THE PREMIER’S VISIT .

Marlborough Press, Volume XXVI, Issue 1769, 4 May 1886, Page 2

THE PREMIER’S VISIT .

The hon, Mr Stout paid a flying visit to the district on Saturday, coming by way of the Rai Valley and Havelock .from Nelson. He left the laiter place at 5 a.m on Saturday morning, and arrived at Havelock about! p.m., leaving again for Blenheim at 2 p.m. atid arriving here shortly after 5 p.m, The Premier was met by Mr Dodson, M.H R. and His Worship the Mayor. When it became known that Mr Stout would be in Blenheim for an hour or two in the evening, His Worship the Mayor telegraphed to him at Havelock, asking him if he would address a public meeting here upon his arrival. To this Mr Stout very courteously replied that he would be willing to speak it it were desired he should do so, and, notwithstanding his long drive of 85 miles from Nelson, he appeared upon the stage, at Ewart’s Hall, at 7.30 p.m. and delivered an able address, lasting over an hour and a half, to a large and appreciative audience. A summary of the speech will be found elsewhere. Immediately after the address, Mr Stout (accompanied by Mr Leckie, acting as private secretary to the Premier) left by train (which had been delayed half an hour for him) for Picton, where the s.s. Wanaka, for Wellington, was to call for him at 3 a.m. next morning. During his short stay in Blenheim the ‘Premier occupied rooms at the Criterion ho'el.