THE PREMIER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12817, 17 March 1905, Page 6

THE PREMIER.

.VISIT TO WAIHI. INTERESTING CEREMONIES. THE WANTS OF THE DISTRICT. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWX REPORTER.] W.uut, Thursday. The Premier left Te Aroha this morning by special train for Karangahake. At Paeroa lie was met on the train by deputations introduced by Mr. E. G. B. Moss, M.ILR. for the district. The Premier and party left Karangahake by special conveyance for Waihi. On arrival at Waikino ho was met by the Hon. Seymour Thome. George, M.L.C., and Mr. R. E. Williams, superintendent of tho aihi Gold Mining Company's mine, who informed him that the company had arranged for the rest of tho journey to be made by their private rail. On arrival at Waihi - the Mayor (Mr. Thcs. Gilinour) welcomed Mr. Seddon 011 behalf of the citizens, a large number of whom had assembled to greet him. Mr. 1). Donaldson, president of the "Waihi branch of tho Liberal and Labour Association, also welcomed Mr. Seddon on behalf of that body. The Premier made a suitable reply to both gentlemen. NEW HIGH SCHOOL OPENED. Ho then proceeded to open the new High School, and a pretty sight presented itself as he entered the gates, 691 well-dressed children being lined up. The. Premier first of all inspected the two companies of cadets, and complimented them upon their splendid military appearance, lie stated ilia*, the cadet corps of the colony now numbered 10,000. and all told there were 20,000 trained to arms. This voluntary movement was a great deal better than conscription, and from different parts of the world particulars wore now a-kc (1 regarding the cadet movement. The Premier then addressed the school children, and spoke of the new syllabus, which allowed teachers to remove children when qualified to higher standards, irrespective of the annual examination. After cheers had been given for Mr. Seddon, Mr. McCarthney (chairman <>£ committee) welcomed the Premier to Waihi, and handed him the key of the new High School.

Prior to opening the school the Premier delivered an address to the students. He stated that secondary education was now within the reach of nil, technical and manual education he thought should go hand in hand with secondary instruction, ami in conclusion he said lit; hoped that the results achieved by ilk*> school would show that lie Government were justified in granting it. and would also reflect credit, upon those immediately concerned and promote the well-being of all. The building was then inspected, and proved to be thoroughly modern, with all the latest appointments, and reflected gi< at credit, upon the builder (Mr. Beethaut). After more cheering the school chiiuiv'i were granted a holiday in honour 1! the occasion. TURNING ON TDK WATII.:. The next ceremony was one which tho borough have waited so long for, namely, turning on the water of the new suppij. This took place in the main street, and simplv meant the turning of the- key in a double-headed hydrant. Before turning on the tap the Premier said that no boon was so great to a community as a plentiful supply of good water, and this had been provided at Waihi. much to the credit of those wl.o controlled municipal affairs. 'Ilia tost would certainly have frightened a mere timid community, but the Council wero determined on he matter, and tip to tho present. £15,000 had been expended on extensions. Another £2000 was necessary before the whole of tho works would be completed. An expenditure of fully £20,000. would be involved. The expenditure, however, was more than justified, and ho had great pleasure in turning on the water. Three fine jets of water then commenced playing. The .At ay then said that he bad a very pleasant duty to perform, namely, the presentation of it gold medal to the Premier a! 11 slight memento of the occasion. _ The medal was a valuable one, and the face of it liore a chaste design indicative of the mining industry, whilst the back bore the following inscription: "Presented to . Right Hon. It. J. Sedi'on, P.C., by the people of Wailii, its a souvenir of the opening of (he waterworks, March, 1905." THE LUNCHEON.

Mr. Seddcn was the guest of tho Mayor (Mr. Titos. Gilmour) at luncheon, iu the Waihi Clubroom. During l the course of a brief speech, in response to the toast of his health, tho Premier said he bad always had tho support of Mr. llerrit s (the member for tho district) in his public works policy. The latter was not inconsistent like some of the other Opposition member*, who. whilst blaming the Government for borrowing, yet .asked for roads and for railways. 'Lite colony » requirements could not be met out of the revenue, if iter resources were to be developed. and thev must go on borrowing within reasonable limits. He believed the amount to be borrowed should be limited to one million nounds per year. Regarding Waihi, Mr. Hcddon said that lie had years ago thought there was a great future before, its parent mine, but his most sanguine expectations had been exceeded in the result. In proposing th? toast of the mining industry, Mr. W. 11. Worries, M.H.K., said that politics did not apply to mining./ The Opposition would support the Government in any measure having for its object the improvement of the industry.

