stating that subscription lists had been sent all over the colony, and the precaution had been taken that everything in connection with tb> affair would be carried out in a methodical and straightforward manner. Tho reason the Trades Council had taken the matter up so quickly was in order to prevont any local movement interfering with a national movement. Mr Fisher then froceeded to refer to tho life of the Ufc render, and speaking as a labour leader, he said the labour cause felt that in his death they had lost the greatest friend they ever had in New Zealand.

Mr J. O'Doa, Presideut of the Wellington Liberal Association, seconded the resolution

The Premier, in speaking to the resolution, referred briefly to the career of Mr Ballance as journalist, aohlior and statesman, observing that, without exception, tho papers of the colony had risen to the occasion and done justice to his memory. Mr Ballance had been a friend of his for nearly twenty years, and his loss was a koen one. The prosperous condition of the colony to-day bore testimony to the success of the late Premier's administration. The other Australian colonies, even tho Old Country, were now following the lines he had laid down, and whilst the stocks of the other Australian colonies were going down those of New Zealand remained firm, and if any* thing wore rising. He said ho felt) that the namo of his lost chief was engraved on tho hearts of the people of the colony. Mr Seddon cave credit to the Labour Council for their prompt action in the movement, and said they required to make no apology for taking the initiative in the matter. The late Premier's dying wish was that he should not be forgotten in New Zealand. Ho (Mr Seddon) had no doubt meetings similar to the present one would be held throughout the length and breadth of the colony to assist in the movement to commemorate Mr Ballance's memory. Mr Soddon paid a very high tribute to Mrs Ballance for her devotion and love during her husbands long illness. She was a noble character and he felt sure that this movement whioh was ou foot to recognise her late husbaiidss services to the colony would be the silver lining to the dark clouds that encompassed her. In conclusion Mr Seddon said he hoped Mr Ballance's wishes would be carried out and that ho would never be forgotten by the people of the colony. Mr J. Duthie, M.H.R., also spoke to the resolution, and referred briefly to a few of the incidents in the political career of tho late Premier. By his death the colony had suffered a great loss. Mr Duthie paid a high tribute to his financial ability. The resolution had his hearty sympathy, and he wished it every success. The resolution was then put, and carried unanimously. Mr A. Ward (of the Trades and Labour Council) moved, and Mr W. Hildreth (representing the Wellington Knights of Labour), seconded, and it was carried—"That this meeting desires to record its heartfelt sympathy with Mrs Ballance in her bereavement."

Dr. Newman, in speaking to the last resolution, said the members of the Opposition felt the death of the Premier as keenly as his moat ardent supporters, and they recognised the great anility ho had displayed in the administration of the affairs of the country. Sir Patrick Buokley, as an old colleague of the late Premier of many years' standing, endorsed every word that had been said in his favour as a man who loved the people. Ou behalf of Mrs Ballance he thanked the meeting for the nice tribute they had paid her. He believed a nobler woman or more devoted wife than Mrs Ballance did not live.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman cloaed the meeting.