A GOOD EXAMPLE.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9127, 11 June 1895, Page 4

A GOOD EXAMPLE.

We are thoroughly .ashamed of the way in which a portion of the public Press has been referring to Miss Seddon's recent appointment by the Wellington Education Board. We have always opposed anything approaching nepotism, and we have denounced as strongly as anybody the " spoils to the victors " system. So far, however, from seeing anything wrong in Miss Seddon's action in accepting from the Wellington Education Board an appointment for which it is admitted she has fully qualified herself, both in point of experience and by passing the necessary examinations, we find a great deal in it to applaud. We admire the manliness and moral courage of Mr. Seddon in permitting his daughter to earn her living by the fruits of her own labour at a time when 'he occupies the high ; position of Premier of the land, and Jwe admire the spirit of self-reliance and womanly dignity which animates the young lady who i 3 content to accept a modest appointment of this kind, earning her living honourably and unobtrusively, while her fajjher holds such an exalted post. If Mr. Seddon had appointed a son or a daughter to some high public office for which he or she was quite unsuited, we could understand the outcry which has been raised, and the strictures made would no doubt have been justified. Miss Seddon, however, appears to be quite qualified for the position which she has won by her own efforts and without the aid of any political influence. In these circumstances we thirikfthat both the Premier and his daughter have set a good example in a democratic colony where ; each individual should rely on his own efforts rather than upon the influence of those in authority. There is often too much false pride and too little selfreliance in every section of society— from those who dwell in high places down to the most shiftless of the unemployed. For ourselves we have of ten disagreed with Mr. Seddon, and shall probably do so again; but we hope we shall never descend to making ungenerous references to his private family affairs in order to hurt Ms feelings.