SEDDON MEMORIAL

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13743, 26 May 1910, Page 7

SEDDON MEMORIAL

UNVEILING AT HOKITIKA

(PRESS ASSOCIATION* TEL-CRAM.)

HOKITIKA, May 2o

The unveiling ceremony in connection with the memorial to tho late Hon. RJ. Seddon, was hold this afternoon, in tho presence of a fairly largo gathering. The heavy rain in the morning militated against the attendance. Mr T. J. McQuiran, chairman of fie Memorial Committee, referred to Cno erection of the marble statue of the late Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, who had, he said, accomplished so much in the service of his country and for the Empire. Ho referred to the spontaneous manner in which the residents of Ho_itika and West Coast generally had subscribed towards the memorial, the totalcost of which amounted to about £580. The secretary, Mr D. J. Evans, then read a number of apologies, including those received from Ministers of the Crown, Captain Seddon, Mrs Bean, Mrs Dwver, Misses Seddon, Mrs Seddon, Dr. Morice. Bishop Grimes, Mr S. Saunders, editor of the "Lyttelton Times," and others. Sir Joseph Ward, on rising, •was greeted with applause. He said the duty which had de\'olved upon him was one'that caused him mixed feelings of regret and pleasure —regret that even at this late period the necessity should arise of paying respect and esteem to a man who was so well known to the older generation and to the younger generation, whose memory was so dear by reason of tho great services ho had rendered as a public man. It was a pleasure because he had the honour "of being associated with the late Premier for many years, both before and after Mr Seddon became a Minister of tho Crown. It was a pleasure to be there as his successor to pay his respects with those amongst whom and amidst the scenes where Mr Seddon had passed bis early youth. The statue would servo to point out for oil time that the services of a great man were there commomoratod. It would bo impossible to fully record Mr Seddon's life, but ho would endeavour to give a briel sketch of his record. As they all knew Mr Seddon had played a great part and had actively led public opinion not alone in this Dominion but in the other parts of tho Empire, and had made his impress upon Imperial questions, and it was largely duo to him that tho relations between the Home Country and the overseas Dominions were nut on a broader basis of mutual protection. They were all assembled for tho purpose of paying a tribute of respect to one who hud won distinction in this young country. It was a wonderful record, which was duo to strenuous and hard work. The example he had given of close application, strenuous exertion, and indefatigability would servo as a fine example to the younger generation. He would briefly refer to the career of tho deceased statesman, but before doing so lie would like to point out that Hokitika had the first complete statue raised in his memory. Other parts of the Dominion had somo tangible evidence of their respect, but Hokitika was the first to have a complete statue. He desired to thank tho West Coasters both here and elsewhere for tho ready response they had given to the appeal to commemorate Mr Seddon's memory. In this connection he wished also to refer to Mr Parkinson, the contractor, who they all would recognise had carved a isplendiel likeness of tho deceased cud had iaithfully carried out his trust. Sir Joseph then gave a brief history of Mr Seddon's career. It was an unprecedented record. There might be smaller States which had statesmen who had led them for longer periods, but none with the responsibilities of this country. Mr Seddon's record as Premier did him credit, and was a feature of which his widow and family might well be proud. Mr Seddon had always a warm corner in his heart for the West Coast. Only that morning, while he (Sir Joseph) wa,s travelling n-om Greymonth 'to Hok;tika, he was reminded of the active manner in which Mr Seddon, in the teeth of satirical opposition, had fought for the construction of the Hokitika-Grey .raihvay, which it was said would prove to be' one of the raihvay failures of tho Dominion. Mr Seddon's predecessors had admittedly worked hard and paved the way, but the construction of tho lino was due to his sincere, persistent and consistent advocacy,, and to his belief that it wculd pay. History had pro\ed him to be right. (Applause). As a member of the Cabinet and of the House, and on tho platform, he had advocated its construction, and the result of his efforts they could all see in this epochmarking and memorable occasion. It was the late Mr Seddon's greatest effort to join with the Home Country in preserving tho unity of the Empire and that the British flag should "wave freely over a free people. (Applause.) None could estimate bis deeds nor their effect. They all joined with the speaker in paying a tribute which was not to be treasured for its intrinsic value, but as an emblem ot a man who had endeared himself by ihfi work done during his day and generation. He had died too .soon, owing to his,strenuous work, leaving a widow and family. The statue was no compensation for the ■ loss of a husband and father, bu'l' it would prove a source of satisfaction to them. It showed tho finer side of human nature when thoso living recognizee! the worth of those who had died. On behalf of the donors he asked Mr Michel, the Mayor of Hokitika, for himself and his successors, to receive the stHue and to take caro-of it. He trusted and fflt sure that care would i be taken of i.. and that the Mayor j would accept the care and responsibility j of its preservation. They recognised | in the denarted statesman not alone j their member, but also their guide and friend, and ihey had erected-this emblem in recognition of his good work, pnd rejoiced to elo so. It was appropriate that the flags used on this occasion were those used a few months ago at the ceremony p.t St. Paul's Cathedral. London, and that Mrs Monoc was present on hot"- oe-c'ssions. In conclusion, he said r.jthihjj remained for him but to repeat tho expression of his mixed feelings of regret oiid pleasure. He thanked the subscribers for j the whole-hearted way in which they ! bad re/vprended to the appeal to erect ! the statue. Nothinc was more appro- j oriate than that the occasion should i b? honoured by the pTe?cnce of th<* j cadets and the Torritorish on thp cpe-eh-marking occasion. He thanked ihem all for their attendance to Co lion mi r to or.f> who bad lx!«»ii a maker of history, and was thoroughly respected wherever krown. (Ajwlanse.) I Sir Joscoh Ward tbfn unveiled tbe i statue, the Territorials presenting arms. Mr Michel. Mayor of Hokitika. s*>'d be accepted the trust on behalf of tho Borough >>f Hokitika. by whom the tta*ue would be nroperly taken care of both now and in the days to come. (Annlause.) Mr T. E. Y. Seddon. M.P.. briefly thanked the ,rr?ople of the Wes*. Coast* ■who had so generously subscribed to tbe fund for the erection of the statue on behalf of the family.

Cheers wero then .givi»n for the the Prime Minister. Mrs Sedelon. the chairman. Mr D. J. Evans, the secretary, and Mr T. E. Y. Seddon, and the proceedings terminated.