TESTIMONIAL TO THE PREMIER.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11244, 9 April 1902, Page 7

TESTIMONIAL TO THE PREMIER.

- ■■■.;■ ■ ——-— » A COLONIAL TBIBUTE. AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHEBING The |eren»ny; of presenting tihe Premier Avjth a testarocmiaZ, on behalf of the colony, took place laeis njgfofc at the Canterbury : KaJl. ?The gathering was one unique in J tfcife annals of New Zealand, and the a*t*ud- ! ance of'tfhe.public and t3ie ccth-usiaam dis--1 played were worthy of the memorable func- ' tdon. The Ttpaciotts building "was crowdJed in every part, and the representative -. I clrarsuaber of the audience showed tia&t all ' classes of the <xjnununfty, and men of all • J shades <tf pdlitic*! opinion, \rere mut«d in i I tie desire to express in some tangible form ; j their wpprecfcrtuon of the Imperial policy ] Jof the Premier of New Zealand. Nor was < jit anereHy a local gathering, for visitors i i tram all part* of the' colony were present ' I among the audience. Seats on the platform. ' had been reserved for representative citizens, and friends of various organisations, while the general public thronged the body of tiie hall. A feature of the gathering was the large attendance of vctunteers in uniform. The Garrison Band, stationed near the stage, played a number of selections between seven amd eight o'olpck. Mr A. E. G. Rhodes (Mayor of CSiristchurch) was c&ainnan, and cm the platform with, him were the Right Hon. the Premier and Mrs SetMon, Sir John Hall, Sir Joseph Ward. I

Hon. W. C. Walker, Hon. J. Carroll, Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes, Messrs Q. G' Stead, T. W. Stringer, T. S. Weston, W. Recce, H. F. Wigrami: — Wigram, R. AEan, I. Gibfes, F. de €. Malet, J. Anderson, E. W..Roper, Son. C. Louisson, M.L.C., Hon. J. IHromey, M.L.G., Mr W. W. Collins, M.'H.R., and Mrs Collins, Mr J. G. Smith, MJH.R., Mr G. Laurenson, M.H.R., end (Mrs Laurenson, Colonel Webb, LieutenantCplonel Bay, Caiptain and Adjutant Hobday, Captain Fasfher, Dr. Levinge, Cr. Sdrensen, Cr. Simpson, Messrs A. Boyle, B. Lane, J. B. Reid, H. Cassidy, J. Oassidy, Rev. W. Bean and Mrs Bean, Messrs W. Rollitt, G. Mdntyre, J. A. Frostick, R. Winter, F. J. Bidmeaide, J. M. iMadd'ison, Gapes, A. D. Dobson, H. R. Smith, W. Barnett, LitchfieW, W. W. Charters, H. B. Kirk, Marciel, Mrs Julius, the Misses Julius, several members of the Victorian Laibour Commission, and a large number of otlher gentlemen and ladies. THE MAYOR'S INTRODUCTION*. The Mayor, who on rising was received with loud applause, said that he was proud as Mayor of Christchurch and Chairman of the Christchurch Branch of the Seddon Testimonial Committee, to preside that evening. The, various , branches right through the colony had asked the Christchurch Committee to act as a central committee and to arrange for the presentation of the testimonial. They were only too' glad to do that, and they had asked their old friend, Sir John Hall, to make the presentation. (Loud applause.) Sir John Hall wa3 an ex-Premier himeelf, and had been for many.yeara in the public service, not only of the province but of the colony. The Committee thought that no more suitable person could he found to make the presentation than Sir Jolin Hall. (Applause.) Only the testimonial itself was to be ■ presented that evening. The number of signatures was very great—over 20,000, and various country districts had yet to send in their names, which would be bound up properly later on, and would be forwarded in a suitable form accompanied by a more substantial gift. People holding all shades of political opinion had signed "the testimonial, which practically repre- ' sented the ,whole colony of New Zealand. (Applause.) The Mayor then read telegrams apologising for absence and express-. ing sympathy , with the objects of the meeting from his Excellency the Governor, the ■Mayors, of Kumara, Greymouth, Westport, Timaru, Port Chalmers, Invercargill, Blenheim, iHokitikft, Napier, Ross, New Plymouth,, Dunedin r the secretary of the Wei- j

