THE PREMIER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12524, 17 March 1904, Page 5

THE PREMIER.

■ VISIT, TO PAIBLIE. [U? TKl.EGEAl«,—press association.] TtMARir, Wednesday. Ths Premier, accompanied by his two daughters, Mrs. Bean and Miss Seddou; the Mayor of Timart'i, and chairman of the Harbour Board,. visited Albury and Fairlia districts to-day. Driving from Albury through the Chamberlain and Albury settlements a halt was made at the scene of the alleged find of auriferous quartz above Mount Nesting station, Opawa stream, where Mr. J. ''•&. Rutherford (who drove the Premier) had arranged luncheon for 160. There was quite a large'; gathering of settlers for such a back block spot. 'The Premier examined specimens of quartz, and promised to have a test made. In', the afternoon a twenty-mile, drive followed *\ over ai, rather ' rough road, through settlements, in splendid Weather. He arrived at Fairlie at half-past tour, and was met by 200 or 250 people, and was welcomed with cheers. : He was formally welcomed under the decorations of flags across the street, and presented with an address. In reply he spoke of the pleasure he had in visiting the people scattered through the country;' and congratulated them on the signs of prosperity. he saw. He referred to this as evidence-of : ' the soundness of the policy of land settlement, and wished; them continued success The school children were arranged up in the street, aud the Premier made some remarks regarding ; the recent movement to reform the education system, and dwelt on the importance of education to the community. He was heartily cheered. He then drove six miles further to Silverstream to view the Punaroa settlement and site for the proposed bridge of Opihi, near Fairlie. This evening ho receives deputations at a public social.