THE PREMIER AT NELSON.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10263, 4 February 1899, Page 9

THE PREMIER AT NELSON.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.)

NELSON, February 3. The Premier addressed a large meeting to-night. He quoted figures showing the increasing prosperity of the colony, and the relief afforded the bulk of the settlers under the policy inaugurated and carried out by the Liberal party. He anticipated a surplus of half a million, and in view of the increasing railway revenue indicated that as the lines were not regarded as mere revenue-producers, reductions would be made in charges to encourage the producers and benefit the people. He urged that a reduction of freights to the Home markets must take place, and that the Government must assist to that end. He claimed that the shipping companies should be satisfied with moderate profits, and said if they were they had done good service, and merited support in return. Ho indicated a reduction of the inland postage to one penny, though this meant a sacrifice of £70,000. Last year the Postal Dspartment's profit was £35,000, and a reduction must come. He also favoured a penny rate on papers Home, speaking of the many excellent productions and the good they did. Relative to the Local Government Bill, he expressed the hope that it would bo carried next session. Ho spoke at length on old age pensions, instancing the good already being done in creating a feeling of hope, and in relieving from their depressing anxieties the aged settlers who had helped to build up the country. He mentioned frhat some foreigners who .were old colonists, and who -had fought for the country, had never been naturalised, and under the Act were not entitled to a pension; but he promised to rectify this next session. He spoke very fully about the Midland railway, referring to the victories of tho Government en the legal questions at arbitration and in the Supreme Court. He slid if anyone had a claim for damages it was the residents of the localities where the land had been locked up against settlement for over twelve years, with the result that the sons" of farmers had been driven to other jplaces. He said the time had arrived now for the Cabinet to consider the •throwing, open of tne land, and the only quc3tfbn was-wli-_ther this should be done on the authority of the executive, or by Act of Parliament. He twitted the Opposition, and apologised for his surplus being so large. He questioned the wisdom of reducing taxation, as they needed to expend money to improve the colony, and in ways that they should pay for at tne present day; but lie said the question would be carefully considered by the Cabinet. The Premier was frequently loudly applauded, and at the close of his address was accorded votes of thanks ahd confidence, no one opposing. , ' ;