THE SERVICE AT THE SYNAGOGUE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13210, 22 June 1906, Page 6

THE SERVICE AT THE SYNAGOGUE.

"GREATER EVEN THAN THE STATES

MAX WAS THE MAX."

A special memorial service was Field at the Synagogue. Rabbi Goldstein officiated, and there was a. fairly large attendance. A mourning prayer was offered, and psalms suitable to the occasion read. Rabbi Goldslain delivered an address upon the lata Premier, who he said had been struck down in the zenith of his power. "Know ye not thai a prince and a great man has this day fallen in" Israel," was an expression the Rabbi thought defined the character and nature of their departed leader. 'The greatness of Mr. Seddon .stood out in yet more bold relief than when lie lived, awl the qualifies in which he excelled shone more brilliantly than ever. The virtues, the manliness thai marked the man, forced themselves into notice with a vividness previously unknown, and overshadowed the faults from which no human being, however great and noble, was five. Friends and foes were unanimous in their tribute of admiration and esteem for his character and achievements. One easily understood that his loss was regretted by his fiercest antagonist' as well as his most ardent follower. They recognised in him one who took an important part in making New Zealand history. They also recognised in him one. endowed with a great mind, a man far-seeing, and capable and ever ready to grasp the psychological moment-,, and use it for what he •considered best; for. the

eoleny. He was tactful ami resourceful, and a staunch, zealous, and active Imperialit*, who grappled unliuiclu'ngly with economic and social problems. He was a . faithful lover of New Zealand" God's own •country"—which he loved with all the intensity of his great mind. In his person were united a combination of qualities rarely found in any one man. He was the guiding spirit and very soul of the Government for 13 years. His ability had been recognised by some of the most notable men in the world. The history of his lite was inseparable - from the history of the colony, upon which he hud left the impress

of life powers-.' - The wisdom of his scheme*■ might be, questioned, but few would question the'.' efficacy -, of his legislation, Which had brought comfort to thousands of lives, : either past or approaching the usual span of life. His educational measures had brought within reach of all tire .secondary schools and the university. The legislation affecting the worker would also'coin-; mend itself to everyone capable of feeling for his fellow men. Tho principle that guided tire late Premier' throughout bis career was '.' the greatest happiness for the greatest number is tho foundation- of morals and legislation." Greater even than the statesman was the man. so full of character, which was tin sole distinction between man and man. They could remember the man, so broad-minded, warm-hearted, generous,, and .sympathetic, who never forgot a friend, however humble. The purity and simplicity of his domestic life was unassailable. Such a character compelled admiration. It the work of a life were to be measured by its moral value, his was priceless. The influence of such a man never died, and the spirit of the Premier Had now entered the "realm of eternal light, enjoying at. God's ri'dit hand the guerdon of a. life devoted to" the highest purpose, that of spreading happiness and comfort among those with whom lie lived.