A NATIONAL SEDDON MEMORIAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13652, 23 July 1906, Page 4 (Supplement)

A NATIONAL SEDDON MEMORIAL.

CARTERTON. Julv 11. At a public meeting held here 'it was decided to support a New Zealand National Seddon Memorial to be erected in Wellington; that the Mayor of Wellington bo requested to invite each electorate in tho colony to send one delegate to a conference to be held at Wellington at an early date to consider the nature of the memorial"; and that the Government bo urged to set aside the Mount Cook site for a memorial college, such college to be free to students from all parts of the colony who possess the qualifications. Mr Homsby, member for the district, was appointed a delegate to the public meeting on the subject at Wellington to-nitrht. "WELLINGTON. Julv 11.

A public meeting convened by the." Mayor of Wellington was held this evening to consider the question of a memorial to the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon. The meeting was thoroughly representative in character. The Mayor, in openinir \hc proceedings, said those who had differed from the late Premier politically would join with others in seeing that a fitting memorial to him was erected. The Hon. T. K. Macdonald M.UC. then moved—"That a national memorial bo established to perpetuate tho memory of Richard John Seddon, and that the majors and chairmen of all local bodies throughout the colony be invited to join in tho movement." There might, he said, bo a divergence of opinion as to tho form which the memorial should take, but opportunity would be given by the proposed organisation of a National Committee in tlie city of Wellington for everyone's views to be considered. The committee, after considering all proposals, would submit to the people of the colony a, scheme for a memorial and subscriptions.' Personally, he looked upon the proposed scholarships as being very noble. The cost of a statue' in tho Parliamentary Grounds-should be borne by the State. No doubt the colony would for the greater memorial willingly subscribe up to £100,000. -The motion was

seconded by Dr W. E. Collins, supported by other speakers, and carried unanimously. A committee was set up, with power to add to their number, all mayors and chairmen of local bodies to be members. An executive was also appointed, (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, July 11. Tho late Mr Seddon's countrymen from Lancashire are taking but little interest in the proposed scholarship memorial. At ft meeting hold last evening only 13 were present, and, after expressing "regret at the lack of enthusiasm, the meeting was adjourned sine die. The general public meeting in the Town Hall to-night was equally disappointing. At 8 p.m., the hour of meeting, only some 22 peoplfl had assembled. A few strolled in afterwards, but with such a poor meeting there could, of course, bo little enthusiasm. The Major, in opening tho meeting, said that no doubt the whole city would join in attempting to place before the people of Now Zealand those characteristics in the late Mr Seddon's character in regard to which there was no divergence of opinion, so that even those who differed from/him on many matters might join with others in doing honour to 'ho;e characteristics, and make a memorial filling for the occasion. Committees were set up with this object. The 'general consensus of opinion seomed to be in favour of Mr Tripp's travelling scholarship scheme, which I outlined in my telegrams some time ago. I am given to understand that the Premier also favours such a scheme. Nothing definite, however, has as yet been decided. It is hoped, however, that a scheme of this nature would bo liberally subsidised by Parliament.