The Thames Star. Resurrexi. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1895. THE PREMIER'S HEALTH.

Thames Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 8073, 19 June 1895, Page 2

The Thames Star. Resurrexi. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1895. THE PREMIER'S HEALTH.

There are very few persons? who would not sincerely regret any serious impairment of the Hon. E. J. Sedden's health. A day or two ago a telegram from Wellington intimated that the Premier's health was anything but goad, owing to overwork, hut- it was hoped that a little vest would restore it We hope so too. A good deal depends on the Premier. During the session which will begin in a day or two some very important measures will come before Parliament, and the Hon. R. J. Seddon will require all his mental and physical powers to be at their best. Persons out of the swim of political and Parliamentary life have no idea of the mental aud physical strain there is upon one's constitution. The rank and ; file find it hard enough, but the leaders, and especially the Prime Minister, find it extremely trying. The tension is sometimes so great that the most robust c<?a-

tiution gives way. Although there is nothing whatever to warrant any anxiety about the Premier's health, yet the fact that Sir Harry Atkiuson and the Hon. John Ballance broke down under the strain of the work, is sufficient to necessitate care on the Premier's part, and to deter bis own friends from increasing his burden by worrying him with impatient expectations and frequent reminders of what they want him to do. His own party can lighten the Premier's burden by being sensible, reasonable, and patient. To be wounded in the house of one's friends is very trying; and often! a political leader who can brave the storm and stress of opposition, cannot bear the ingratitude, indifference, and unreasonableness of his own party or friends.

It was said <( Uueasy lies the head I that wears a crown," and with equal truth may it be said of a Premier of a British colony like New Zealand. . Affairs of great magnitude have to be dealt with, and some of them are pregnant with consequences fur much weal or woe t<> the countiy, aud a special weight of resi onsifcility falh upon tbe chief of Cabinet Ministers. Juat as a General or Commanderin-Chief in a campaign, is the centre upon whom converges all criticism and weight of responsibility, a Premier has to bear the principal brunt of a Parliamentary session.

We therefore bespeak for the Hon. R. J. Sedrlon the hearty good'wishes and sympathy cot only of his friends, butt also of all loyal colonists. He has nobly and successfully fought a bard seiiej of battles in the teeth of almost insuperable difficulties. When he took hold of the helm of State the good ship had a ciitical course to sieer, and the Premier's statesmanship h-,s exceeded the best expectations of his friends and disappointed the evil prophecies of implacable political foes. Now that the foundation of a good and progressive policy has been laid, we hope the Hon. E. J. Seddon will so moderate his ardor and so guard his health that he may be spared to complete his good work and place the topstone on the noble edifice amidst the grateful rejoicings of en appreciative people.