HULL AND NEW ZEALAND

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4607, 9 October 1934, Page 2

HULL AND NEW ZEALAND

MR SEDDON'S VISIT RECALLED.

APPRECIATION OF SIR JAMES PARR.

London, August 17. Alderman F. Till, chairman of the City of Hull Development Committee, has written to the High Commissioner, following his visit in connection with the arrival of the Westmoreland and a direct cargo from the Dominion. He says: "Hull does appreciate the great interest you have taken in New Zealand's affairs in this country, and the work you have done over here. Your giving up a portion of your holiday to come and encourage direct shipments of produce from New Zealand to Hull has indeed been an inspiration, and we shall leave no stone unturned to get the 450 tons of produce per steamer to ensure these steamers calling at our port regularly." The Hull Daily Mail recalls the visit of Mr. Seddon. The writer says:

"The visit of Sir James Parr and

the inauguration of direct steamship connection between New Zealand and Hull having gone off with eclat and to the apparent satisfaction of everyone, let me recall an earlier effort in a similar direction.

"It was many years ago, and the distinguished visitor was the Premier of New Zealand, Mr. Richard Seddon, a Lancashire man born and bred, big, bluff, and hearty. In the course of his peregrinations he visited the Hull Exchange and addressed the members, emphasising his remarks by a vigorous swing of his right hand, in which he held his silk hat. " 'Why do you buy foreign lamb?' he asked. 'Why don't you buy New Zealand lamb?' "Whereupon a voice replied, 'Because it costs 2d per lb more.' ," 'Dick' Seddon was equal to the occasion, and rejoined, 'lsn't your patriotism" worth 2d per lb?' "Later in the visit a colleague of mine, Forrest Frank, introduced himself to the Premier and told him that he was born in New Zealand. Mr. Seddon was quite interested, and asked how long he had been in England, and on being told, exclaimed, 'lt's time you were getting back!' I don't think Frank took the hint, for he is now pursuing his vocation in Leeds."