WESTLAND'S GREAT LOSS.

New Zealand Graphic, 27 June 1906, Page 56

WESTLAND'S GREAT LOSS.

A very solemn scene was enacted at the Westland County Chambers. When the Council met the chambers were draped in black, and a large photo, of the late Premier was covered with mourning. Mr. Seddon was a former member of the Council, and the building was the scene of many of his early political fights for roads and bridges to open the back country of his beloved Westland. On a motion of the county chairman, the following resolution was adopted, the members rising in their places to give assent: “On behalf of the people of Westland, the Council expresses its profound feelings of regret at the sudden and untimely death of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, Privy Councillor, th* distinguished Premier of the colony, honoured member of this constituency, and warm-hearted colleague of bygone days; that the Council places on record its very high sense of appreciation of the magnificent services so unselfishly rendered to King and country, during a colonial career of unparalleled brilliancy; and, further, that the Council tenders its most sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved ones, and offers to Mrs. Seddon, the devoted and cherished wife, and beloved family, the deepest respeet of intimate friendship, endeared by pleasant personal intercourse, with th* trust that the Almighty, in His mercy, will give that strength and that peace or mind which will aid and sustain them in so great a domestic affliction.” The Council resolved to ask Mr. H. J. H. Eliott,’ late Under-Secretary for the Mines Department, of Wellington, to represent the county on the arrival of the Oswess try Grange on Saturday, and it was fur-i ♦her decided that if the steamer faeilis tie* permit, the whole Council attend th* funeral at Wellington next week, and. that a respectful request be made for *• delegate from the Council to aet a* pallbearers. It waa decided that all Council work be suspended in the county on th* day appointed for the funeral, and th* ordinary business of th* Council wa*i adjourned uptH jftef th* pheequiea.