SOLDIER POLITICIANS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 151, 28 June 1915, Page 8

SOLDIER POLITICIANS

♦ ■ — MESSRS. SEDDON AND DOWNIE STEWART HONOURED. Messrs. T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., and W. Downie Stewart, M.P., who have enlisted as members of the Expeditionary Forces, were this v afternoon tendered a complimentary luncheon by the New Zealand Club. The function was very largely attended, among those present being the Hon. Jas. Allen, Minister for Defence, and Colonels Robin and Gibbon. Mr. R. H. Webb, who presided, said that the objects of the club were to foster the spirit of patriotism and Imperialism, and it was singularly fortunate that the first function in the club's year should be for the purpose of doing honour to two representative New Zealanders, who had shown the highest form of patriotism by offering their services to the country. Both were the sons of men whose names were written on the annals of history in letters of gold. (Applause.) Mr. Seddon, who was accorded a hearty reception, in replying, touched on Imperial politics. New Zealand had sent her representatives to conferences in England, and on one occasion Mr. Joseph Chamberlain asked that the dominions overseas should think Imperially. Up to the present, however, very little had been done in the way of Imperial federation. Instead of going on in this futile way it would be better for New Zealand to formulate some definite scheme. Canada had made certain proposals, and it was high time that some arrangement should be made so that the Empire did not rest on the silken cords of kinship. The main tie at present was sentiment, but there should be somo Imperial Council which could pass resolutions binding upon all parties. "I am not going with the idea of gaining any great glory," concluded Mr. Seddon, "but with the idea that possibly my going will help others to recruit and because I consider it my bounden duty to do so." (Loud applause.) Mr. Downie Stewart commented with pleasure on the fact that many of those present were wearing the badge of the National Reserve. In giving his reasons for enlisting, he said there were certain aspects of the war which deserved very grave consideration. The effect of the war was to force a nation to face a position which in times of peace it would not face. Some people held that a loose alliance afforded quite a sufficient bond, but he was in entire agreement with Mr. Seddon, that this idea would not cover the problem with which they were faced. The war had shown that it was impossible for a country to live to itself behind high walls, and that New Zealand was as deeply interested in world politics as if it were pair of the British Isles. This war Was not a war between two parties, but a war between two great ideals. One ideal was government by force and coercion and the other was government by a free democracy by its own free people. (Warm and prolonged applause). The lusty singing of the National Anthem concluded the proceedings.