lington Committee, the -Bishop of Christchurch, the Chairman of the Weatland County Council, the Hon. W, Montgemery, the Chairman, pf'the Farmers' Union Conference sitting at Templeton, and the editor of the "Hokitika.Guardian." Speaking as Mayor of Christchurch, Mr Rhodes, said he .was perfectly certain that the people of Christchurch all joined most fully with the other parts of the colony in making the presentation. Sir John BaTl was making the presentation not on behalf of the citizens of Ohrietchurch, but on be- j half of the wibtofle people of New Zealand, j (Applause.) . Cbaristohurob. appreciated the manner in whioih Mr Seddon had tendered the assistance of tine-colony to the Mother Country, and the way in which he had organised tine sending*of the Contingents. . SIR JOHN" BEALL'S SPEECH. Sir Join who -was received with applause, sadd:—"l feel that not only a 'very honourable, but a> very pleasant task has "been -anitrustiedi to mc, namely, to present to Mr Seddion a testimonial of the feelings of tOie whole colony of New Zealand for tiiie valuable services which he has (rendered in organising and despatching the assistance we hare bean able to render to the Mother Country in South Africa. (Applause.) Mr Seddon, you have heard my , voice on .other occasions, and I think not cihviaye M the same etrain as you will hear mc this evening. (Laughter.) I am afraid vtou may recollect occasions upon which I have endeavoured to show that ycur policy was wrong, your legislation Worse,- and your administration worst of all. (Laugh1/er.) Bot that was on occasions that I may call domestic differences, and ia every couaI try in which opinion is not stagnant, differences of opinion on those questions are . necessary and desirable. , Upon the question wMch has brought us here to-night

there is practically in New Zealand no difference at all. (Long continued applause.) It ie to acknowledge the verygreat services you have, rendered in organising the assistance we have been able to render to the Mother Country. There is only one testing, I am sure, throughout the colony that our membership of the great Empire from which, we have sprung, whose flag floats over us, which gave us the free institutions which we enjoy, and which has so long protected us from any pltaeks at a very trifling oost to ourselves, entaila /upon us a corresponding obligation— the obligation >Jwn : the Mother Country finds herself in a difficult position to stand by her

—(applause)—and especially as is now the case, when she has had a great struggle forced npon her to rescue our kith and kin fwwn intolerable oppreesMO and wtooc (Applause) That feeling pervades the colony. I am sure, sir, you would not clann that you had created it—we old folks brought it with.us from the" Old Country— (applause)—and the young folks have been born with it and have imbibed it with their mother smifk. (Applause.) It might have been probable that these loyal and patriotic feelings would not have borne or sufhcient fruit jf we had not had at the nead of the Government of this colony a man who entirely sympatftueed with it a man who had tlie power and also had the will, to do his very best to make them p*2 g ?°? * "^r• applause.} Fortunately for New Zealand, we have had this time one who had «41 these qualifications, who entirely sympathised with, those pa,tsriot,::3 feelings, «nd was foremost among colonial public men, who threw himsrff into the task of organising assistance and who mcceeded, I think, in making for New Zealand contmgent if not the firaE rertainly among the very first of men sen? from ttt colonies You % ilso not only m taking that honourable po Sl tion but after that, S as during two years, you have not failed to persevere jfith determination, wntiring enerW S lodgjeDt to forward >n the people of New Zealandf and yol aave succeeded in sending from New Zealand contingents which, I think,l may rafely.say, are more in number «V«iX'rtwo to our population than bare gone

