THE PREMIER.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4636, 15 April 1902, Page 7

THE PREMIER.

DEPARTURE FOR LONDON. Tho Premier left Wellington yesterday evening in tho troopship Drayton Grange on tho first stage of his voyage to Loudon, where he will bo present at tho King’s coronation, and attend a conference which is to bo held subsequently on matters of Imperial concern. It is a coincidence worth noting that just live years havo elapsed since Mr Seddon left. Wellington to attend the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in the Empire’s metropolis. He sailed hence in the Government steamer Tutanekai on tho 15th April, 1897, in tho teeth of a howling gale, on route to Auckland, whoro he joined the ’Frisco steamer Alameda two days later. The party on that occasion consisted of Mr and Mrs Seddon, Miss Seddon (now Mrs Morioe), Miss M. S. Seddon, and Mr W. Crow (private secretary). After making tho circuit of tho globe, the Premier returned to Wellington ou the Bth September of the same memorable year, tho day on which tho Diamond Jubilee Contingent came hack by a direct steamer.

Tho party which went away yesterday in flue weather and under very happy auspices was composed of Mr and Mrs Seddon, Miss Seddon, bliss May Seddon, Mr and Mrs E. Dyer, and Mr F. T. Thomson (private secretary). Tho steamer also carried tho North Island battalion of the Tenth Contingent. There was thus a double incentive for a largo crowd to gather to see the vessel off, and by five o’clock, the hour fixed for her to leave, the outer tee of tho Queen’s "Wharf was packed with people to the number of several thousands. At twenty-five minutes past five the Premier and Mrs Seddon drove on to the wharf in an open carriage. On their way through the city they received many cordial farewell greetings. A halt was made in front of the General Post Office, where the Premier addressed a few words to the people assembled there. On dismounting from the carriage he had about twenty yards to walk to a shed, from one of tho doors of which there was access to the ship’s gangway. As he walked along, with his head hared, hands were stretched out on every side for him to shake, and ho had to respond to many expressions of good-will. In the shed quite a large number of persons said good-bye to him. Cheers followed him up the gangway. Ho went aboard at half-past five, and tho Drayton Grange at once moved out into the stream. From the end of tho captain’s bridge the Premier viewed the animated scene, and listened to the cheers from the wharf, some of which were for himself and others for the troops. , . ~ All tho members of tho Ministry said good-byo to their chief on the troopship. They were in some cases accompanied by their wives and families. Lady Ward presented Mrs Seddon with a choice bouquet. A large number of ladies and gentlemen took the last opportunity of wishing tho Premier and tb party a pleasant and prosperous voyage, aud a safe return.