THE LATE R. J. SEDDON

Evening Post, Volume 137, Issue CXI, 10 June 1926, Page 8

THE LATE R. J. SEDDON

HUMANIST AND IMPERIALIST

ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH,

j It is twenty years since the death of the late Richard John Seddon. In affectionate remembrance of a great humanist and Imperialist, and one whoso sympathies wore always -With the mass of the people, a wreath was laid to-day at the foot of the statue of Mr. Seddon in the grounds of Parliament Buildings. There was a good attendance, including Mr. Seddon's relatives, members of Parliament, and many friends, especially West Coasters, old and young. In the course of a short address, inviting the- Hon. R. M'Kenzie. to lay the wreath on the monument* Mr. J. J. M'Grath said that for twenty years since the death of tho late. Mr. Seddon, his friends and admirers had assembled to show their' admiration and respect for his memory. The speaker. apologised for the unavoidable absence of Sir Joseph Ward (who had cabled from Sydney), and Sir James Carroll. Shortly before his death, Mr. Seddon stated that he was a humanist, and added that it was the legislation which bore upon the human side of life which counted most—that his desire was to improve the conditions of the people, inspire them with hope, provide for their comfort, and improve them socially, morally, and politically. Reference was made to tho humanitarian legislation Mr. Seddon had placed on the Statute Book, especially the Old Ago Pension Act. The late Mr. Seddon always maintained that a large number of unemployed was a reproach to a nation. The Hon. R. M'Kenzie said they had met again to mark their respect to the memory of Richard John Seddon, and also to show their appreci T ation of the magnificent work he did for the people of this country. For many years to come Mr. Seddon would bo remembered as one of the great-,, men of the Empire. His heart was always with the working classes and with tho poorer sections of the community, and his aim was to improve their condition. If Mr. Seddon had done nothing else than pass the Old Ago Pension Act, which had been copied by many other countries, he would have left a groat record behind him. Ho was responsible also for the passing of many other statutes of a humanitarian nature. Tho speaker briefly sketched the lifo of Mr. Seddon, and. spoke of the warm affection which always existed between him and old West Coasters. Mr. M'Kenzie then laid the wreath at the foot of the monument.