THE GRAVE OF A PREMIER.

Mataura Ensign, 16 March 1909, Page 4

THE GRAVE OF A PREMIER.

I'lio contractors for tho erection of tho imposing monument over tho grave "J . tho late Mr Seddon on Observatory Hill, Hoi to 11 Street cemetery, Wellington, are making good progress with tho work (says tho 'New Zealand Times'). Tho monument when completed will stand sixty feet high, and is being built entirely of Coromandol granite with panels of Westland granite. The panels with inscriptions havo now been placed in position. On the side lacing Parliament, Buildings the panel hears these words: "This monument is dedicated by Parliament and the peo|>le of Now Zealand to tho liiouiory of Richard John -Seddon, P.C., LL.D., Prime Minister Imm 189 ato 1906. Born at, Eccleston lfill, Lancashire, 1810. Died at s«<a June 10th, 190G, lat. 11J1.0.j S., long.! 101.08 E. 'He rests from his labors, and his works do follow him.'—Rev. \iv. 13." On the southern side the •ascription reads: "Richard J. Seddon entered Parliament for Westland in 187;), and represented that, district continuously until his death in 1906. He had the rare distinction during his Pur. liamentary career of holding successive-! ! v most of the portfolios of the Crown, [lie first being that of Mines, to which 10 was appointed in 1801. He becamu Prime Minister in 18i)3. His last message on embarking at Sydnev for his 'ionic in New Zealand was, 'Leaving totighi for Cod's own country.' " On the I inakori Hills side is tin.' inscription : "A strong and resolute personality with ■ndomitabli! will enabled Richard John Seddon to carp- out the humane and progressive legislation which charaeter'sed tlie thirteen years of his administration. In him Ihe most loftv qualities of an eminent Imperial statesman were united with wide human sympathies and warm affections of 'the 'leait; he lived and died honored by bis King and country." 011 the front, "icing Karori, is the plain word in gold loitering, "Seddon ''