The Fate of Prime Ministers.

Hastings Standard, Issue 157, 28 October 1896, Page 4

The Fate of Prime Ministers.

of Mr Alfred Saunders's remark at Kirwee that Mr Seddon could not Ik l " worked to death," it is melancholy to reflect that such was, almost literally, the fate of two of his predecessors m the position of Premier of New Zealand. Sir Harry Atkinson's fatal affection of the heart was undoubtedly aggravated by the hard work and incessant' worry that fell to his lot as leader of the Conservative Party in the House and Premier of the colony, while in the case of the late Mr P>allance it is equally clear that his end was hastened by the arduous labor associated with the leadership of the Liberal Party, the preparation of policy measures and the advocacy of these in Parliament. In this connection it is worth noting that English Premiers have not, as a rule, had much happier experiences than those of New Zealand. Violent or tragic death seems to have been the general thing wilh them, at least in the earlier days. This is shown in a rare pamphlet that has recently been brought to light in London, bearing the imprint, " Printed by 11. llaines, at MrFraneklin's. in Kussell Street, Covent (lardeii, 17rt:-5." It is a short history of the Prime Ministers in (ircat liritain. Details are given of trusted Ministers of the Sovereign from Odo, I'ishop of Payeux, William the Conqueror's servitor, down to the 'Duke of Buckingham, of .lames the First's time. The pamphleteer sums up the fate of thirty-one Prime Ministers in the following fashion :

DY'D by the Il.ilter... ... 8 I titto by the Axe ... ... 10 1 >il11> by SxriiiiY Hkooaks ... 8 Ditto untimely by private hands ... ... ... 2 Ditto in Imprisonment ... 4 Ditto in Kxite... ... ... 4 Ditto Penitent ... ... 1 .Saved by sacrificing their Master 4 The classification is curious in some respects, and it is difficult, for instance, to say what is exactly meant by dying " by sturdy beggars," or being " saved by sacrificing their master," but the impression left is that only one out of the thirty-one died in peace or in good odour. The death of thirteen by the hand of the executioner vividly recalls the rude political methods of past centuries. As the member for Selwyn put it, we cannot now kill Mr Seddon " with an axe," though some politicians —judging by the vehemence of their criticisms—seem as though they would rather like to revert to the old system. It is to be hoped that the Premier will not bt; worked to death, but we feel assured that in any event, h i will never save himself "by sacrificing his master," the public, and that lie will not " die penitent," abjuring Liberal principles and handing over New Zealand to the Conservative administration.—Lvttelton Times.