SOCIAL TO MR SEDDON, M.P.

West Coast Times, 19 June 1912, Page 3

SOCIAL TO MR SEDDON, M.P.

PitESENTATTON OF AX ILLUMINATED ADDRESS. A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING. There was a good attendance at the Westland Opera House last night when the supporters of Mr. T. E. Y. Scddon entertained him at a social and presented him with a handsomely framed and illuminated address as a mark of their appreciation of his efforts on behalf of the Westland constituency during his six years term in the Dominion Parliament. Mr. G. Perry (Mayor) presided. Among those present on the platform were Mrs R. J. Scddon, Mesdames Morice, G. Perry, J. Bevan, G. J. Roberts and several other ladies, and Messrs M .Pollock, J. Grimmond, T. JJVfcGuigan, M. Fitzgerald and D. J. Evans.

The building was very prettily decorated with mirrors, flags, and evergreens, the work of the Ladies Cunmit tee in this connection being especially artistic. Mr. Seddon occupied a seat to the right of the chairman while Mrs Seddon, who was accorded a hearty reception, on entering the building, was m the latter’s left.

The chairman briefly explained the object of the gathering and referred to the fact that the inclement weather militated against tho attendance, but considering tho circumstances, he felt that Mr. Seddon should bo gratified at the gathering on such a night. Mr. Perry then announced the concert programme which was as follows: Overture: Misses Thompson and Evans; Song: Miss Hyams; Song; Miss Day; Song: Mr. Cadzow; Song: Miss Solomon; Piano Solo: Mrs Cadzow; Song: Mrs A. D. Macfarlano. Dnring an interval Mr. Evans (secretary) read apologies in the following order from the Rev. Mr. and Mrs Bean, Miss Seddon, Mr. and Mrs Dyer, Mrs Knox Gilmer, Dr. Morice, Sir J. G. Ward, Hon. T. Mackenzie (Prime Minister), the Minister of Public Works and Mrs McDonald, Minister of Railways and Defence, Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Justice, Dr. Buck, tho Minister of Mines, Hon. G. Lourenson, Hon. H. G. Ell, Hon. J. Marshall, Messrs D. Buddo, M.P, G Whitty, M.P., Vigor Brown, M.P., T. Wflford, M.P., T. H. Davis, M.P., 11. Hindmarsh, M.P., T. W. Bruce, J. Mandl, J. A. Murdoch, J. Nocolas, Rev. Stewart, F. Williams, Mcsdames Gibson, Campbell, F. Rickards, A. Quinn, O’Callaghan and Miss Wilson. Mr. Evans then proceeded to read tho following address: To T. E. Y. Scddon, Esq., Member for Westland. Sir.—On behalf of your supporters thionghout the extensive Westland electorate, we, the undersigned, desiii to convey to you hearty congratulations upon your third consecutive election to the House of Representatives, We desire more particularly to thank you for your influential advocacy of the requirements of the electorate during your past six years of office as a Member of Parliament, and feel sure that your re-election was but an* appreciative vote for those excellent services.

We also wish to place on record the very hearty approval of the people at your unswerving adherence to the Liberal Party, some of the brightest and best traditions of which are associated with the honoured name of Seddon. -

In Wishing you all -success in the future, we do so in the well-grounded belief that you enjoy the ability to attain a high place in New Zealand’s political field of action. You have a true sense of what is right and proper, irrespective of any passing expediency, and with well-balanced purpose, must exercise an influence for all that is best. We wish you well in that career and we are proud to think that Westland set yon out on the highway to aid the nation’s greatness, and loyally gave you the opportunity to serve in

that sphere where your ever-to-be-re-raembered father did such giant service for his country’s welfare. Again conveying the good-will and esteem of the people spread throughoiii this electorate, and of many West Coasters beyond it, wo beg to subscribe ourselves, oh behalf of your supporters.

(Sgd). M. Pollock, James Malloy, Nominators. Mr. Pollock said he was pleased to see such a numerous attendance to do honour to their representative in Parliament. During the time Mr. Seddo i had represented Westland he had accomplished much that was a credit >o him. Hey could gather from the many wires sent from gentlemen well able to judge as to Mr. Seddon’s merits. Westland was fortunate in having his services placed at their disposal. He trusted ihat their present representative would remain their

member all tho time. The speaker here referred to tho great works accomplished by Mr. Seddon‘s illustrious father and predecessor. The late Mr. Soduon’s efforts combined with those c.f his successor bad been the moans of making Westland more prosperous, and pl.'cing its destines on a firmer basis.

Ho remembered years ago, when the late Mr. Seddon told young men to go on the land. At that time, some twenty years ago, land in Westland could

b; purchased at about 10s per acre. Now it was worth and selling up to from £‘Ui to £l3 per acre. He felt certain that land in Westland would become just as valuable as in any part of Now Zealand. Referring to the reading and bridging which had been constructed, throughout the electorate. Mr. Pollock said* the man they sliou'J D ank for obtaining greater facilities in the way of access to various parts of the country was their member. In this connection the speaker remarked

upon the improvements effected in South Westland. After further con-

gratulating the member for what ho had done Mr. Pollock said he had been associated with election fights for very many years and felt that he should bo retiring from such contests, but as long as a Seddon contested the Westland seat he would, if necessary, crawl out of bed for the purpose of doing the right thing and send him to Parliament. He concluded by expressing the hopo that Mr. Seddon would represent Westland in Parliament as long as ho chose to continue doing so. Mr. Grimmond referred to the occasion when Mr. Seddon was first

