Richard Seddon's Tribute.

Mr. Seddon's affectionate testimony to the work and nobility of his departed chief was expressive also of the popular estimate of Mr. Ballance's character, irrespective of political issues and parties. “He has been a good, true and faithful servant to the colony,” he said. “He was ever generous alike to opponents and friends. He was a wise counsellor and had the entire confidence of those whom he led. I can go further and say that he was loved and respected by all; and I might truthfully say that we shall never see his like again. His life proves that he sought not riches; but what he did seek, and what he obtained, was the goodwill of his fellow-men. His example is one that our young men might wisely follow. To the nook profession of journalism he was an ornament, and the great power at his command was always used in the interest of those around him, and in the interests of the country.”

After Sir George Grey. john Ballance. as James Drummond so accurately says, was Mr. Seddon's political hero. Seddon never tired of speaking of the real greatness and goodness of heart of Ballancc, whose views for the amelioration of the people's lot and in particular the use or the land were so far in advance of other men's.

As was fitting John Ballance was buried with military honours, in the town which he had helped to defend in the days of the Maori Wars, by active service on the near frontier. His comrades, the veterans of the old Wanganui Cavalry, were at the graveside. The whole colony mourned for the chief, taken away in the midst of his labours; but the sorrow of Wanganui was the most acute and profound of all, for in that town John Ballance had spent nearly half his life.