DEPUTATIONS. After luncheon an adjournment was mailt; to the Borough Council Chamber-, where the Premier received several deputation.-. Mr. Max D. King introduced a deputation of natives from Mat aura. asking for the establishment of a native school. lie point out that the settlement was about seven miles from the V. aihi school. and thei't were over 30 children of «(.•'!<:<>! anro there. The natives were willing to dedicate threw or more acres of land /or a school v The Premier said he would inquire into lie application, but the trouble was that sometimes when native schools worts established the natives packed tit) their traps and cleared somewhere else. However, he would promise to give a school if circumstances warranted it. lie also promised to inquire into a similar application from Bowentowu, made by Mr. Morvyn Stewart. Mr. Bui lot, 011 behalf of 130 householders at Waikino, asked the Premier to stop • l"proposal of t 4 he Board of Education io remove the Owharoa school to a point m-a. i\>f Waikino township, on the same side of the river, and in lieu thereof that the school be erected on the township .side. The '.Premier said he could not, and would not. usurp tlie powers of the' Education Board. Boards of education, however, did make mistakes sometimes. _ lie. suggested' that a deputation from Waikino 'should wait 011 the Board in Auckland, and point out the mistake that was being made. It was a matter of great moment to the residents of Waikino, and he would promise to send along an independent. Government officer to report on the matter, and that report would be submitted to the Board. The Hospital Board submitted a report from Dr. i'renglev, of the Health Department, recommending the erection of an infectious diseases ward. This, together witli alterations proposed by the Hospital Board, brought, the proposed expenditure no to about £1300. The Board asked for a grant. Tli© Premier promised to assist, if possible. In reply to a deputation of the school committee, asking for a technical school, where cookery, carpentering, etc., could be taught, the Premier said be approved of technical and manual schools being attached to secondary schools. In litis case lie thought that the school desired could be attached to tho School o. Mines. He promised to send Mr. Black, and ascertain the probable, cost of buildings, etc., and what number of pupils were likely to attend if the facilities spoken of were afforded, and assistance would be forthcoming if possible. The grant applied for was £800. A large deputation waited on the Premier in respect to need of a school in the eastern end of the town, but tho Premier clearly pointed out that it was more advantageous for the children to have one good central school. If an infant school was an absolute necessity in the eastern end of the town, then tho application would receive every consideration, but lie would not help the deputation to split up the town to the detriment of the central school. The Borough Council asked for assistance towards the construction of the Waihi Beach Road. The Premier said that i: the Council would promote a local Bill and present it to ParliuiJient through the member for tho district, it would <><> through, provided there, were no strong objections from other local bodies interested. Tho deputation decided to act accordingly. Another matter referred to by the Borough Council was tho unsatisfactory condition of

land titles. According to the Act personal residence was essential to the holder, and yet if the holder of a license was leaving the district he frequently had to dispose of his homo at great personal loss, because of the conditions imposed by the regulations. The Premier said there was no doubt Waihi had outgrown the conditions contemplated by the Mining Act, and a special Act was really necessary for Waihi, as well as To Aroha. Ho intended to bring forward a measure next session that he thought would meet the case. What they wanted was to prevent residence sites getting into the hands of speculators, and yet allow miners to transfer their license's in leaving the place without penalis-. ing the original holder. Special legislation was required, and lie asked the Council to furnish details of what would be best to suit tlio circumstances. A SOCIAL. In the early part of the evening the 'Premier was entertained at a social in the Academy of Music, when a musical programme was given.

A PUBLIC MEETING.

SPEECH BY MR. SEDDOX.

NEW MINING POLICY.