from any other colony. (Applause.) Not only were they more in number, but by their glorious services winch they have rendered, they have given New Zealand the highest possible character in iue Mother .Country. (Appku.e.) It has been my good fortune during a recent visit to the Mother Country to come across* men who have been through the greater part of the campaign, and while they all acknowledge the gallantry and demotion of all the colonial troops, they said that the .New Zeaiianders were distinguished ior their steady and general good conduct and their good discipline. I have heard 1 that from men -who have seen them under various circum«tancee. Sir, they have stud that they were men who came up to the ideal which Lord Roberts gave of the British soldier. "Heroes on the battlefield and gentlemen out of it." (Applause.) There is one other.action of yours which I desire to offer you thanks from :ry.«elf and, I am sure, from your brother colonists a'so, and that is for the vigorous protest you nave recently initiated against the shameful slanders uttered in fcurope against our army. (Loud applause.) The abominable slanders which have been uttered on the Continent have been well called "foul and filthy lies," and it is n matter, of deep regret that they sh< uld have been chiefly uttered in a country and by a nation with which we have always been supposed to be friendly, and upon which we have certainly strong" claims of kinship. But, sir, ■ ihe're have been statements made in the Mother Country itself by men of influence which have been quite as false, if not so coarse, and which have been more mischievous. To say that the British Army lias conducted this war by methods of 'barbarism is. I say, an abominable slander. {Appluuse) "Now one or two words more. What is to be the end of this conflict? I believe I speak your feelings and those of the people of

New Zealand, when I say that there can only be one end to it. lam much too old a man'to bd a "jingo." bu8»I say this fight has got to be fought to a successful nmsii. {Long continued applause.) Whatever further sacrifices may be required, on the part either of the Mother Country or the colonies, will be cheerfully given to accomplish that end. (Applause.) There is, however, one matter upon which I am bound to say I am not quite free from uneasmess, and tha,t is what the settlement shall be when the conflict is over. I say 1 am not without uneasiness regarding thie because we hear of men of influence even at Home, talk about a "patched-up peace" —talk about offering to the Boers w soon as the Avar is over, the same free institutions as are enjoyed by ell other colonists We know how beneficial these institutions are; we have enjoyed them for manvyears; we have worked them well; we have found them a blessing, and it cannot be that; colonists so situated would grudge ,to others the same benefits and the same institutions when we. can safely 1° . ?,•• j A ?P laU! *-) But gat this edifice of self- government in the British colomes is erected on a broad and state foundation of loyalty to the Throne £S ft f b " sh, 2f l,t ,5° V n Q md and h« institutions. Should we find that state of things existing in South Africa, then, by all means, give them the free institutions tJiat nave done so well for us here. But to give to men who are irreconcilable, who h;ug their race hatred, and who show no signs of being reconciled in any way we (have yet seen—to give to them the targe political power we «njoy, they might, and probably would, at the earliest convenient opportunity, make use of it to prepare and renew this struggle—to do that appears to one to be nothing kss than political insanity. (Applause.) Wβ have been told by Mr Chamberlain—a mea wsho has deserved well of his country—that when this question of the settlement cornea to be determined, the colonies who have shared the sacrifice with the Mother Country, are entitled to a very (powerful voice in the matter, and nobody can demy .that. You, '•Mγ Seddon, are going to the Old Country, and there you wifi speak the voice of New Zealand, and I hope α-ndi trust—and I feel sure lam representing the feelings of my fellow-colonists—that you will protest against any settlement which will not be, at least, a safe andl sure one, . and provide against the renewal of this struggle, which has cost so much, blood and_ treasure. (Long continued applause.) It is now any duty to read the address, which has been signed by net less than twenty thousand persons, and which will, ultimately, T>e presented to you in a much, snore perfect form tihaa this, and which I confidently.. trust, will for you, for many years to come, and for your descendants, be a valued record of your great services

Sir John then read the address as fellows : — "To the Right Hon. Richard \Tohn Seddon, P. 0., D.0.L., Premier of the colony of New Zealand. Right Honourable Sir, — In the coarse of a fe# weeks you will Jeave us to represent New Zealand at the Coronation of our King, and it is thought' that your approaching departure presents a fitting time to express to you our appreciation and approval of the prompt and practical proof you have given of the sympathy of your fellow colonists with their Motherland in her South African struggle. "Loyalty is but kinship written large, and'every man and woman of this colony is proud of the crimson thread , which makes the people of New Zealand loyal eons and daughters of the British Empire. "Your high office has been to voioe our loyalty and give it effectual shape, and the vigour and judgment you have displayed in this have not only won our gratitude and admiration, but have shown the -world that whatever be the sacrifice, we cheerfully stand besidte our Mother Country for the maintenance of. the 'honour ana the integrity of her Empire." . Continuing, Sir John pointed out that the address did nob come from one city or party, but from the colony as a whole. (Applause and cheers.) When a similar fcddress was recently presented to Mr Chamberlain, it was enclosed in a gold :asket. They had not been able to go that length, but it wonld be supported by somc:hing. tangible that would show that the feeling which prompted the presentation teas not merely lip service. This had been rnbscribed not in a few sums of l<rge unount but in a very large number of turns, of small amount.

