of New Zealand, and the records of the Empire. Truly an outstanding leader, and one who had the power to sway a people and to bend them to his progressive ideas. From a tireless advocate of ideals and aspirations to one with the power to implement his thoughts and remedies for the ills of the masses, he passed into the highest sphere of his unique record—a humanist. It was on a plea and platform of humanitarian proposals that he passed into Parliament once again in his final appeal to the people, sweeping the polls and holding an impregnable political position, unequalled in the country’s records. It was on that pinnacle of his fame and power, that his life-work ended, and a great worker in the cause of humanity and his race, closed a memorable career, so often still recalled and reflected on for its breadth of vision and soundness of purpose for the common good.
“His birthplace was Eccleston, Lancashire, in June of 1845. He ventured across the seas to the Victorian gold rush, and ultimately found employment in the railway workshops in suburban Melbourne. But only for a brief sojourn, when news of the West Coast goldfield discovery lured him by direct steamer to Hokitika. Then began a most interesting career, as slowly Mr. Seddon began to make his way in the public life of the community. He arrived in 1866, and it is worthy of record