The Premier addressed an overflowing public meeting at the Academy of Music to-night, the Mayor (Mr. Thos. Gilmour) presiding. The Premier first presented charters to the Waihi and tho Waikino branches of the Liberal and Labour Federation. Messrs. Donaldson and Keogh, presidents of the branches named, returned thanks.

Mr. Scddon, referring to the question of the High Commissioucr&liip. said the Conservative papers seemed to really believe that his luggage was ticketed London,'' and lie was not sure they were not prepared to say his acceptance oi the position would be in the best interests of the colony. But he had not yet left New Zealand, it was nor, his ghost speaking to thein, and he was not yet High Commissioner. There mightbe some change of personnel in the incoming House ot Representatives, but- he did not think there was a general desire for a change, and he believed the parties would come back to Parliament practically jn-fc as they were now, or if there was a change at all he thought there would lie more Government supporters. He claimed to have started tho 'i'hamcs-Te Aroha railway. And the Waihi railwaywho, lie asked, started that? (A voice Who found the money?") " What's the odds?" replied the Premier, "as long as you got the money." He hoped he would find another company to help him take the railway to Tauranga. He was quite prepared to take another halfmillion to-morrow morning on the same terms. 1 The railway to Waikino would be open in a few weeks, and he hoped before long to be coming to Waihi to open the railway for them.

TII'E GOT,DTIKLDS. Coming to goldtield matters, Mr. Seddoti said lie thought the responsibility fur accidents in gold mines should In- fixed upon tho mineowners (as had been fixed in the case of coal mines), and that the same principle should apply as in the ease of the master of a ship, namely, the handing up of his certificate to the board of inquiry. He believed we had a class of mine managers who would be prepared to do this, and to abide by the result of the inquiry. It was no flection upon them, anil this was a question which ought to be dealt with by Parliament in tho interests of owners and miners alike. lie would give them some figures, which he had reserved for Waihi. Since 1891. he said, there had been an increase of 732,000 tons in the coal output of the colony. The number of men employed in tho industry had increased by over 1000, and the average earning of aach man was £2 17s 5d per week, as against. £2 in 1891. Coal-cutters, moreover, made £3 per week. Tho conditions of the coal minors had improved, whilst the owners never had such rosy times. The gold output for (he Auckland district for 1904 showed an increase 'if 177,613 ounces upon tho total output for 1891 of an increased value of £610,344. The bullion production of Ohiuemuri from 1837 to 1901 .was £5.392.070. He alio referred to the output, from the Waihi mine—"the glorious Waihi" he called it. It had been a great advertisement for New Zealand. '1 ho export of gold to December 51 last- was 16.626,000 ounces, of a value of £65.000,000. The West Coast had exported £25,000.000 and the North Island £40,000,000. 'litis year tin; gold export showed a slight e'ecrease of 12,000 ounces, of a value of £50,000, but this was more apparent than real. The gold export, when "lit* first took office as Minister for Mines, had been very nearly doubled. We had not at all reached our maximum output. Ho thought, the time had arrived when more money must, be •spent in prospecting. Ho had been very much astonished the other day. on looking up the figures, to find what a paltry amount had been expended upon prospecting compared to what ho used to expend as Minister for Minos. Economy was a good thing, but lie did not believe it) parsimony, and ho questioned whether Parliament had not been too parsimonious upon this matter o, prospecting. As a change, he proposed to tiriii" M'iMieo to bear. Iho Government had advertised in England, America, and Canada for geological experts, and had appointed Dr. Bell, of Canada,, whose qnnlifi eat ions were superior, and whose practical work commended itself to tho Government. Dr. Bell had submitted proposals, winch he' thought the Minister for Mines wo " <; lie glad to adopt. Ho (Dr. Bell) proposed to carry out geological work in the North and South, the idea being to divide tho countrv to be prospected into quadrangles. An assistant was proposed to be employed, and we should then have four excellent, qualified men. The well-known argentiferous and auriferous belts in the North and South must have the necessary survey, and the necessary staff must I.e. employed to aw-t in the exploration. ' The regulations at present gave some little assist a to tie; old prospector, but ]j,» was?now gone, and the Government ha.l to treat with different circumstances. When (he geologist said that prospecting should be done in a given district, the. State would have to find the money for the sinking of the shafts, the driving of the tunnels, or for boring, and lie believed that money would be properly expended. Why should they not ' prospect the country? Why should iliev leave it to others to do? They must ne'er, a deviairure in the go'dfiel'js policy, and if they asknj the House for £20,000 for nroswet mg, he v. - satisfied that (hc\ would tret it. They must- first get a pronor! v-equipped I Jooiogic.il Department.

