THE PREMIER ON HIS TRAVELS.

Grey River Argus, Volume LVII, Issue 10520, 13 December 1901, Page 3

THE PREMIER ON HIS TRAVELS.

Speaking at Seddon. (per press association.) Blenheim, December 12. The Premier anived at Seddon ,overland from Cheviot at 4.30 to-day, and was enthusiastically welcomed by a large number of settler.-?, members of the Borough Council, railway league, and the local bodies, whohad journeyed out by rail. The Premier gave a short speech, in which he said that the gathering marked the progress that had been made since his lasb visit ten years ago. Then, as now, he recognised that Blenheim had a future that would be accomplished by population. Referring to the country through which he had passed during the past two Mays, he said that though the general cry alo >g the line w s for rain, the conclusion hehad come to was that the great requirement was population. He" went on to describe the terrible effect of the earthquakes at Cheviot, and the destruction #f the settlers' houses, and the wreck and ruin on all sides. Those whohad not been on the spot could have but a slight idea of tbe disastrous effects. An address was presented on behalf of the settlers of Awatere* It ; noted that Mr Seddon was the first Prime Minister to pass through Kaikouta since Sir F "Weld's visit. The address congratulated the Premier on his long term of office, to. which he rep ied that after ten years the people of New Zealand had not come to the conclusiou that a change of Government was desirable. He also spoke of the success of the land settlement policy./' The party arrived at Blenheim at 6.30. , The Premier is now addressing a crowded meeting in the Town Hall.