THE PRIME MINISTER'S TOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14213, 14 May 1908, Page 7

THE PRIME MINISTER'S TOUR

THE BULLER VALLEY.

(Per United Pbkss Association.) ■ _ LONGFORD, May 13, TJio Prime Ministor, accompanied by Ladf Ward and Messrs 11. M'Kenzi© and Colvin, M.P/s, arrived at Murchison township, Central Buller, at 6 o'clock to-night, having left Deiuiisloii early in the morning. Oa the way up the Duller Valley tllo Prime Minister received n number of deputations. Ho was jeeeivod hero by a brass band and tlie school children drawn up in line. There was a largo assemblage of inhabitants, though the district is sparsely settled, and only ono day's notice was given. Later, the Primo Minister and party wcro entertained at a social, the large hall being crowded. i n rCspollso (o (, hc toMt o{ ,| lO .Ministry, tho Prime Minister delivered a speech that was received with tho greatest enthusiasm, and tho auditors appreciated keenly the opportunity of listening to tho head of tho Government. The Prime Minister gave interesting particulars of tho development of tho West Coast by the large areas of land put into the market, and said that from ono port alone 40 million feet, of timber was exported annually, while tJiere was sufficient timber on the Coast to keep up tho samo rate of supply for 69 years. The speaker comfiiojited upon tho evidences of progress he had observed throughout the district since Ins previous visit, six years ago. The speech was mainly devoted to pointing out the advantages tho Dominion possessed, and the change that Jiad come about in its condition financially, and ho emphasised strongly tho imporlaneo of paying increased attention to securing outside markets for products and Imperial trade preference. His reference to the measures that had! been taken to prevent the innish of. Asiatics was specially appreciated by the audience. At the conclusion of the address, a vote of thanks and confidence in the Ministry was unanimously passed. The party pro-, coeds to Nelson Jo-morrow, ■ and thence to luukoura on Friday. i