THE PREMIER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 135, 9 June 1898, Page 5

THE PREMIER.

FKILDINC, May 28.

Speaking at Fowler's, the Premier referred to the Miilaura election as a scut

gained by the Government, ami to the by-elections at Dunedin and Wellington cities as having left the position of

parties the

sunn

as before

liefer

ling to advances to settlers he said ili« amount actually accepted by 5,258 applicants amounted to £1,424,770. The public del.i on March Ist was £44,1)03,424, on which the actual interest paid was £1,0711.(51 1, as against the.interim paid on the public debt in IS'.H of £1,8.51,252.

Dealing with railways he said that the cvi-cii"--. bad increased lo mich an extent

that last year they paid .I,! -1.. Kid percent. on the total money invested in them, which was ihe highest amount they bail ever previously paid, and ywt the Government had made a reduction in freight and pa^jj'nger fares equal to upwards of t'lOU.<.»}'», This showed that the railways were s. soince of' profit.

During the term of ollice of the present Government £1,0i5,000 had been expended on drar road*, tracks, and bridges. The Premier was accQrdcd a unanimous vote ~i thank,-, and confidence iv the

(itn eminent

NELSON, .I rioe <>.

Tin- Premier nddn-.wd a public meeting at Wakefield 'on Snturtlny night. Ills remarks were much on the lines of bis Foilding speech. He referred to the Lands for settlement Art, tin- Advances to Settlers Act, and to (he Mi'..'>ii! mion of the land and income tax for i hi- properly tax as having gained U>r tin- Government undying enmity of some, but a.s having materially contributed to the advance of the colony. Mr Seddon received a unaj'.imous vor«. of thanks and confidence, the large audience rising and cheering him. The Premier spoke after Mr 11. McKen/.ic bad addressed his constituents, and received expressions of confidence. He speaks at Blenheim to-night.

The Premier received a great reception at Blenheim on June ~i where he arrived from Picton. .At seven o'clock he was presented with an address of welcome by tho Mayor and Councillors. Mr Seddon afterwards addio-sed an overflowing audience in the Victoria Hall, many pesple being unable to obtain admission. In tho course of a three hours' speech the Premier defended the policy of the Government and severely criticised the tactics of the Opposition. If thoj-e who opposed the present Government would persist in accusing them of corruption, never proving a single case, he might be tempted to give them such an exposure as would make them regret these charges of maladministration. A resolution expressing appreciation of the valued and distinguished public services rendered to the colony by Mr Seddon, and of confidence in him as Premier and in the Government, was carried by acclamation. Several deputations waited upon the Premier this morning, and a luncheon iv his honor takes place at half-past one in the afternoon. Ho will he driven round the district, and will address a public meeting at Picton to-night.