THE PREMIER’S SPEECH.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 290, 14 December 1901, Page 1

THE PREMIER’S SPEECH.

[By Telegraph—Press Association. BLENHEIM, last night. The Premier completed his overland journey from Christchurch yesterday, driving from Kaikoura and coming on by train from Seddon to Blenheim. At .Seddon township the Premier was met by numerous deputations of citizens and settlers, and heartily welcomed. At the Town Hall at S o’clock, the Premier received a great ovation, the hail being crowded to the doors. Speaking of Marlborough, the Premier said when one looked hack and noted what had been done in other parts of the colony and what little had been done for Marlborough, it would be admitted there was a good deal to make up, and the Government were only doing what the district was entitled to. The present administration had always endeavored to give even justice to all parks of the colony, Upon going to the various agricultural shows which had been held lately, he had .seen material proof of the increased prosperity that had marked the history of the colony for the last few years. With regard to the question of policy he said he wished to announce to the people of New Zealand that there would be no change in the Government’s policy. Such a change would be treachery on the part of the Government. He had read in some newspapers that owing to tlie change of feeling on the part of some people, the Premier would set his sails to catch every breath of wind, irrespective of the consequences, but the Government were composed of men who were not prepared to set their sails to cateli every breath of wind. To sacrifice principle for temporary popularity he sa'id would he a crime. The people at tlie ballot box gave their support to Ihe present administration with a majority unprecedented, he believed in the history of any country. The people had approved of its policy, and it was foolish to say, because there had been some slight discontent, and because a few had changed their views since last election, that on their account the Government should throw over the vast majority who had sent their supporters to Parliament. Tlie Government, he said, were not timeservers, and would stand by the policy first announced by Sir George. Grey. The Ballance Government, of which he had been a. member, announced that

there would he a change in the incidence of taxation, that land would be opened up, and labor and capital he brought into harmony. A great deal had been done side !>v side with these great reforms, and advances made on the programme of 181)1. Success had been achieved, and there would he no change in policy .simply because here and there there were a few misguided people who did not know what was good for themselves and the country. Let the result he what it might, there would be no change as long a:, lie was Premier of New Zealand.

Mr Seddon referred at length to the charges that had been made against the Government, viz., increased expenditure, increase of the public debt, and extravagance generally. He went on to explain that the Liberal administration had increased tiie national debt but not the burdens of the people, and in proof of the statement produced a return showing the increase of debt during the period 1891-1991. and the cost per annum of the direet interest earning debt, with the amount earned per annum by the outlay of such debt. An examinal ion of these figures, he said, showed that, taking the same class of expenditure as characterised the work of their predecessors, the Liberal administration had increased Hie public debt at the rate or only £206,000 a year, which was much less than the rate of their predecessors. He defended the increase in the salaries of members, maintaining that-

they were well-earned, and as to extravagance. this year, notwithstanding the abnormal charges, as far as he could judge the outlook, they would have a surplus of over two hundred

thousand poinds. Referring to the Public Works Fund, and the discharge or a number of men. the Premier said that because courage had been shown in taking a number of men oh the works, they were told the money was not there, but in a young country like the colony of New Zealand they could not go on spending at the rate of over two millions a year, else they .would he sure to meet v.’.th disaster. With regard to the war, he sa'u a great mistake had been made n not pouring mounted men into Soutn Africa to- crusn the enemy before- tnev got through the winter seaso" *vnsg course the New Zealand Government would pursue would he decided siior Jy when he. had learned the views of his colleagues. Without giving any direct intimation, he hinted he was in favor of sending away more men. Alluding to the German sneers, he said emphatically that the colonies were as determined and ready to help as when they sent away the First Contingent. Tlf Premier spoke for nearly three hours, and was accorded a sympathetic and attentive hearing.