THE COLONIAL TREASURER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 138, 13 June 1893, Page 8

THE COLONIAL TREASURER.

BANQUET AT INVERCARGILL (BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESB ASSOCIATION.)

Inveecargill, this day.

I The Colonial Treasurer was banquefcted at Fortrose, 60 miles from Inveroargill, last' night. Over 100, chiefly farmers, from all parta of the district were present. Great enthusiasm was displayed. Replying to tho toast of the evening, Mr Ward said he regarded the labour legislation as a great rovolution taking place throughout the world, and said that any government who wished all classes to live in amity must legislate to enable all properly to work out their destinies. The interests of no class had been more studied than those of the farmers. Mr Richardson's recent statement was not in accordance with facts. Thau gentleman advocated another loan. Speaking on behalf of the Government, he eaid nothing would ba more suicidal than to go on the foreign money market, and he did nob believe electors would sanction it. Aay amount of money was procurable in tho colony at four per cenb, and, while the Government recognised the importance of the Ekefca-huna-Woodville and Otago Central Railways, they intend to do a fair thing to every part of the colony with the means at their command. The task of allocation was difficult, but they had faced the difficulties before and would again. Replying to the statement thab mostly clerksand shopkeepers had been placed on land, he quoted a return showing that the great bulk were farmers, sons of bushmen'and labourers. Co-operative work and the Labour Bureau had contributed in a l&rge degree to the preeonb satisfactory condition of Now Zealand, as compared with the glufctud labour market of the Australian colonies, which were now following New Zealand's example. The Treasurer returned to town at 4.30 this morning. Previous to the banquet, a meeting was held at which a motion was carried advocating the prosecution of the Seaward Bush railway, and expressing confidence in the Government.