FAREWELL TO THE PREMIER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10417, 15 April 1897, Page 3 (Supplement)

FAREWELL TO THE PRE MIE R.

With the object of taking a personal leave of the Premier before the termination of the session of Parliament, the members of both Houses resolved to get up a "social," to congratulate him on his mission to represent) the colony at the celebrations of Her Majesty's record year. This function took place on April 10 in Bellamy's. The Speaker (Sir Maurice O'Rorke) occupied the chair. Captain Russell and a considerable number of the Opposition were present. The committee had resolved that the leave taking should be private, 80 that no detailed report of the speeches can be given, Sufficient, however, has been made public to justify the statement that the gathering successfully fulfilled tin object in view. Nearly all the mombera of the Legislative Council were present with their Speaker. The Opposition found in it) an occasion to recognise the public capacity in which Mr. Seddon was going to Europe. There were one hundred and twenty-eight members of both' Houses present. The usual loyal toasts— Queen," "The Prince of Wales," and "The Royal Family"—were given, and received with all the honours duo. Sir Maurice O'Rorke was entrusted with the toast " The Guest of the Evening."' In proposing Mr. Seddon's health he gave a brief history of his Parliamentary career, and referred to the circumstances of his accession to office and his successs as a Minister of the Crown. The Premier, in returning thanks, mentioned several of the matters outside his more special mission to represent the colony which he intended, to bring before the Secretary of State for the Colonies. These had for their object to facilitate trade between the colonies and dependencies ol the Crown. He said ho would have much communication with the commercial classes, and would tako every occasion to bring before thorn the great necessity there was for rapid transit, tho lowering of freights and passenger fares, and the supply of the great produce markets from New Zealand. He indicated the methods he proposed to employ in order to bring these important subjects before those who would be concerned in the distribution of trade and manufacture throughout the Empire. The leave-taking in this form lasted from eight o'clock to eleven o'clock. Wellinotos, Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. Seddon were entertained tonight at a social, under the auspices of the Women's Social and Political League. There was a large Attendance The Premier, Mrs, Seddon, and Miss ■ Seddon leave by tho Tutanekai for Auckland on Thursday, where they catch the mail steamer for 'Frisco, en route for England. \ Melbourne, April 13. Mr. Seddon has cabled the Acting P. waier. thai he intends to visit) England* . •■'■