ID Number106658
NameSEDDON Richard John
Family NameSEDDON
Plot8001
CemeteryChurch of England
StatusExisting Grave
Location on the Modern Grid MapE04 01
Inscription on TombstoneA strong and resolute personality with indomitable will enabled Richard John SEDDON to carry out the humane and progressive Legislation which characterised the 13 years of his administration. In him the most lofty qualities of an eminent imperial statesman were united with wide human sympathies and warm affections of the heart. He lived and died honoured by his King and Country. Richd. J. SEDDON entered Parliament for Westland in 1879 and represented that district continuously until his death in 1906. He had the rare distinction during his parliamentary career of holding successively most of the portfolios of the Crown, the first being that of Mines to which he was appointed in 1891. He became Prime Minister in 1893. HIs last message on embarking to Sydney for his home in New Zealand was "Leaving tonight for God's own Country". (-J. Campbell, Architect. H.Poole, Sculptor, W.H.Edwards & Son, Builders.-)
Description of GraveSituated at the end of Kinross Street, beside the entrance to the upper cemetery, this is a very prominent memorial. The family tomb is beneath the tall, imposing monument which has a statue (representing 'Zealandia', the State in mourning) sculpted by Henry Poole and cast by Alessandra Parlanti in London. The grave is surrounded by an iron railing with gates.
Date of Death or Burial*10 Jun, 1906
Public Cemetery Register Number
Type of Record Burial
Age61
SexMale
BiographyRichard John SEDDON was born in 1846 and died on board the 'Oswestry Grange', returning from Sydney on 10 Jun 1906. He was Premier and then Prime Minister from 1893 to 1906. Biography Available at http://www.dnzb.govt.nz/dnzb/ "Dictionary of New Zealand Biography".