Presentation to Mr and Mrs Seddon.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7354, 23 July 1902, Page 4

Presentation to Mr and Mrs Seddon.

■..(Trass '; __sooi-tti--'.—Copjrt-jht.•• *• - ■ '.'.'■' " Lond.*>-, July 22. Sir Montagu'- Noleoh. 'on"* behalf of i. number of Anglo-New Zoalandors, pro sentod Mr Seddon.with a massive silver centro pieoo, and Mrs Seddon with a diamond ornament, together worth .500, in recognition of Mr Seddon's patriotism and in promoting tho solidarity of the Empire. The subscribers included opponents ol Mr Seddon's domestic policy,, though all wero admirers of his Imperial services. Mrs Scddou was present. Mr Seddon replied that the war had proved the virility, energy, and determination of Now Zealandsrs Ho olaimed that New Zcalanders recognised the dangerous character ol the South African difficulty before the Motherland. He roferrod to the overwhelming character of British hospitality, and was confident that tho future would show the ties of Empiro would become elosor and closer. Ho believed that tho good results of tho Imperial Conteronce would Become apparent uiueb quicker than many suspected. Now Zealand desired to see Great Brit-tin a self contained nation, und loss dependent on foreigners, who -lust allow the British that samo liberty of action which they claimed and exorcised. He considered tho gigantic American trusts a greater danger to Grca' Britain than the gi-"at war. bu if Britain is at onco nroutcd nhc will bu ablet to avert the ovil consequences. New Zca!"nd wou-d be willing 'o concede preferential re ations .o lho Motherland without cxacing any reward, though the Moihorland would bo able by means of subsidies to steamers, and bounties in other ways, to. help tbe colonies.