THE SEDDON MEMORIAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6177, 8 April 1907, Page 3

THE SEDDON MEMORIAL.

(To tho Editor “N.Z. Times.’’) Sir, —I have perused in your issue of tho Ist insi. what is evidently pur. ported to bo a reply to my letter criticising certain remarks of Air E. J. Lo Grovo at a meeting of tho Seddon Memorial Committee, and, whilst I enjoyed tho reference to Don Quixote, and endeavoured to devour some of the obsolete claptrap indulged in, I regretted to observe that the fundamental point involved had been pur-, posely evaded, which necessitates mo again requesting Air Lo Grovo to re. ooacilo his statement to tho committee with that contained in His letter to tho Trades and Labour t C'ouncil, also with his remarks when addressing tiio Council. If that cannot bo done then it is quite evident that tho reference in his letter along with his designation of tho Council when addressing it was merely a halt to induce tho delegates to endorse tho view ho so eloquently ’and affectionately placed before them. Without divulging details of the business it may be mentioned that on tho night in question I presided over tho Council deliberations, and I can say without fear of truthful contradiction that only one amendment was moved, an- not several as stated by Mr j-0 Grove: it can also be similarly asserted that between tho putting of tho amendment and tho original motion no delegate left tho room, although two did prior to the amendment going to the vote. Coming now to the principle involved, there is no man connected with tho labour party, that 1 am aware of, who is adverse to doing something in tho direction of perpetuating the memory of tho Into Mv Seddon, but whilst that is so tho leaders and a largo majority of the rank and file are altogether opposed to that perpetuation taking tho shape of a statue such as advocated by Mr Le Grove, on tho ground tliat such would bo of no pubic benefit, but merely a waste of money, such as tho £15,000 voted by •‘'ho Government some few years ago towards tho erection in London of a statue of tho lato Queen Victoria. If tho committee will place something of .i tangible, practical, and beneficial nature before tbo Trades Council and unionists generally. I am satisfied it will receive their favourable considers, tion. In conclusion I am asked if the Council represents the feeling of tho unionists in this matter; and it is also asserted that if tho answer be in tho affirmative I grossly malign them. If Mr Lo Grovo will refresh His memory he will realise that some time ago tho committee forwarded a circular letter to each union in the city, in which they were asked to take the matter up and gather subscriptions towards a memorial. So far as I am aware, and I think 1 can claim to have a reasonable knowledge, not one single union has responded to tho call; this is my answer to Air Lo Grove.—l am, 0t °'’ W. T. YOUNG, Secretary Federated Seamen and Tramway Unions. Wellington, April sth, 1907.