THE PREMIER AND THE NEW MINISTERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13279, 11 September 1906, Page 5

THE PREMIER AND THE NEW MINISTERS.

PUBLIC WELCOME IN * WELLINGTON. SPEECH BY SIR J. WARD. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Monday. The Town Hall was crowded to-night, when the citizens of Wellington tendered a public welcome to Sir Joseph Ward and the new members of the Cabinet, Messrs. Millar, McNab, and Fowlds. The Ministers received a great ovation on entering the building. Sir Joseph Ward, in the course of bis speech, said lie and his colleagues claimed thai, they had nailed their colours to the matt, and would keep them flying. The historian of the future would describe the policy of the. Government as bold, wide, liberal, and magnetic, intended for the good of all classes. Before the people had the opportunity of judging that policy it was somewhat premature of some of their old friends, and lie would sooner have an open enemy than a false friend, to pass judgment* upon it. Touching upon the chief matters of policy disclosed in the Budget, Sir Joseph said the principle of removing sorno portions of the public debt had never before been placed before the people in a practical form, though it had been talked about on many occasions. Native lands would be brought into occupation in the interests of Maori owners and the people generally. The Government was trying to limit the area of large estates for the reason that the country was only a small one, and the area of Crown lands limited. They did not desire that thoso things which had been such a blot on the annals and records of other lands should exist ill this country. It would not bo necessary to go to London next year for public money. The colony could now choose its market.

Speeches were made by the other Ministers, who were warmly received, the proceedings being very cordial throughout.