WORN OUT.

New Zealand Graphic, 27 June 1906, Page 46

WORN OUT.

If ever man died of overwork, it was Richard Seddon. . And painful as this thought is, we must remember that he is by no means the first of our statesmen who has paid this penalty for his public spirit and patriotism. As the “Christchurch Truth” aptly puts it:—“The pity of it is that thia big-hearted leader of a young nation killed himself by his own insatiable craving for work. We sent him to Australia on holiday to recuperate his spent-powers and enjoy the quiet of rest, and we know how he rested. A man of giant physique and iron constitution, he wore out the human machine in the country’s service, and another of the men who have served New Zealand well has died in harness, a victim to the cares of office. Sir Harry Atkinson, Mr. Ballance, Sir John MeKenzie, Mr. Seddon —does not the list constitute a warning to the Democracy that it expects too much of its leaders?” Reflect for a moment on the striking picture that an eye-witness has drawn of Mr. Seddon as he was when he left Sydney. When Mr. Seddon went on board : thc “Oswestry Grange” on Sunday morning he was a worn-out man.. ‘‘The hardest month I’ve ever had!” he said to a companion sitting talking to him in the saloon, “I’m glad it’s over,” he continued, passing his hand over his forehead. “Good-night,!” and he went to his berth. His companion thought even then that he had never before seen human weariness epitomised so clearly on one face. He had drawn, on the well of endurance to its deepest limit. That stalwart iron frame had been weakened by the ceaseless toil of fourteen years, and no longer possessed the recuperative power that was once so strongly predominant. Perhaps the greatest consolation that we can draw from the scene of his death lies in the thdiigbt that now at last he is at rest. “He reposed there, magnificent in his seeming peace, his hands clasped and his brow Without wrinkle. Death came softly to him, touched him with a gentlsf kindness. One thought more of the loving catess, then the icy hand.” "He' them doth now enjoy eternal peace.” It is well indeed with him.' But to us who inourttf bis Toss, the thought inevitably cornea that s'uch *’ sacrifice as we have had to might be avoided. - 1 - ’