FAILING HEALTH.

New Zealand Graphic, 27 June 1906, Page 45

FAILING HEALTH.

On Friday, June Bth, the Seddon party left Melbourne by express, reaching Sydney on Saturday. We are now approaching the great catastrophe which so abruptly and unexpectedly closed the earthly career of the man whoso record we have endeavoured, however inadequately, to set before our readers. And to make the circumstances that surround the final tragedy in any way intelligible, we must dwell for a short time upon the cause that cut short so disastrously our Prcmier’a tireless and patriotic labours. For the past two or three years it had been an open secret that Mr. Seddon’s health was failing under the relentless pressure to whieh his inexhaustible energy of will ceaselessly exposed it. “Mr. Seddon," says the ‘"Otago Daily Times,” was always vigorous, but his friends have for long been fearful that the tremendous amount of work he took upon himself would ultimately prove too much for his constitution, strong as that undoubtedly must have been. In 190» the first signs of physical weakness were made manifest, and Mr. Seddon’s condition was such as to cause anxiety for a time. He, however, recovered, and entered even more vigorously than ever into the turmoil of politics. About three years ago a recurrence of the weakness necessitated a complete rest, and Mr. Seddou, with Dr. Valentine, went for a cruise in the Hinemoa. How far this was effectual no one casr tell. During his last two sessions there appeared to be but little diminution in the Premier's power of debate, whilst his publie speeches increased rather than diminished in number and force. In March of this year, Mr. Seddon had another attack of weakness, and, to recuperate, took a voyage down to the Chathams. He seemed to be his old self again on his return to New Zealand, and between. that time and his departure for Australia on May 12. delivered an exceptionally large r.r.iuber nt political addresses in various parts of the colony.”