The West Coast coalmining settlement of Seddonville, 50 kms north of
Westport, was named in honour of the Liberal Premier Richard
Seddon. It was also the site of an early experiment in state
socialism – New Zealand's first state coal mine opened there in 1903.
After John
Rochfort discovered fragments of bituminous coal in a river north of Westport in 1859, the
search was on for accessible coal seams that could be mined.
Premier Richard Seddon sleeps at the Table of the House while the Old-age Pensions Bill is in Committee of the Whole House on the night of 23 September 1898.
Premier Richard Seddon poses in the middle of a group including many of
the residents of Seddonville when he came to open the new Seddonville
State Mine in late 1903.
Liberal Prime Minister Richard "King Dick" Seddon, came from a background as a gold digger, publican, and athlete. He had been Native Minister before his election as premier, and had ended a period of extensive purchases of Maori land.
Premier Seddon visits the terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier in 1905. Seddon was an avowed imperialist and was anxious to promote New Zealand's beauty and identity to the world.
The remodelled grounds hosted many grand public events. The Duke and Duchess of York on their Royal Tour in 1901 arrive at the main entrance of Parliament to be welcomed by Premier Seddon and crowds of onlookers.