THE THAMES. Speaking of the Thames. Mr. Seddon said when he thought of it- pant he felt quite downhearted. . Little was being done there in the wav of prospecting and development. Booking at Hendigo ami Ballarat, as he knew them in the early days, when they were almost in tin: same condition as inc. Thame, to-day. when in l thought of what they were no v. -with their deep shafts, the !»ood Mages •>!" the men. and plenty of gold — giorions cities, he could not help thinking what our «nvrt goldrields might be made. I'; t;:;ig" and Ha'larat. were in their present. nrosper<nts condition ail through the application «! capital, and the New Zealand Government would have to find the capital for this colony. At the Thames, his own belief was that the reefs carry gold below as well as where cur, and worked in the upper levels, and I hat- they might yet discover gold mines in the colony equal to the Waihi. Mr. Seddon closed with a brief reference to I ho State insurance, and his scheme for increasing the number of trained nurses, saying he would gladly assist in having a dozen Waihi girls trained at the hospital and in putting up a nurses' home. A vote of thanks and of unabated confidence in the Government was passed, on the motion of Mr. ■!. Poster, seconded bv Ml. J. Xewih. Mr. Seddon leaves for Tnunmga and Roto* rua to-morrow morning, being joined at the latter place by Mrs. and Miss Scddon, who remained behind at Te Arolia. PAEROA DEPUTATIONS. [j'.V TXUXr.AI'H.--OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Paeroa, Thursday. This morning the Premier mid party passed through Pauroa on the way from Te Aroiia to Waihi. A couple of deputations wore waiting on the i'acroa railway station to interview Mr, Scddon, but lie intimated that he could not stop, and tho interviews must take place in the train on the way to Karangahakc. The deputations were introduced by Mr. Moss, M.11.R. Messrs. Cock and McWatters spoke with regard to the Pacroa leaseholds, and said that although the Minister for Bands had promised that the tenants would have an opportunity of securing the freehold of their sections, they had now been told that the freehold was not to be sold. Tho Premier referred to the Land Commission, now sitting, and said that nothing would bo done in the matter at present!" The Government was not 1 kjllcl by any promise made by the Minister for Lands, or by any other Minister. Neither he tier any other Minister could make promises that were binding without consulting tho Cabinet. The question of freehold or leasehold was a question of policy, and the Minister for Ban (.Id could not make a promise to grant

the freehold that: would be binding on the Government. He would .himself ook through the paper referring to this matter, and they could rest assured that no injustice would, be. done. . , Mr Poland and Mr. Franklin, of the Ohinemuri County Council, asked the Premier that, the Minister for Mines should instruct the warden to hold an inquiry, as provided by the Gold Duties Act of 1903, to ascertain what portion of the Waihi gold duty should be used for the purpose of keeping the Ohinemuri River open, and other work in the Ohinemuri County. The Premier said the request seemed a reason able one, and lie would recommend tho Minister for Mines to give instructions to have the inquiry held. At Karangahake Messrs. Tresize, Phillips, and Neil waited on tho Minister and asked for a grant of £160 for apparatus for the Karangaliake School of Minos. The Premier said he recognised that the claim was a just one, but ho thought a special voto would be required. He promised to look into tho matter and see if there was any vote from which the grant could be made. The same gentlemen urged the necessity for a public battery for the purpose of assisting prospectors in- getting their ore tested, but while agreeing that prospectors

were entitled to more assistance, the Premier did not make any definite promise.

THE VISIT TO ROTORUA. [BT TELEGRAM. —OWN' CORRE.SI'OXI)EN~r.] Rotokua, Thursday. The Premier is expected here on Saturday. A committee is being organised to give him a reception. It is to take- the form of a conversazione. Tho same committee will also take the opportunity of bringing several important matters under his notice. The need of a water supply and additional electric current will be included in the requests to bo made.