MR SEDDON'S WARNING.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LV, Issue 8612, 20 November 1906, Page 5

MR SEDDON'S WARNING.

Like a voice from the grave comes this letter from the late Mr Seddon to a correspondent, by whom it has been given to the London Standard. It deals with Great Britain's responsibilities in the South Pacific, and her wasted opportunities. Under date March 22nd of this year, Mr Seddon wrote to his correspondent as follows : —

" The Pacific Islands question is of paramount importance. Under the altered conditions now existing, which in the future will be greatly changed, to the advantage of other nations, by the construction of the Nicaragua and Panama Canal, numbers of industries will be greatly all'ected. In fact, it is difficult to grasp the momeutous issues involved. Unless British statesmen grasp the situation, and provide therefor, they will find in years to come the weak spot. They will discover that the most deadly blow will be struck at our Empire in the Pacific itself.

" The Japanese have stopped the Russians in the East, and what is going to happen in the West, who can tell ? It is ever well to be prepared. With industries crippled and food supplies stopped, the people in the heart of our great Empire will be in a bad way. It is not too late for action. Prevention is better than cure, and we must be up and doing. If our kindred at home do their part, then the self-governing colonies will not fail when the occasion arises. Meantime, wherever possible, the British flag should float over the Islands of the Pacific."

Commenting editorially on this letter, the Standard observes that Mr Seddon's single aim was to ensure and to maintain what he believed to be the true prosperity of his own country and of the Empire at large. " That is the mark of the statesman. He was a great Democrat and a great leader. He left a record behind him of good work accomplished such as no Minister of Great Britain has shown these many years past; and not the least of his bequests is the warning which we publish to-day. We have still time, not to retrieve losses, indeed, but to make good our position, and wisely to prepare for

events."