THE PRIME MINISTER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14357, 29 October 1908, Page 4

THE PRIME MINISTER

TOUR IN SOUTHLAND. VIEWS ON IMMIGRATION. (Pir United Pjif.ss Association.) INVERCARGILL, October 27. Sir J. G. Ward spent- another busy 'lay, motoring to tjwn from Winton, and calling at, different places, at all of which lie was cordially received. At night he delivered a speech at Waikiwi, in which he covered the ground already traversed. With regard to immigration he said there was no such'thing in e.vistcnco in New Zealand. Men who had satisfied the High Commissioner tlint they possessed enough money and other attributes to make them desirable settlers were assisted to the extent of a grant of £4 towards their passage money to New Zealand, but there was nothing in the nature of canvassing for immigrants. We were, falling short in the matter of population, and had to keep up the standard. He thought that at ccrtain times of the year, particularly in the winter months, immigration should bo restricted, lie was entirely against taking any of the unemployed from any neighbouring country. VTSIT TO STEWART ISLAND. (Fiiom On: Own Correspondent.) BLUFI<\ October 28. Sir Joseph Ward visited Half Moon Hay ffl-day, going and returning by the Bluff tug. 'Ihe weather was boisterous. On arrival he was welcomed by the Island Brass Band. Mr Hassing, in the name of the settlers, gave him a hearty reception, and a similar compliment was paid on behalf of the school children liy one of their number. A deputation of ladies, headed by Mrs Arthur Traill, interviewed him relative to a vote being provided for the services of a resident medical man. Sir Joseph promised that the matter would have Hie serious consideration of the Executive. A largely-attended meeting was held in the Athenivum Hall, at which the county chairman (Mr Robinson) presided. In introducing the member lie dealt with a variety of questions affecting the island. There was first a shipping grievance re Hie manning of the miter crafts. In the course of his speech Sir Joseph Ward said the matter would be promptly considered with a view to securing an amendment of the Shipping Act in the direction indicated. The scenic reserves of the island were next rcfem'cUlo by the chairman. What they complained .of was that so much land should be locked up from settlement. Sir Joseph promised to have the matter looked into with u view to having the reserved area curtailed. The Chairman next referred to the land settlement restrictions occasioned by the island being kept under the operations of the Goldfiekls Act. Sir Joseph also promised to take stops in the direction of land settlement similar to that provided for on the mainland. The next matter mentioned was the steamboat communication with the island and the provision of a local hotel under the Tourist Department arrangements, • Sir Joseph held out r.o hope of the Government doing anything towards providing a more suitable steamer. It was a matter for private enterprise, and if private enterprise could be induced io take it up the Government would be prepared to transfer the subsidy now paid to the Harbour Board for the present service. Nor did he consider that the establishment of an hotel was a work for the Tourist Department. The Government had only provided those hotels in outlandish parts whore no accommodation existed, but in Halt' Moon Hay there were old-established places of the hind. He promised, however, to instruct the tourist agents to give more attention to Ihc island trafiic Hum lliey iiad hitherto done. •Sir Joseph then proceeded to address the meeting on general political topics. At the close a hearty vote ofJJianks and warm approval of the Government was passed amidst loud acclaim. I To-night Sir Joseph is being banqueted by the i'orotigh Council of Campbelltown.