THE MINISTER OF MINES IN NELSON.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 994, 20 March 1891, Page 26

THE MINISTER OF MINES IN NELSON.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Nelson, March 12. The PeDguin having been delayed inside Wellington Harbour by fog, the Hon Mr Seddon did not arrivo till to night. He was met by the Mayor, Councillors, and local member. He leaves for Takaka and Collingwood by road at six to-morrow morning, returning on Monday evening, when he will bo entertained at a banquet. Nelson, March 13. A deputation from the City Council waited last night on the Hon. Mr Seddon, relative to certain local requirements, one being tho diversion of the present railway line to Belgrove, whereby heavy working expenses would be saved, and the public greatly convenienced. Mr Seddon said this was more a matter for consideration of tho the Railway Commissioners, and he thought they would promote the public interests if they were to mix more with the people and ascertain their requirements. It was on this principle Ministers were acting in travelling about the countiy. Nelson, March 17. At the banquet last night to the Hon R. Seddon, Messrs Harkness, O’Conor, and Mills, M.H.R.’s, wore present. Mr Seddon, in replying to the toast of the Ministers, said there wonld be nothing revolutionary, confiscatory, or of fireworks, in the Ministerial policy, as they recognised that they mast attract, not repulse, capital. They intended to reduce taxation, change its incidence, and repeal the property tax, os being a tax on thrift. They would put a tax on land that would not injure the small settler, but would compel the owners of large estates to improve or sell their estates. Government should have the same right to taking land for settlement by granting com pensation that it had to acquire land for roads and railways. They would also on deavour to adjust the differences between capital nnd labour. Government further proposed to complete the classification of tho Civil Service, but must first reduce the number of tho officers wilhiu legitimate limits by dispensing with all not required, Mr Seddon spoke very highly of the Service as unequalled in the Colonies, but there were too many to do the work. Government would also give a hearty support to the Volunteers. In connection with mining, he

said the Government would take steps to prevent monopolies, and would oppose unprofitable locking up of the land uuder long leases. They would render every assistance in their power to that great national work, the Midland Railway. The banquet was a great success. " . , , To-day Mr Seddon was interviewed by the looal bodies, and to-morrow leaves for the Coast. Hokitika, March 17. Great preparations are being made _ all along tho coast for Mr Seddon’s receptiou. As member for this district he wili be entertained at a banquet, receiving a P U ]J‘ 0 address congratulating him on being called to offioe.