THE SEDDON RAILWAY WIDOWS' RELIEF FUND.

Evening Star, Issue 12883, 4 August 1906, Page 5

THE SEDDON RAILWAY WIDOWS' RELIEF FUND.

[SrECIAL TO THE STAB.}

WELLINGTON, August 4. In connection with the movement recently inaugurated amongst the staff of the Government railways for the establishment of a suitable memorial to the late Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, it is understood that, having in view the strong regard manifested by the deceased statesman in the catrse of humanity, and his constant efforts to alleviate th© distress of the aged and infirm and widows and orphans in our mid6t, it has been suggested to Mrs Seddon that the contributions of the railway staff should be utilised for the purpose of creating a fund to be known as the Seddon railway widows' relief fund. The fund, as its name implies, would be used for the ■purpose of assisting the widows of railway men who die after being superannuated, as under certain conditions such widows cannot receive any benefit from the existing superannuation fund. Mrs Seddon has signified her hearty concurrence in the proposal, and there is no doubt that it will be supported by railway men throughout the colony. A considerable section of the railway staff has in the past represented the disabil : tips which widows of superannuated comrades snffer, as a result of the pavment from the superannuation fund dosins with the death of the beneficiaire. The proposal now made will afford them an opportunity of giving tangible expression to their feelings in this respect, and at the same time enable them to perpetuate in a fitting manner the memory of the srreat man who so a.ptlv described himself as a humanitarian. It is intended that as soon as the fund is established the railway staff shall elect a committee to manage and to appoint the trustees.