MRG. G. STEAD'S ADDRESS. Mr &. G. Stead, who -was received with loud applause, said:— "Aix Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,- —Your presence here this evening is practical evidence that you cordially endorse all that Bir John Hall has said, in appreciation of the Premier's policy in connection with the despatch of the Contingents to South Africa. (Applause.) The keynote of that policy is that we recognise New Zealand is a part of the British Empire, and that we are prepared to take our full share of Qic burden of defending the honour of the Empire's flag. We may differ amongst ourselves on questions of domestic policy, but we are unanimous in applauding Mr Seddon for .his readiness to despatch the bravest of our

young men to assist the Mother Country in her time of need. We.""have, therefore, joined hands with our friends in other centres, to make a colonial presentation to the Premier this evening, as an expression of our admiration of his guidance of the colony since the outbreak of hostilities. (Applause.) I will not take up your time in going into the history of the deepatoh of the several Contingents, but I cannot refrain from a few brief comments to illustrate Mr Seddon's grit and untiring energy. iThe Boers declared war on 11th October, 1899. On the 21st October, the anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar, or only 10 days after the outbreak of hostilities, the Premier despatched the First Contingent of some 212 men. On . the 18th December we heard of Bullets disaster at Colenso. On the 20th, January the .Second Contingent, of »ame 250 men, left Wellington for the seat of war. The despatch of the Third, Itobh, and Fiftli Contingents followed! m quick succession. But perhaps the crowning of all is the despatching of *he Eighth, Ninth and Tenth Contingents, representing over 3000 mounted men, in the snort space of two months. (Loud applause.) It is only those who are behind the scenes who have any conception of the organising and administrative capacity necessary to raises equip, and despatch so many me© in so short a time. I may mention in passing that I had an experience of the Premiers strong will in connection with the despatch of the Third 1 Contingent. The Christ-church Ooaamittee had been at work almost day and nigiit, and ultimately concluded that Tuesday, the 20th February, was the earliest possible

