THE PREMIER'S COAST VISIT.

Evening Star, Issue 11682, 14 February 1902, Page 6

THE PREMIER'S COAST VISIT.

HOKITIKA, February 14. The weather turned out wet for to-day'* functions. It has been raining since madnight, but there are now some slight indications of clearing. The Premier and party arrive, from Kumaia at mid-day. Immediately after his arrival Mr Seddon will drive the first pile of the Hokitika River bridge of the railway extension to Ross. At three o'clock he mil lay the foundation stone of a memorial to the men from Westland who served and are serving in South Africa, and at night attends a banquet at Rimu. Mr Seddon proceeds to Ross tomorrow morning, where he will be entertained at a luncheon, and afterwards turns the first sod of the Ross Railway, and Mr 3 Seddon lays the foundation stone of the memorial to be reared to /the memory of Trooper J. K. Allen, of the Third Contingent, who died in South Africa. A l*rce social will be held in the evening. On Monday evening the Premier is to be entertained at a banquet at Hokitika, tendered by the electors of the constituency as a mark of esteem of the Premier'B Imperial work. To-day is being observed as a public holiday, but it is feared that the weather will largely spoil the interest and general display. The memorial to the honor of the Westland men who served in the South African War will stand on the site originally selected for the monument to the memory of the pioneer surveyors, Messrs Dobson, Whitecombe, Kowitt, and Townsend, who explored the district. The monument was subsequently removed to the local cemetery, where it now occupies a prominent position. The present memorial will cost about £4OO, and will be a granite structure of striking appearance. Later.

The Premier asid party arrived at 11.10, and -were received with hearty cheering by a. large assemblage. Bouquets were presented to Mrs Seddon. The excursion train brought a large number of visitors to town, including a strong force of Northern volunteers and cadets, under Major Wolfe, to take part in the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the war memorial. A number of Masons are also arriving to take part in the Masonic ceremony this afternoon. The weather is still showery.

The Premier had a busy day yesterday. At his old home at Kumara he had a -very hearty reception from residents of the district, being presented with an address from the mayor and councillors. In the afternoon he opened the industrial exhibition '*a aid of the local hospital, and at night delivered a short address. Snbsecprentry he attended a public banquet. The warmih of Mr Seddbn's reception has been verr marked everywhere. Driving through Stafford and Goldsboroagh to-day, the people accorded Mr and Mrs Seddon a homely welcome, and old friends gathered from all points. The Premier performs the piler-drmng ceremony at noon.