A TRIBUTE FROM MR MASSEY.

Colonist, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11668, 2 July 1906, Page 1 (Supplement)

A TRIBUTE FROM MR MASSEY.

Auckland, June 12. Mr Massey, .Leader of the Opposi- \ tion, on being seen yesterday by a representative of tbe "New Zealand Herald," said:— "l don't thick that , I ever received such a shock as I ex- j perienced on receiving telegrams notifying nift of the Premier's startlingly sudden death. Only this morning I had received a cable j from him to the effect that all was i well, and that he was leaving by the Os vestry Grange and would arrive in Auckland on Thursday morning. , I am glad to think now that though ! we were strong political opponents we were never personal enemies. | Mr Seddon has died in harness, at j the zenith of his powers, and of him it may he, said .that 'a great man

has fallen this day in Israel.' He has passed away, our differences are over, and 1 can honestly say that outside members of hi« family, to whom in their bereavement I extend my utmost sympathy,* tbe re are Itew who will regret Mr Seddon's death more sincerely than I do. Aa a matter of fact, while Mr Seddon was a good fighter and a hard hitter, there was pometbirj£ about him which always commanded respect and admiration, even, of his opponents. I knew him well : I have watched him closely for the last 12 years; I differed from bum on many points: I have crossed swords with him on many occasion:,: but,, if 1 were asked to say who in jny opinion was the ablest man that ever took part in tbe Colony's legislation? who was the greatest man that ever occupied the position of v Minister of the Crown in this Colony? my answer to both questions, and without any doubt or hesitation, would J be — 'Richard John Seddon.' " j