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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 80a

Special Congratulatory Telegrams, — Sent to the Rt. Hon. the Premier and read to the Meeting

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Special Congratulatory Telegrams,

Sent to the Rt. Hon. the Premier and read to the Meeting.

From the Rt. Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Seddon, Wellington.

Congratulations on completion of 10 years' arduous service as Prime Minister of New Zealand. My best wishes for many years of life and happiness to yourself and for continued prosperity to New Zealand.

Chamberlain, London.

From the Rt. Hon. Charles C. Kingston, P.C., Federal Minister of Customs, Australian Commonwealth.

Rt. Hon.

R. Seddon

, Wellington.

Hearty congratulations, on 10 years' Premiership.

C. C. Kingston

, Newcastle.

From Hon. Sir John See, Premier of New South Wales.

Hearty congratulations on attainment of your 10 years' Premiership and all good wishes from self and colleagues.

John See,

Premier, Sydney.

In addition to the above over three hundred telegrams and letters were received by the Chairman of the Meeting, the Chairman of the General Committee and the Secretary from the citizens of each City of the Colony, from many branches of the Liberal and Labour Federation, and various Trades Unions and other Societies, congratuiating the Rt. Hon. the Premier or apologising for not being able to be present.

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Mr. Seddon At Home.

Mr. Seddon At Home.

Left to right standing—Mrs. Morice, Master Stuart, Miss May, Captain Seddon, Miss Seddon, (Mary Stuart), Master Tom.

Left to right sitting—Mrs. Dyer, Mrs. Seddon, The Rt. Hon. The Premier, Mrs. Bean.

In fore-ground—Miss Rubi Seddon.

(Photo by Hermann, Wellington)

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The Seddon Cabinet, 1903.

The Seddon Cabinet, 1903.

Left to right. Standing—Hon. T. Y. Duncan, (Minister of Lands and Agriculture)

Sitting—Hon. C. H. Mills, (Commissioner of Trade and Customs).

Hon. James Carroll (Native Minister and Commissioner for Stamp Duties.)

Hon. W. C. Walker, C.M.G., Minister for Education and Immigration)

Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, P.C. L.L.D., Premier, Colonial Treasurer, Minister of Defence and Labour.

Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, K.C.M.G., Minister for Railways, Industries, Commerce and Public Health, Colonial Secretary, Postmaster General and Commissioner of Electric Telegraphs.

Hon. W. Hall-Jones, Minister for Public Works and Marine.

Hon. Jas. McGowan, Minister of Justice and Mines.

(Hermann Photo.)

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(Editorial from The New Zealand Times, May 4, 1903.)

There is in connection with the "record Premiership" of New Zealand one fact more remarkable than the long, unbroken tenure of the office, and that is the constant and unshaken regard of the people for the man upon whom they have conferred the highest position in their gift. The secret of this is not far to seek. Mr Seddon is himself a son of the people; he has shared their toils, their difficulties, their thoughts; hence he has been quick to appreciate their needs and desires, prompt, energetic and skilful in giving effect to their wishes in his legislativo and administrative acts There has thus been set up a bond of perfect sympathy between Premier and people, which no amount of detraction has destroved, and which all the efforts of keen political opponents have heen unable to weaken. The demonstration of Saturday evening in the Opera House was a spontaneous and unmistakable tribute to a staunch de mocrat—a New Zealand patriot first and an Imperialist after—from a public that has watched his career without any of the glamour and enchantment lent by distance. It has been the fashion in some quarters to allege that whatever might be Mr Seddon's popularity in other centres, the people of Wellington had lost or were losing faith in him as their political leader. The enormous and enthusiastic meeting in celebration of his ten year's' Premiership constitutes a triumphant reply to this statement. It was a "record" recognition of a "record" achievement, and was a striking proof that our democracy is not so "fierce and fickle" in its treatment of representative men as is sometimes asserted to be the case. It was a demonstration in every way worthy of the great occasion, and while no doubt gratifying to Mr Seddon, it reflects credit upon those who took part in it, proving that popular gratitude is no myth, but that, on the contrary, the public are ready to give all honour and recognition to those who labour for the good of the State. The complimentary speeches delivered and the formal address presented were all excellent in tone, and Mr Seddon's reply was marked by dignity, self-restraint and good taste. In the recital of the progressive measures passed into law, aud of the splendid prosperity enjoyed by New Zealand during the past ten years, there was not the slightest trace of undue adulation or of vainglorious boasting, nor was there a jarring note struck to wound the susceptibilities of those who may differ from the political principles to which Mr Seddon has shown such consistent adherence. The plain facts, as set forth, are, indeed, more eloquent and convincing than any amount of panegyric could have proved; and the best testimony to the connection between the legislation and the prosperity is the knowledge that nearly every one of the progressive measures was, when first introduced, denounced on many hands as likely to bring financial difficulties and other troubles upon the colony, while now these measures are praised by those who formerly opposed them. A notable feature about the gathering was the reading of the congratulatory messags to the Premier from the Right Hon, Joseph Chamberlain. This was an official recognition of Mr Seddon's Imperial Services, and formed the complement of the popular demonstration. Liberals all over New Zealand, and, indeed, all who love their country and desire to see it prosper, will rejoice that the people of Wellington have so worthily celebrated the ten years' Premiership, and so enthusiastically honoured the man whose steady hand has steered tiie ship of State during a decade of unexampled progress. We cordially wish Mr Seddon many more years of labour as the People's Premier.

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Printed by the New Zealand Times Company, Ltd., Lambton Quay, wellington.

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Photograph of R. J. Seddon on a pennant