KING DICK'S SEND-OFF. A National Demonstration.

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 93, 12 April 1902, Page 8

KING DICK'S SEND-OFF. A National Demonstration.

RICHARD John Seddon has every reason to feel proud, elated, and happy. So far, he has not displayed any alarming symptoms of swelled head, but if cranial enlargement did manifest itself there would be some excuse in this case for the rather common malady. He is setting out for Home with peans of praise ringing in his ears. From all parts of the Colony addresses and testimonials, eulogies and panegyrics, have been pouring in upon him until the incense becomes so thick that you could almost cut it with a knife. ♦ • * It is not the fulsome homage of a crowd of sycophants prompted by a lively sense of favours to come. It is the spontaneous ovation of a united people determined to sink all personal differences, springing from domestic politics, in order to honour a statesman who has neglected no opportunity since the Avar began to give strong and practical expression to the ardent patriotism which binds New Zealand to the Mother Country. He has not only voiced the feeling of New Zealand but touched the chords of a national sentiment to which British hearts beat true the wide world over, no matter in what clime they may be settled or by what distinguishing name they be called. ♦ » * Whether Canadian, Australian, New Zealander, or South African, they are all members of the one great State and this war has taught the world the lesson that when the Empire takes up arms its solidarity is so great that every component part falls into line to present a compact and unbroken front. It will ever stand to Mr. Seddon 's signal credit that by voice and example, reinforced by vigorous action, he gave a lead to the other colonies in yielding strenuous support to the Imperial Government just at those crises when its hands seemed to need strengthening most. « * * The demonstration at Christchurch this week, when the Premier was presented with the national testimonial, was unique. To emphasise the complete submergence of party politics, Sir John Hall was chosen to act as chief spokesman. In the days gone by he led, and is still identified with, the party which has denounced Seddonisni and all its works. But in his speech at the presentation he made it quite evident that in this South African business and our duty as citizens of the Empire there is but one opinion and one party m New Zealand. He was also generous enough to acknowledge that Mr. Seddon stood foremost among colonial statesmen in the task of organising assistance for the Empire. Equally emphatic and laudatory was the language used by Mr. G. G. Stead, the managing dnector of one of the most powerful Opposition organs in the Colony. Never before has a political leader m this Colony so completely won the kudos of all parties for his national services. ♦ » » Mr. Seddon takes his departure tomorrow to attend the coronation of his sovereign. At the other end of the world his coming is already heralded by the news flashed across the wires of the honours paid him by his fellow colonists for so aptly expressing their patriotism. In quick succession nine Contingents have been raised and sent to fight for the fiag in South Africa. The tenth is about to depart. It was no mere Jingo-

istic ebullition or expedient in party politics. The Imperialistic sentiment rises paramount now as it did at the outbreak of war, and the Premier leaves us amid every circumstance which can pr. claim that fact. We hope he will survive the honours that await him at the seat of Empire. And A\e expect to find him wearing the same size of hat when he gets back to New Zealand, whether it be as Duke of Paikakariki or plain Dick Seddon.