TERRY WYNN, Labour MEP for the North West set out on a fact finding mission during a recent visit Down Under when he discovered that a key chapter of New Zealand's early political history has links stretching back to St Helens... while Terry himself made his own contribution to strengthening that country's ties with Europe.

Terry had been invited to give a lecture on "The Future of Europe and Its Connections with New Zealand" at a new Centre for European Studies at Christchurch University, which admits approximately 200 students a year.

Terry took time out to visit the commemorative plaque to Richard John Seddon, the "outrageous" former prime minister of New Zealand and "common man" from St Helens, who was the founder of a populist style of leadership in New Zealand.

Richard John Seddon was born at School Brow in Eccleston on June 22 1845 and attended the local Eccleston Grammar School, where his father was headteacher and where he gained a reputation as an 'unruly boy'.

Between the age of 12 and 14 Richard worked at his grandfather's farm at Barrow Nook and later spent time as an apprentice at the engineers and ironfounders, Daglish and Company in St Helens, before emigrating to Australia to try his luck in the goldfields.

But after failing to make his fortune, Seddon and his Australian bride, Louisa, left for the west coast of New Zealand in 1869, where he soon gained a name for himself as an athlete and fighter and became renowned for his ability to settle matters - using his fists.

Seddon gradually worked his way up to become the first mayor of Kumara and began to focus on a career in Parliament. In 1892 he took over the post of acting premier and after a series of ministerial positions became prime minister a year later.

But in spite of his leading role, Seddon continually faced ridicule for his strong St Helens accent, his lack of sophistication and accusations that he was only "partially civilised". But his ability to identify with the common man became a major asset for Seddon and his party.

During his time as prime minister he focused on the building of workers' dwellings, which was strongly influenced by municipal housing schemes at home and he also demonstrated a concern for teachers, which was reminiscent of his parents.

In later life Seddon sometimes behaved outrageously, eating and drinking without moderation. Weighing nearly 20 stone, Seddon was fond of dancing and singing, but Seddon's popular image was largely due to his simple and uncomplicated political philosophy and his skill in handling crowds and meetings.

Richard died in June 1906 from a heart condition and after his death, he became a symbolic figure for his humanitarianism and his boisterous imperialism.