Mr Seddon.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXXVII, Issue 11733, 10 September 1902, Page 5

Mr Seddon.

AN -ENTHUSIASTIC SEND-OFF. MR SEDDON'S OPINIONS. Press Association-—Telegraph—Copyright. 'Received September 9, 11.6 p.m. LONDON, Septemebr 9. Mr Chamberlain wished Mr Seddon to convey his best thanks to New Zealand. He would never forget the colony's service in South Africa. His parting with Mr Seddon was most friendly.

The Mayor welcomed Mr Seddon at Plymouth.

Interviewed after his farewell speech, Mr Seddon stated that he had enjoyed his visit splendidly. The generous hospitality had he'iped him to bear the terrible anxiety caused by his wife's illness. He did not intend to go up country in South Africa. The Imperial Conference was fairly satisifactory, though not Imperialistic enough. Representatives and members of Parliament exhibited a strange nervousness, and hadl great objection to make progress in regard to any question. A permanent Consultative Colonial Council, on the lines of the Indian Council, ought to be appointed. He strongly urged Mr Chamberlain, as a British statesman, to visit the .colonies. A league ought to be formed to direct British immigrants to the colonies. War ought to be declared against combine* in order to avert future disaster. He had strongly pressed for the representation of the colonies upon a Commission of Inquiry into tho war. Ho anticipated that the new Governor would make changes iv Fiji which would improve the conditions of the natives. He advised Queensland and the Pacific Islands to grow cotton after studying American methods. He strongly advocated that British arid colonial newspapers should pass post free throughout the Empire.

The Seddons travel as guests of the New Zealand Shipping Company. They had an enthusiastic send-off at the docks, a great crowd being present.