THE RECORD REIGN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10420, 19 April 1897, Page 5

THE RECORD REIGN.

DEPARTURE OF THE HON. R. J,

SEDDON. The Premier (Hon. R. J. Seddon) and party arrived at the Auckland Railway Station on Saturday morning, being conveyed from Onehunga by special train. The Tutanekai left Wellington on Thursday evening, her passengers including the Hon. Mr. Seddon and wife, Misses Seddon (3), Masters Seddon, Messrs. Crow and Humes (private secretaries), Hon. \V. J. M. Larnach, Mr. G. Fisher, M.H.R., and Mrs. Fisher, Dr. Fitchett, and several ladies who had attended the Women's Convention and frionds. The voyage from Wellington to Onehunga was far from pleasant, a gale blowing most of the time. On Friday night it was found necessary to lay to off Kawhia, and, those on board had a particularly " lively time." The special train that conveyed the party to Auckland arrived at the station about half-past ten. There was a fair gathering, but there was little formality about the proceedings. Mr. P. A. Philips (town clerk), on behalf of the people of Auckland, extended a hearty welcome to the Premier, and expressed the wish that the voyage Home would prove a safe and pleasant one. Mr. Philips also apologised for the unavoidable absence of the Mayor (Mr. A. Boardraan) and Acting-Mayor (Mr. P. Dignan). Mr. Soddon, in reply, thanked the citizens of Auckland for the cordial welcome extended to him and for thoir good wishes for him self and family. In proceeding to England to represent the colony he was actuated by a desiro to further the interests of New Zealand and to look after various matters in which the colony was interested. He would endeavour to represent New Zealand in such a manner that when he returned they would see that he was sincere in saying he had the best interests of the colony at heart. Mr. Seddon also said that he very much regretted to hear of the Mayor's illness, and expressed the hope that Mr. Bonrdman would soon recover.

During the day, and until the departure of the 8.8. Alameda, which took place at 4 p.m., ft fnrgo number waited upon Mr. Seddou lit the Star Hotel to wish him, Mrs. and the Misses Seddon bon voyaoi. As the time of the doparture ot the mail boat drew near a very large crowd assembled on the wharf, clear passages being kept by Sergeant Clarke and a posse of police. Amongst those present were the Tutaneltai's party, Monsignore McDonald, Hone. T. Thompson, W. McCullough, and Jennings, Mr. J. J. Holland, M.H.R., etc., Inspector Hickson, and quite a number of ladies with bouquets for presentation. Amongst these were Mrs. Wilson, vice-president of the Wellington Women's Political League and Mrs. Schoch, secretary, Mrs. Hendro, etc. The bouquet from the Wellington women to Airs. Seddon was in the Loague's colours, with ribbons to match, The steamer's bell had, however, gone for the last time, and everything was in readiness to cast off beforo the Premier's party arrived. Cheers wore given, bub there was no time for any but the hastiest leave takings. Prior to the gangway being removed, howover, tho Premier again expressed his sincere thanks for the kindly sentiments the occasion had evoked. No doubt in tho .Mother Country he would see large congregations, but there would bo nono with whom his hoard would be more than that one gathered to wish him and his family " good by and God speed." The time for his return would soon fly past, and though he would bo absent in person, he would ever bo with them in spirit, and he would ever do his utmost for tho well-being of the people of this grout colony. At the moment of departure sovoral snap-shots wore taken by passengers on the mailboat. A largo number remained on tho wharf waving adieus until the Alameda had rounded the North Head. INTERVIEW WITH THE PREMIER. THE FINANCIAL POSITION OP THE COLON V. At the Star Hotel Mr. Seddon was interviewed by a Hkimld reporter. Quito a levee was being held, Mrs. and the Misses Seddon entertaining several lady friends at toa, tho Premier chatting meanwhile with callers, " Apart from the Jubilee celebrations proper, what particular matters relating to the colony do you intend giving your attention to ?" queried our reporter. Mr. Seddon replied that he could nob give full details because these particulars were included on the dispatches. Among the matters to which ho intended paying attention while at Home were defence, the Midland railway, the freights charged and prices received for Now Zealand produce, the grading of froien meat, etc. The details ho had outlined last week, and so far as he knew these covered the matters to which he would be required to give his attention.

" Would you give what particulars you can as to tho financial position of tho colony ?"

" The financial position of the colony is a most satisfactory one," was the reply. "In tho statement submitted by mo last week, and which showed approximately the position of the public accounts to March 31,1 stated that the surplus at the end of tho year was £340,000. Since that time, however, various credits havo come to hand, which have increased the amount to £351,000. Against this, however, there are debits amounting to about £4000 which are yot to be charged, and after these amounts have been provided for the not surplus will, I think 1 am safe in saying, amount to £350,000."

As the date of the Premior's return— from which the date of the opening of next session can be gauged— was tho subject of lengthy discussions in the House. Mr. Seddon was asked to state dofinitoly when he expected to return to the colony ?" " I expect to be back in New Zealand by the 20th of Sep torn bar," was the reply, The exact date of our departure from England has nob yet been fixed, but if everything goes well I will be in New Zealand on the date mentioned."

" Would you afford any information as to the legislation likely to be introduced by the Government during next session On this head the Premier would afford no information whatever. "It is too early yet to think of Legislation," he replied with a laugh, " and besides I am leaving for England this afternoon. Details of Legislation to be introduced cannot be given at this stage." lii answer to further questions Mr, Saddon said he would be accompanied by Mrs, Seddon and two daughters, and by Mr. W. Crow, privato secretary. The Premier said ha would like to have taken Mr. Hnmer (private secretary) also, bub the lattor's health was such that he could not make the trip and would have to go to Rotorua to recuperate Mr. Seddon added in conclusion that he had been very busy during the last few days, had signed his name about throe thousand times during the voyage from Wellington, and was satisfied that he had left everything in proper order.