day on which the men could be ready. MrSeddon, however, said the steamer must be despatched on Saturday, the 17th February. (Laughter and applause.) Needless to say, the men left Lyttehon on Saturday, the 17th February. (Renewed applause.) The Premier evidently believes in the old saying of "where there is the will there is the -way," and whenever he has the will he always finds the way. We have the satisfaction of knowing that the deapatdi of these Contingents has raised New Zealand very highly in the estimation of jMiblio men in Europe, and has brought us in very close touch with oiir kindred in Ureat "Britain. In asking Mr Seddon to nooept a testimonial as a slight token of our appreciation of the patriotic and Kpiritea nwixtance he has rendered to the hinpire. we wish it to go forth to the world, th.it. in this connection, he has the lnyal support of almost even - man and woman in the colony, and during his visit England he e;in assure the British Governmvnt. that if the necessity should arise. New-..Zealand would give her last man and ht-r Ja.-t .shilling to defend the Empire's flag. (Prolonged applause.) MR T. W. STRINGER. iMr T. W. Stringer said:—l think the character of this meeting has 'been very well shown by the happy circumstance that Sir John H.u 1, bowed with his weight of vear.-j in the srvviee of his country, should have come forward on this occasion to make the .presentation. (Applause.) I think tha* shows conclusively that this is an occasion whidh is raised altogether above the realm of party polities. I take it thuit the many thousands who have signed the testimonial in all ,parts of thu colony — from Auckland to the Bluff—have done so for two reasroms. In the lirst place to make an emphatic declaration that in the aeti'un Mr Seddon toc/k on behalf of New Zealund tillrouyihout. the various sia-ges of the war—r«/t. as Lord Rosebery recently said ul himself, "jAOiighing a lonely furrow • rf his own"—ho had throughout the hearty Huppoi't of every man «,nd woman in the α-louy. (Applause.) In the next place, 1 think it was intended to be a personal recognition by -those who signed it, that, tlie ability and promptitude which, the Premier displayed in assisting the Mother Country by placing this colony's resources at her" disposal at a time of great peril was fully endorsed by them. I think that no one wlbo .followed the early phases of this waT with intelligence can fail to see that we passed "through a very grave national crisis.. The Continental neighbours of our Motherland seemed to regard her with "envy, hatred, malice, and al un--oharitaft>i€nex>s." In those dark days of the war, that we all remember so well, it was mooted that they should form some wjheme of intervention. If that had been proceeded with, after the Imperial Government's declaration that they would not tolerate intervention, a terrible war would have resulted, compared with which the South African war would have shrunk into insignificance. I do not think it saying too much to say Uliiiti the spontaneous eagerness of the co.onies to rally round the old flag, an-d stand shoulder to shoulder with rheir kindred of the Motherland, must have exercised a very greait restraining influence on those nations. (Applause.) I think it is not too much to say that- the.marvelous outburst of patriatt'sm throughout the colonies simply electrified the civilised world, and I think we have tJhe Premier to congrafcuJalte, and we owe him » deep delbt of gratitude'in that New Zealand toot a iproua and prominent positron. ' (Applause.) There was no vacillation—no ignoble deliberation as to whether it would pay—'but the Premier nailed the Union Ja.dk to the mtet, andi tiherefby pledged ■us that we should either triumph with that flag or, if fate «o willed it, »ir.k with it, the grand old colours flyin-g to the last. (Aipplause.) The war. although it has been a very terrible one, has yet had some very wholesome lessons. I think you must recognise that in the first it has done a great work in practically creating ft spirit of patriotism, in this colony. (Applause.) Sir John Hull baa said the old colonists brought that spirit with .them, and I have no dodbt they did. But I think that patriotism in a new land ie a tender nlnnt and difficult to onJtivate. In the old land' the* is very different. .There, every tondectupe ahnost is hallowed, by recollections of some great historical event. Her oib•beys, her churches, her palaces, her temples, aad her <nvmuin,en!t3 are constant reminders' of" a long 'lieV of ■ ittetrious monarch*, statesmen, and patriots, and their achievements, (Applause.) The glorious traditions of the post ore always and everywhere in evidence. In such environment patriotism and pride of race axe natural and almost necessary productions. Bat in New Zealand we have no such aids, and it is difficult to keep alive the sentiment of .patriotism by the exercise of the imaginative faculty by fcbe casual reading of History. , You meet agree that it re-, quired the touchstone of » great occasion to kindlo enduring patriotism in the colonies. That occasion came with the South African- woe, and I think we in New Zeo-i land have to be congratulated that when it earns there stood a mem at the helm of state who recognised its supreme import tahce, and roso to it with promptitude and courage. I think also you must agree that the- war, terrible as it has bsen, haa achieved one other great fact. It ma, I think, brought within measurable distance, of reoUsatikm the poet's dream that Britain's my?2ud eons shall be welded into one Imperial whole with one flag and one deetiny. Tba splendid fact, tbatt men from ail parto of the Empire hare stood shoulder to shoulder, fighting and dying side- by sido in one. common cause—tie maintenance of our national honour and the upholding of the cause of freedom and justice —has done more for the consolidation of the Empire than many, generations of statesmen could have achieved. When you stood in the, close vicinity of a mountain, it is impossible to form any just opinion of ite magnitude or importance. You require perspective, you must view it from a distance. In the same way we who live and move in the current of these great events, probably fail to appreciate their true eigiifioanoe. But I venture to cay thab when the historian of a later day comes to record how the consolidation of the Empire was effected and its unity maintained, be will soe in titeee events the great factors that produced the splendid results. And I think dso, I may venture to predict this: that when he records tlie names associated with these events, there on the scroll of fame, occupying a leading and pi-ommjnt portion, will be found the name «)f Bkhard John Seddon. {Tremendous apjrfause.) * SIR SKDDOX'S REPLY. Mr Seddon received quite an. ovaton when he rose to respond. From one end of the building to the other mc people rese and cheered. The Premier paid--"The ovation I have just received has almost taken from mc that which would be personally a great lose—l do not xnow go much for the country—namely, • the power of speech. (Laughter.) It lias fallen to the let of very few men to receive at the naads of his countrymen and the fafr sex present such a reception as has been accorded to mc this evening. (Applause.) I have listened to the addresses delivered with mingled feelings, and I have asked myedf whether I re»!ly deserve all ihe kind things that have been said of ite. {Cries of 'Yes.') But after all I feel that 1 have only done my duty to this country and its people. (Loud applause.) 1% is a pleasing feature that the address this evening should be presented by Sir Jckn Hall. I iirst met feir John when he was* sent to the West Coast to introduce to the West Coasters local self-government But m Parliament Sir John was the Premier that succeeded my leader, Sir iiforge Grey. (Applause.) Sir John has told you that we differed in regard to legislation, that our administration was defective, but that there was a common ground upon which we could meet. It is also »ell that the presentation should take rlace in Chnatchurch, because when I came to the colony I came to Canterbury. (Appause ) I claim to be a son of Canterbury, tnd I am only coming home to-night to at your hands, on behalf of the colony, the address and tlie reception accorded (Applause.) Sir John Hall wll, no doubt, well recollect the young man from the "Wild West—{laughter)—who entered Parliament in the second session of the year 1879, crude and as rugged as the mountains of hie district. (Renewed luughwr.) My opponents would even. I think, admit that when convinced that I was right I fought to the last. (Applause.) Times are changed, and now, in respect to the Ira-

