The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 1937. TO-DAY’S ANNIVERSARY.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1937, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 1937. TO-DAY’S ANNIVERSARY.

The 10th June, as it rolls round year by year, is tlie anniversary of the death of ivichard John Seddon, Premier of New Zealand, and statesman of the Empire. It is thirty-one years since the political stalwart who yielded such personal power, died at sea. He was returning from-a holiday visit to Australia, following a strenuous political campaign which ended in the Seddon Government sweeping the polls, and was about to prepare for the first, session of the new Parliament, for which important matters of extended social policy were to be brought forward. His sudden passing caused widespread grief, and nowhere more than in Westland where he had represented the constituency for so long. There were close ties, personal as well as political, between the constituents and its Member, and the memory of Mr Seddon and all that lie stood for, is cherished throughout Westland, up and down which he passed so often, maintaining the closest intercourse with the people. In the larger field of general politics he was a notable figure. His visits to Great Britain, and his personality at the gatherings he attended, combined with the thoroughgoing policy of unity of E.e Empire which he favoured, made him prominent, and he came to be regarded as one of the pillars of the British Empire. Here in New Zealand, his Government was responsible for great social advancements, including the recognition of labour as a factory of importance in the national well-being. The law books of his period, from 1893 to I9OG, while Premier, tell the story of the ramifications of the laws enacted for the benefit of the people. He held firmly to the course he set for tnu country, and had lie’ been spared a little longer contemplated greater reforms for the national betterment. Many eulogies have been passed <-n his fame. He seemed to arrive at a time when he was most needed. The courage and confidence he displayed in his work, and the fearless manner in which he went about the country to expound his widening policy, were nil characteristics of his national service. His work is often quoted in the political arena as that of far-seeing leadership for the uplifting of New Zealand. The country achieved . much kudos, and was credited with leading the world with much of its social legislation. To-day when Labour has come into power as a single party, it is ever ready to pay tribute to the man who started New Zealand on its social legislation, and realised that representatives of Labour should play their part in helping with the reforms. As the present Prime Minister of the Haminion lias said of Mr Seddon: “His deep sympathy for the people expressed itself in ways which left an indelible mark upon our social structure.,. His was the spirit which stood behind the Labour laws, the Arbitration Act, regulations for factories and shops, the hours of labour and holidays, the protection of women and children, workers’ compensation, women’s suffrage and old age pensions. All these were startling innovations and the world turned to Now Zealand as a social laboratory.’’ His work was well done, and lie passed away in the country** service. Naturally his name and memory must ever have a foremost place i in the aunais of New Zealand. I