PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN SEDDON

New Zealand Mail, 5 February 1902, Page 57

PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN SEDDON

Prior to bis departure with the Eighth Contingent, Captain Seddon was made the recipient of a handsome revolver bearing the following inscription:—“Presented to Captain R. J. S. Seddon, Commanding B Squadron, Eighth Contingent, by his Father's Colleagues in the New Zealand Government.” The Hon J. Carroll, in making the presentation, complimented the recipient on the way he had already acquitted himself as a lieutenant of the Fourth and subsequent contingents. He would, he felt sure, assist those who were either at the front or about to go there in maintaining the good name that New Zealanders had made for themselves since they took a share s of the Empire’s burdens; and further he was convinced that Captain Seddon would preserve the traditions of the family of warriors from which he had sprung. He wished him every success in the important position he was filling, and a safe return to the land of his birth! In thanking the Ministers for their kindness, Captain Seddon said that he appreciated the gift all the more because it was quite unexpected. He would always treasure it as a token of their esteem and goodwill, and assured them that whenever he had occasion to use the revolve?, it would bo in the defence of what was right and-just. The Hon W. C. Walker, in proposing the health of the Premier, complimented him on having a son so ready to respond to tho Empire’s call. His relatives must feel the parting for a second time very much, but he was quite sure the sacrifice was willingly and cheerfully made. The Premier said that it was with a struggle that Mrs Seddon and he were parting with their son for a second time. The experience he had gained in former campaigns should stand him in good stead. Ho counselled him ami other officers to be careful in the disposition of their men, to see that their outposts were well placed, and to choose the most vigilant for such positions. It should be an officer’s constant desire to study the welfare of his men, for if he did this he would command their respect and get the best results. The attacks of the future would be surprise ones. Officers should therefore always bo on their guard against these. In concluding his remarks, Mr Seddon said that in thus honouring his son, his colleagues had honoured him, and he thanked them for

their mark of appreciation of his son’s Duncan a Jfe 3 , McGowan? Sedd“a s“ces? ’ " ISO ' rislied