perial questions, there is no difference of opinion whatever throughout the length and breadth of our colony. (Hear, hear.) What has called forth that support that bos been given to our kindred at' the present time, and for some time past? It has been the Empire and our grant! old flag. (Loud applause.)- And when that flag was flouted, wfien British territory was invaded, what else could » Britisher do but to call together those who could assist in the maintenance of that flag, and who would repel the invaders, aud punish them for the audacity in coming: into British country? It was not for" us to hesitate. We realised that diplomacy had signally failed, and that th© Boer*, conscious of the fact that they were prepared, said, "We will push the British into the sea." But they little knew the strength of the British Empire, and the British people. fLoud applause.) We know that at first we suffered reverses, and there were envious nations who sneered at these reversed. We know that the reverses only made our roi>n the more determined, and the result was tliat soon success attended the British arms. Now, it is not other countries fighting sid« by side with the British army; it is the British forces by the side of our grand army itself, and of colonial forces, and we have shown to the world what the united British and colonial forces can do. (Applause.) There was no waiting to be asked 'by the Imperial authorities. Implanted in my memory is the scene which took place in the House when the first resolution was passed offering assistance. The representatives of the people >tood and sang, "God Save the Queen. There was the true ring about it, and that scene depicted the people of New Zealand. So their First. Second. Third, Fourth Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Nintlvand Tenth Contingents had been sent, and Ut it require another ten, and they will be sent. (Long and continued applause.) \ T obly the sacrifice had been borne by th* mothers and fathers, and if there were those who thought the steps taken had been liehtly settled upon, they made a grave mist ake. Had we not made the sacrifices for the Empire and borne them cheerfully, we should not be worthy of the race from which we sprang. (Applause.) ' I have heard it said that our sons would be behind hand as compared with the work done by their fathers as pioneers.. I haveneard reflections cast on our eons with respect to filial love. The answer to these reflections ha-d taken place in South Africa, Our sons have , borne themselves nobly; they have fought gallantly, and their behaviour has been that of gentlemen Lord Kitchener, had used those memorable words about them: —"I never feel safer in the field than when I hare New Zealanders with mc." (Applause.) As to filial love, in a contingent one thousand strong, over nine hundred men bad left orders-on their pay for their parents and their relatives. (Applause.) As to the settlement; as Sir John Hall has told you, there is only one conclusion to be arrived at—(hear, hear)— and that conclusion is unconditional surrendier. (Applause.) To accept peace at the price of the recognition of the right of the Boers to any of the territory contained in the Transvaal and Free State would be a lasting disgrace to our Em* pire. (Hear, hear.) To s%t apart a portion of South Africa for the Boers would be simply leaving the canker at the root, and they* would be a menace to the peace of South Africa. With respect to the proposed severer treatment of those who had fought to the end, I have no strong feel* ang, but for those who had fought legitimately I think that the' colony a$ a. whole would respect as brave men. .Gauging the situation nine months ago regarding the settlement, I recommended, first, militaiy esfctlementa, with Grown colonies, and secondly representation conditional upon the Boers becoming Britishers. (Applause.) For the Eighth Contingent five thousand men had offered their services, and in almost every instance more men 'had offered than were wanted. We have also a great strength in the native race, and in connection with their inability to fight in South Africa they have shown, a very nice feeling mde&d. There ore same 8000 or 9000 of them—young and strong men Uhat we &re prepared to train. „ We are prepared to have them ready in case of emergency, and I will undertake to say that the fact of that discipline \tlHl tend prolong the existence of tha native race. (Applause.) Both races in nliis colony, ore , determined that there sliall be only one ending to the existing struggle-—ami as the mouthpiece of-the people of tihife colony, .and taking the keynote from this vaet assemblage, I shall speak witdi no uncertain sound to our fcmdred at Home. (Loud applause.) And I believe it is well that someone should speak plainly, and 1 tell those whoso epeedbiee have done serious wrong to the Empire, thafc they are dtxing wrong, and tiufc' "titer -'eo&ar they .mend their ways , tbe better for them. There ore other ' matters of-moment that have to be-dealt with on my visit to the Mother Country; and I will for the first time place before you' in detail the propositions which it is intended ehall be submitted to the conference of Premiers in the Mother Country. They are as follows.—"(1.) It is essential to the well-being of the Mother Country and his Majesty's dominions beyond the seas, that in such dominions, where .the' same' does not now exist, preferential tariffs-bv wav of rebate of .duties en British, manufactured goods carried in British owned ships should be granted, and that in' the Mother Country rebate of duty on colonial products" nowtaxable should be conceded." "(2) That it is desirable to have an Imperial Reserve Force formed in each of his Majesty's dominions over the seas for service in,case of emergency outside the dominion or colony in which such reserve is formed. The limits within which such reserve force may be employed outside the colony -wherein it is raised to be denned by the-Imperial ana ' the Colonial Governments at the time such reserve is formed, and to be in accordance with any law m force for the time' beiW respecting the same. The cost of maintaining and equipping such reserve force to be defrayed an such proportion and manner as may be agreed upon between ;the .|!frt / nd , Cploniaf Governments." (3) Pbafc the Australian Squadron be strengthened (a) by increasing the number of cruisers, (b) by withdrawing somTof ■V e li° r Su* boats and reolacing. them T\ I m^?- m aad better class "cruisera, and (c) by adding torpedo catchers or dentrovers, if deemed necessary, the extra cost of maintenance entailed to ba defrayed in the same proportion as provided under the existing agreement, and on population basis.' , (Applause It v necnsuT (hat we should strengthen the .Australian Squadron, and I speak hv advisedly when I say thai it is much better lor us to comtmue the existing agreement for a strengthened Australian Squadron that to attempt, to have a fleet of our own which would only lead to expense and -to ultomate dM*tr. -(4) That in arranging for the administration of that portion of the Empire formerly brown as the South Afnaui Republic and tihe Oranee Free fctafce, provision should be made tha*. duly qualified anenrfwre of itthe learned and skilled professions bow admitted and hereafter to be admitted to practice in the Dominion of Canada, the Oommonrw«dt& of Aostrarlia, andm J«ew Zealand, be allowed to practice within the newly acquired territories referred to "(5) That.in arranging, for tfns ft would be an advantage to the Empire to have subsidised mail services established as between Australia, New Zealand C&nfada, and Great Britain, the steamers carrying such mail to be British owned, and such steamers to be of such a class, and so fitted that in time of war they may be armed and used as crrisers" "(6) "That it would be to the advantage of the Empire of tnenniaJ conferences were held at which questions affecting -the .political and comm Jf mioTtn of the Jfc *ner Country and bis Majesty's dominions over the seas could be discussed and considered as hetween tihe Secretary of Staite for the Colonies and the Prime Ministers of the self-governing colonies. In case of any emergency arising upon wkkfa. a special Conference may have keen deemed necessary, the next ordinary Conference (to be held not * rooner than three years thereafter." (Applause.) We are not asking too much in asking that in great questions affecting the Empire we should be consulted. It has been urgjcV that the colonies, should be represented o in the British Parliament, but I think that there is greater strength in a consultative council composed of representatives from all parts of the Empire. The addre&j wluch you have presented to mc I will treasure as long as there is life in mv body (Applause.) It hw been m n ianed to-ni K ht that there u> something tangible to follow

