A POPULAR MEMBER

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 June 1912, Page 2

A POPULAR MEMBER

SOCIAL TO MR. T. E. Y. SEDDON, M.P. AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING. There was a good attendance at the Westland Opera House, Hokitika, last night when the supporters of Mr. T. E. Y. Seddon entertained him at a social and [presented him with a handsomely framed and illuminated address as a mark of their appreciation of his offoi*ts on behalf of the Westland constituency during his six years term in the Dominion Parliament. Mr. G. Perry (Mayor) presided. Among those present on the platform were Mrs. R. ‘J. Seddon, Mesdames Morice, G. Perry, J. Bevan, G. J. Roberts, and several other ladies, and Messrs M. Pollock, J. Grimmond, T. J. McGuigan, M. Fitzgerald and D. J. Evans. The building was very prettily decorated with mirrors, flags, and evergreens, the work of the Ladies Committee in this connection being especially artistic.

Mr. Seddon occupied a seat to the right of the chairman while Mrs. Seddon, who was accorded a hearty reception on entering the building, was on the latter’s left. The chairman briefly explained the object of the gathering and referred to the fact that the inclement weather militated against the attendance, but considering the circumstances, he felt that Mr. Seddon should be gratified at the gathering on such a night. A fter t the first part of an excellent concert programme had been concluded, Mr. Evans (secretary) read a number of apolpogies for absence and then read the illuminated address which was presented to Mr. Seddon. LAUDATORY SPEECHES. Mr. Pollock said he was pleased to see such a numerous attendance to do honour to their representative in Parliament. During the time Mr. Seddon had represented Westland lie had accomplished much that was a credit to liim. They could gather from the many wires gentlemen well able to jugde as to Mr. Seddon’s merits. Westland was fortunate in having his services placed at their disposal. He trusted that their present representative would remain their member all the time. The speaker here referred to the great works accomplished by Mr. Seddon’s illustrious father and predecessor. The late Mr. Seddon’s efforts combined with those of his .successor had been the means of making Westland more prosperous and placing its destinies on a firmer basis. He felt certain that land in Westland would become just as valuable as in any part of New Zealand. Referring to the reading and bridging which had been constructed, throughout the electorate. Mr. Pollock said the man they should thank for obtaining greater facilities in the way of access to various parts of the country was their member. In this connection the speaker remarked upon the improvements effected in South Westland. He concluded by expressing the hope that Mr. Seddon would represent Westland in Parliament as long as he chose to continue doing so. Mr. Giim in on d referred to the occasion when Mr. Seddon was first brought out to contest the seat and remarked that he had accomplished even more than was expected of him. In spite of malice and misrepresentation their member had shown himself to be a straightforward and honest politician. Mr. Seddon had won his honours and, concluded the speaker, “may he wear them long.” Mr. Duff referred in eulogistic terms to the manner in which Mr. Seddon had represented the constituency and concluded by saying that they had tho right man in the right place. MR. SEDDON’S REPLY.

Mr. Seddon, on coming forward was received with continued applause, some time elapsing before ho was able to proceed. He said there were times when lips failed to express that which was felt in the heart. He desired to convey his wannest thanks to his supporters in Westland for their handsome present and for returning him for the third time as member for Westland. His return was a vindication of the Liberalism that had predominated in the Dominion for the past twenty years. In speaking of the loyalty and unremitting support of his friends ho referred to the excellent organisation of hi sside and in this connection he said he could not stand there before them, as a. Member of Parliament, without speaking of it in the very highest terms. H specially singled out Mr. D. J. Evans and declared that while he was in Wellington he had been always confident that matters were going alright. Mr. Evans had been a friend to him in tho truest, sense of the word and through his campaign had been always optimistic and cheerful. He went on to state that ho, was doubly pleased that his mother was present that evening and was glad she had the opportunity of meeting her old friends. (Applause). It was two year# since his mother had been among them, and he remarked that he would lose her for a week as she intended going round renewing old acquaintances. Another lady was on the platform and he was very glad of her presence, that was Mrs. Morice. Continuing the speaker said his sister knew some parts of tho electorate better than any mian or woman iii the district. It would not be seemly, continued Mr. Seddon, if the present political crisis was referred to by him. .The Liberal Party’s voting power would be augmented by Mr. Wilford’a recent return to the Dominion. It had been said tint

lha Hob- J. A. Millar, Messrs E. H. Claw and T. K. Sidey would vote against the Mackenzie Government, but, so far as he was concerned, this was ; not true, as he had made inquiries from authoritative sources. Mr. Seddon dealt at some length with the necessity for reciprocity with Australia and remarked that he had discussed with the Rt. Hon. Andrew Fisher (Premier of the Commonwealth) matters relating thereto. It was his opinion that closer relations in regard to trade would exist in the near future. Ho also mentioned the necessity of amending the Workers Compensation Act in the direction of making it applicable to the dependents of working men if the latter should be in any of the Australian , colonies or New Zealand. Coming near home Mr. Seddon said that some dullness was experienced in some industries. Sawmillers along the Otira line had occasion to sometimes complain of dull times, but if representation were made to the Government it would be found that everything possible would be done to ini prove matters. It would be announced shortly that the areas held by millers would be extended in order that' they might he assisted. The speaker went on to refer to the mining und dairying industries aaid predicted that these would flourish in the future. In regard to dairying possibilities Mr. Seddon instanced what had been accomplished at Kokatahi, Arahura ,Hari Hari, Waitaha, VVataroa, Kumara and other places, in regard to the last election they all knew that it had been keenly contested, and he was glad to think that they were that evening celebrating his third victory. He thanked the ladies and gentlemen who had contributed towards the excellent concert programme. The speaker then went on say that his political career was not making an old man of him as some people thought, and lie remarked that he did not have a grey nair in his head. He again thanked the people for their loyalty and declared that he would not thank any district for electing him unopposed- His position in Parliament under such circumstances would be invidious whereas on the other hand be was there'to prove that after three battles he was still the representative of Westland and that he had got into Parliament on his own. He had found that the contests had brought him closer and closer to the people of Westland and he was proud of his connection with his constituency. It had been one of prolonged friendship and that bond of friendship would grow stronger and stronger and not even death would sever. Mr. Seddon 'concluded and the gathering gave him a very hearty round of applause.

PRESENTATION TQ MR. EVANS. Mr. Pollock then called upon Mr. D. J. Evans to accept, on behalf of Mr. Seddon’s supporter's, a gift in the form of a purse of sovereigns. Mr, Pollock paid a very warm tribute to Mr. Evan’s work as secretary of Mr. Seddon’s election committee, besides eulogising him in other respects. Mr-. Evans, replied thanking the donors for their unexpected gift. Pie felt that, he did not deserve all the kind things said of him, as he hod been ably supported by a band of willing workers. The result of the election last December was the ample reward for him. Anything he had done was for the good of Westland. He was not after a billet nor did he wish for any elevated position. He considered Mr. Seddon the best man for the district, and it was not out *of sympathy that their member was first returned to Parliament. He regarded it ate gratitude on the part of the people. He would continue to work in Mr. Seddon’s interests as he felt that by doing so he was assisting to send the right man to Parliament. He said he wondered what would have happened if they had returned an Independent at last election. They had again selected Mr. Seddon and he had kept the Liberal Party in power. The speaker again thanked the people for their gift and resumed his seat. The concert programme was then concluded after which refreshments were handed round. Dancing was then indulged in and kept up till f#n early hour this morning.