THE PREMIER AT GREYTOWN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2202, 14 May 1896, Page 12

THE PREMIER AT GREYTOWN.

The Premier visited Greytown North on the 28th alt., and metrwith a hearty reception. He was met at the station by the major and councillors, leading residents, the fire brigade, &c., and there was a large attendance of the general public. An addrers of welcome was read by the mayor.

In the evening Mr Peddon was entertained at a banquet, and subsequently delivered an fiddresa to a large audience, a large number of ladies being present. The mayor presided. Mr Seddon defended the Government from the aspersions attempted to be Casf upon them by the Opposition, and said the latter now admitted credit was due to the Government for passing tho Land and Income Taz, which was a just measure. The Government also carried » measure for settling the people on the laud snd providing for close settlement, a measure which he thought the Opposition , would, if it bad the power, repeal. He referred to many other measures which were passed by the Government which were in favour of the masses. He . accused the Opposition of plundering the people of the land. They hid constructed and purchased political railways, and had also enriched themselves by borrowing and gquandering. He quoted several instances where the Opposition had, he s»id, been guilty of passing measures in the interests of landholders. Referring to the increase of the debt by 18 millions from 1879 to 1895 he said no less than 16 millions had beru added by the Conservative or Vogel Ministry. -The B*llanceSeddon Ministries only increased it £2,000,000. He denied that the present Administration injured the credit of the colony, and quoted the price of stocks in support of this statement. The gross railway revenue for the 31st March 1896 was £1,183.040, which exceeded the estimate by £25,040. Referring to the alleged extravagance of the Government, he mentioned that Captain Rust-ell made no mention of the trip when Captain Russell, the Hon. Mr Fergus, Mr H.~ D. Bell, and others made an exploration of the North Island trunk tins extending over 14 days, which cost £419, and which was charged to the vote for the North Island trunk line The proceedings were marked by great enthusiasm. Tbe Premier received a nnanimous vote of thanks, and one of confidence in his Government was carried by acclamation.

The Premier visited the Natives on the 29th nit. at Papawai, near Gieytowu, in response to an invitation, accompanied by tbe Mayor of Greytown and several visitors. He received a cordial reception, the Native wumeu performing a waiata of welcome. Tbe meeting was a representative gathering of the Natives ot Wairarapa. The Chief, