THE NATIVES AND THE GOVERNMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 12162, 5 April 1904, Page 3

THE NATIVES AND THE GOVERNMENT.

A LIBERAL PICNIC. A Liberal picnic at Xolway, near Masterton, yesterday was attended by upwards of 3,000 persons, .including 500 Maoris from all parts of Wellington, Eawke's Bay, and other districts. The Premier, Mts Seddon, Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, and ihe Hon. Mr Carroll constituted the Ministerial party, who were welcomed by Mr A. W. Hogg, M.H.R., president of the European branch. A warm native welcome v.aa also given to tho party. Mr Seddon cut the first slice of the bullock roasted in Maori fashion on the ground, and in a few appropriate remarks after lunch the Premier presented charters to the European and Native branches. In tho course of his speech he said that all was well with the colony financially and otherwise, and reiterated that the surplus was over three-quarters of a million. He would also relieve anxiety by saying that satisfactory arrangements "had been made in _ connection with the renewal of loans falling due this and next month. He

referred to this as the first occasion on which a charter had been given to a Maori branch. He hoped to see other native branches formed and the Liberal flag hoisted high. Speeches were also given by the Minister of Railways and the iNative Minister, each referring to the satisfactory position of the colony and eulogising the native race. The Premier asked those present to pass a motion protesting against the introduction of Chinese into the Rand, which was carried unanimously.