That has never troubled mc. There haa been a good deal of pin-pricking-theie has been that said and writ.en whic& would iiave been best left -uasaid and "n^" 4 ** 0 ; It is not for any good it may do in this colony, because i think the people cl >ew Zealand know mc sufficiently well that all the writing and all they say will never cause them to think for a moment that the service rendered to the Empire has been done from selfish motives. (Gneers.) 1 tel you they are attempting to detract from'this cotonv. They should remember this—l leave the colony not merely a* its Premier, as the leader of a partr, but as your representative taking from this colony and from you to our kindred at Home the expressions of your loyalty and devotion to the thrcne and the constitution. (Applause.) It is intended and the opportunity has been waited for, to send ahead of your representative /orbing that will detract from him, and what detracts from him detracts from 7™'™* our country. But I think they will tmd that our kindred an the Mother Country know New Zealand too well-they know that the action taken by the colony and the sacrifices made have bsen in the interests of Empire, freedom, and justice, and against the oppressor. Such being the case, 1 leave the colony, strengthened) by the speeches delivered to-night, by the address presented, and by the twenty thousand signatures which have been obtained. 1 only fear that I will not adequately or fittingly represent this great country and its people. I can say thie, I will be what I am—l will do my best, and trust that when I return I will still retain your affection and confidence, and that you will see that I have done my duty. I thank you. Deafening applause greeted the conclusion of the Premier's remarks, the audience rising and cheering for some minutes. Mr Seddon called for three hearty British cheers for Sir John Hall, and said he had served the colony well, and given to it the best years of his life. Now in his declining years he came forward to make this presentation. It might be that they would never again have such an assemblage as that present. The cheers were enthusiastically given, as were also cheers, called for by the Premier, for Messrs Stead and Stringer.

