MR SEDDON AT A PICNIC.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10304, 11 March 1905, Page 4

MR SEDDON AT A PICNIC.

In au account of the Oddfellows' picnic at Auckland, tlie New Zealand Herald says : — Mr Seddon was on the ground, and he was m the merriest of moods. His reception was far from regal, but it was genuinely hearty. In more ways than one Mr Seddon has shown himself to be a consummate lightuiug-change ar tist, but on Saturday afternoon he left the Prime Minister m Auckland, and assumed the character of the Patriarch, wliich suited him to a nicety. When it was learned that Mr Seddton was to deliver a. speech at the picnic, the announcement was received with mixed feelings. "He can't resist an audience of 14,000 people," said one cynic. "Out of place," said another. "They'll have no time for politics," said) vet another. Here the critics were at sea. They liad forgotten Mr Seddon's marvellous versatility. Almost the first person lue met on reaching the ground) was Mr W. F. Massey, the leader of the Opposition. There was a cordihl greeting, which was warmly reciprocated. And then followed meetings with other Parliamentary and ex-Parliamentary friends m the persons of Mr F. E. Baume Hon. E. Mitchelson (both of them busy with the sports), Mr Frank Lawiy and' Mr E. G. B. Moss. Mr Seddon's progress was just of. the sort he loves. His memory for faces is remarkable, and he had no difficulty m recognising friends of .30 years and more ago. "Don't you remember me up at the Big Dam, Air Seddon?" asked 1 a grey-bearded admirer. "Of course, I do, my boy," the Premier replied, with his native camaraderie. "Well, how have you beein getting on?" Then there came along, a kilted piper, skirling "The Flowers of the Forest," or some other heather melody. Then the chanter changed 1 the tune, the drones supplied the harmony, and/ a brisk march measure followed, to which Mr Seddon pased with dignity, followed by a crowdl of some hundreds, headed by officials of the Manchester Unity. Mr Seddon, being an Oddfellow, it was not long before the brethren dlecorated liitax with the regalia of the Past Grand, and so he. and they marched to a little knoll, where all but lie sat down, while the Premier delivered a brief address on benefit societies generally, and! Oddfellowship m particular. Still 1 preceded by the piper, Md Seddon walked round tbe grounds, had 1 a cup of tea out of the billy with some friends, and finally moved; towards the jetty, to go on board the Lady Roberts, wliich was lying at the -wharf. Casting his eyes over the great crowd waiting for a homeward! boat, Mr Seddon turned to Captain Moorhouse, of the Lady Roberts, aud asked', "How many can you take, captain?" "About a hundred, sir," came the voice from the bridge. "Well, come along, boys aud girls," shouted) the Premier, "we'll give you a trip back to town," and the Lady Roberts was a full ship m five minutes. When the Premier left, her at Queen street wharf three hearty cheers were given him as he drove away im his carriage.