THE FRIEND OF BALLANCE.

New Zealand Graphic, 27 June 1906, Page 31

THE FRIEND OF BALLANCE.

At this period, one of the many friendships which Mr. Seddon, had formed during his public life began to play an important part in his fortunes. He had always been a faithful and consistent supporter of the Liberal party, having followed in succession all the recognised leaders who had directed its policy during his political career—Sir George Grey. Mr. -James Macandew, Mr. Montgomery, Sir Robert Stout—and he was now to fight under the banner of Mr. Ballanee. His first meeting with Mr. Ballance dates back to about 187<5, before he was a member of the House. Few people have ever known how near Westland came to losing its great statesman in "the seventies." About 1876, Mr. Seddon, in spite of his strong attachment to the Coast, had almost persuaded himself that he eould see better prospects for himself and his family in the North: and he even went so far as to make a trip to Wellington province to see the country, and. if possible, find a suitable spot for a home, and on this journey he first met Mr. Ballance. But we may let Mr. Seddon tell the story of his introduction to his future chief in his own words: “I had gone up through the Manawatu," he once told an interviewer, •’visiting Palmerston and going on to Wanganui on the look-out for a likely place to settle in the North Island. I was greatly impressed with Mr. Ballance, and our friendship dated from our first meeting, when I conceived a great liking and respect for him, which lasted until his death. I felt that in him I had found a kindred spirit. His views then were far in advance of the times. I looked upon him as an advanced thinker, and closer acquaintance and after experience proved him to be such a man. Subsequent to our first meeting. I met him frequently, sometimes as ■ deputationist from the West Coast to a Minister, for Mr. Ballanee held a portfolio in the Grey Cabinet. When I went into the House Mr. Ballanee and I became very close friends. When he was Leader of the Opposition he often put me forward to lead attacks against the Government, and he nearly always Toted with me on the things I brought forward in the House in my private capacity.” The two men had indeed much in common. They were both honest, courageous, and public-spirited; they were both inspired by a genuine enthusiasm for what we now call progressive Liberalism. As Mr. Seddon has said, Mr. Ballance was. as regards political opinions and social ideals, far in advance of his age: and that was one of the many reasons that compelled him to wait so long for an opportunity of carrying out his purposes. Mr. Ballance and Mr. Seddon were further united by the tie that always binds men inost closely together: a common experience of defeat and disaster. They had both been compelled to stand by and watch an impracticable and visionary leader make shipwreck of the hopes of their party. Together they had shared the humiliation and the impotence which was for many years the lot of Liberalism. Together they had watched the "turning of the tide," the slow but irresistible movement of public thought and feeling in the direction of Liberal aims and ideals; and now they were io stand side beside in the front ranks of the victorious party, carried forward by the overwhelming impulse of popular confidence and national feeling to the high place from which it had been so ignominiously hurled.