Sir Joseph Ward proposed a vote of thanks to his Worship the Mayor for having presided on what ths speaker described as such a memorable and unique occasion. (Applause.) When he heard Sir John Hall giving expression to that which every man and every woman in New Zealand would aasent to, namely, that the old pioneers had brought with them -that spirit of loyalty and patriotism which had been handed down from them to their ohildren, he realised, the fact that the young stock had not shown anylack in that i-espect compared with the old pioneers who had come to the country. (Applause!) They found sitting in the chair that evening a colonial presiding over a large and representative gathering. The gathering that night wias a unique one in more respects than one. First, they had the oldest Premier in New Zealand, (Sir John Hall, and they had tha Premier who foaid presided longest over the affairs of New Zealand, and they hfod presiding a colonial, and one who had been a credit not only to Christchurch, but to the colony as a Wtolfe They also had from all parts of the colony' men -who were representing all classes of public opinion. Three cheers were .then given for the Qkfavor. -

In reply, Mr Rhodes said that, on behalf of the citizens ofChristohurch, they one and aid wished Mr SeddJon and his family a ■pleasant trip and a safe return *o New Zeatonid.

Mr iSed'don then called for, (three oheers for "Our eons "who have been to the. front and our sons iwho are jk>w alt the front," and three additional cheers for "Our sons who are going itlhere." The cheers were heartily given: The singing of .the National Anthem closed the meeting.