IN MEMORIAM.- JUNE 10, 1906.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8306, 10 June 1907, Page 5

IN MEMORIAM.- JUNE 10, 1906.

(Contributed by J. Milne.)

It is twelve months since the deplorable news of the passing away of the late Rt. Hon. It. J. beddon, Premier of this colony for thirteen years, threw New Zealand into mourning. Twelve months, and today that great statesman is practically forgotten! Looking back to the times when he, the lather of his people and the champion of the toiler, was in the full bloom of health, to those who were intimate with him, what a flood of memories is awakened —memories apart from political life, but dealing- with. the man personally. It is needless here to give a sketch of his life —his leaving of his native land, arrival in Australia, his adventurous life in the early mining days, his life in New Zealand and particularly the West Coast; then his entry into public life till he at length became first citizen of the colony. It would indeed fill volumes to give a biography such ,as could be written, but there is no doubt he was a great and good man, a true friend, a man naturally a Liberal, a sagacious and shrewd politician, a man devoted to his family. Is it any wonder that he was loved by all? He was in all probability the most accomplished master of men the colony ever knew. For close on thirty years he stood in the white light of Parliamentary life, and at his death his political opponents vied with his friends in bearing testimony to his blameless life and spotless honour.

His love for the country of his adoption overcame him, and he gave up nis life for it at the crown and summit of his career, when his fellowmen seemed united in their love and reverence for him, and when the happiest and most peaceful years of his life seemed to await him. He died in harness, toiling for the sake of his people, and although to-day he is not with us he is remembered as having worked to keep New Zealand ever in the foreground, to bring about a united Australasia and to consolidate the Empire. Yet think of his career! Can such another instance of a man so raising himself by sheer force of character above his "birth's invidious bar" and above the mockery and derision of his early career, that his visits to distant countries moved rulers and thrilled cities?

He is missed to-day as a _ useful, practical working force. He is missed because of his broad humanity, which was above sect or party. He was indeed a humanist, and humanism marked his whole career. He is missed for his constancy to old friends. So is he remembered in the hearts and minds of those who loved him. His name shall go down to posterity for his clever wielding of the reins of Government, which undoubtedly placed the colony on a sound footing. Yet I think of Gray's words: — Can storied urn or animated bust Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath ? Can Honour's voice provoke the silent dust ? Or Flatt'ry soothe the dull, cold ear of death? and recognise that no biography, no monument can remind us of our dead friend more than his own ever-reach-ing sympathy and broad humanitarianism. This is the monument which will live longer and serve better ends. Sleep on, dear friend I Thou are at rest. Thou art not forgotten. Palmerston North, 9th June, 1907.