hi ought out to contest the seat, and remarked that lie had accomplished c- tn more than was expected of him. In spite of malice and raisrepresenta-

l on their member had shown himself ■o bo a straightforward and honest politician. Mr. Scddon had won his honours and, concluded the speaker, “may he wear them long.” Mr. Duff referred in eulogistic te;ms to the manner in which Mr. Scddon- had represented the constituency and concluded by- saying that they had the right man in the right place. .Mr. Scddon, on coming forward was received with continued applause, s-nno tine elapsing before he was able to proceed. He said there were times when lips failed to express that which was felt in the heart. He desired to convey his warmest thanks to his sup-

porters in Westland for their handsome present and for returning him fi - the third time as member for Westland. His return was a vindication of the Liberalism that had predominated in the Dominion fertile pa-;t twenty years. In speaking of the loyalty and unremitting support of his

friends he referred to the excellent organisation of his side and in this connection he said he could not stand

there before them, as a Member of Parliament, without speaking of it in the very highest terms. He specially singled out Mr. D. J. Evans and declared that while he was in Wellington he had been always confident that matters were going on alright. Mr. Evans had been a friend to him in the truest sense of the word and

lirough his campaign had been

always optimistic and cheerful. Ho went on to state that he was doubly pleased that his mother was present tin evening and was glad she had the opportunity of meeting her old friends (Applause). It was two years since his mother had been among them, and he remarked that he would lose her for a week as she intended going round renewing old acquaintances. Another lady was on tho platform and he was very glad of her presence, that was Sirs Morice. Continuing the speaker said his sister knew some parts of the electorate bcttjef than any man or woman in the district. It would not bo seemly, continued Mr. Seddon, if the

present political crisis was referred to b' him. The Liberal Party’s voting

power would he augmented by Mr. Milford’s recent return to the Dominion. It had been said that the Hon. J A. Millar, Messrs E. Clarke and T. K. Sidey would vote against the Mackenzie Government, but, so far as

he was concerned, this was not true, :n he had made inquiries from authoritative sources. Mr. Seddon dealt at seme len'gth with the necessity ibr reciprocity with Australia and remarkq- that ho had discussed with the Rt. Hon. Andrew Fisher (Premier of the Commonwealth) matters relating thereto. It was his opinion that closer relations in regard to trade would exist in the near future. He also mentioned the necessity of amending the Workers’ Compensation Act in the direction of making it applicable to the dependents cf working men of the latter should be 'n any of the Australian colonies or New Zealand. Coming near home Mr. Seddon said that some dullness was experienced in some industries. Sawmillers along the Otira line had occasion to sometimes complain of dull times, but if representation were made to the Government it would be found that everything possible would be done to improve matters. It would bj announced shortly that the areas held by millers would be extended in order that they might be assisted. The speaker went on to refer to the mining and dairying industries and predicted

that these would flourish in the fu

tore. In regard to dairying possibilities Mr. Seddon instanced what had been accomplished at Kokatahi, Arahura, Hari Hari, Waitaha and Wataroa and what was being done at Totara, Kumara and other places. It would be his endeavour to make the social as pleasant and happy as possible. In regard to the last election they all knew that it had been keenly contested, and he was glad to think that they were, that evening celebrating his third victory. He thanked the ladies and gentlemen who had contributed towards the excellent concert prrgramme. The speaker then went on to say that his political career was noo making an old man of him as some people thought, and he remarked ihat ho did not have a grey hair in his head. He again thanked the people for their loyalty and declared that he would not thank and district for electing him unopposed. His position in Pailiaraent under such circumstances would be invidious whereas on the other hand he was there to prove that a f ter three battles he was still the repiesentative of Westland and that he had got into Parliament on his own. He had found that the contests had brought him closer and closer to the people of Westland and he was proud of his connection with his constit.ien-

I cy. It had been one of prolonged friendship and that bond of friendsaip would grow stronger and stronger and not even death would sever. Mr. Sadden concluded and the gathering gave , Lim a very hearty round of applause. Mr. Pollock then called upon Mr. D. J. Evans to accept, on behalf of Mr Seddon’s supporters, a gift in the form of a purse of sovereigns. Mr. Pollock paid a very warm t.iI;ute to Mr. Evans’s work as secretary cf Mr. Seddon’s election committee, besides eulogising him in ptfier resports. Mi . Evans, replied thanking Hie donors for their unexpected gift. He felt that lie did not deserve all the kind things said of him,- as ho had been ably supported by a band of walling workers. The result of the election lar/ December was the ample reward for him. Anything he had done was for the good of Westland. Ho was net after a billet nor did he wish for on elevated positioil. He considered Mi. Scddon the best man for the district, and it was not out of sympathy that their member was first returned to Parliament. He regarded it as gratitude on the part of the people. Fe would continue to work in Mr. Seddon’s interests as he felt that by doing so he was assisting to send tho right man to Parliament. He said ho wondered what would have happened ; f. they had returned an Independent st last election. They had again solvated Mr. Seddon and he had kept the .Liberal Party in power. The speaker again thanked the people for thoir gift and resumed his scat.

The concert programme was then proceeded with, when the following items wore given:—Song: Mr. Gadzrw; Pianoforte Solo: Miss Aibon Daly; Song: Miss Preston; Song: Miss Solomon; Song: Mr. Ilohorts; Song: Sirs S. Richardson. A number of the items were encored.

.Refreshments were then partaken of and. dancing was afterwards indulged in, the proceedings lasting until a late hour.