THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS. (BY TELEGRAPH.) Nelson, October 14.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 7268, 16 October 1891, Page 4

THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS. (BY TELEGRAPH.) Nelson, October 14.

Tne foandalioa atone of the new Oddfellows' Hall was Uid this afternoon by the Mayor, MrTaßk. Amongst the speakers was the Hon. Mr Seddon, who had jolt arrived from Wellington. He fcpoke highly of the principles and objects of friendly societies, and stress vai laid on hn otteranco that the Government would allow no legislation that had for its object an injurious effeot on the present friendly societies. He did not thine it wise for the Government to take up the work now done by these floctetiec, and the Government should restrict itself to watching their financial position. This ereniog Mr Seddon inspected the volunteers at their monthly parade and complimented them highly. He said the country mast rely on the volunteers miioly for iti protection, and that it had been resolved by the Government to continue lor three years the present rate of capitation, which waa low enough. It was not contemplated to have but two camps next Easter, one for each Island, but to mass volunteers) round each of the four defended ports, and to organise marccuvref, which the venels of the auxiliary squadron might take part id. So far as (be West Coaat of this Island was concerned, as Nelson was midway between Marlborough and the West Count, he thought it would bo a convenient position for a camp, and a war vessel* might &Iho take part, bub ho would consult Major Bonar and othor officers before a decimon wa<» arrived at.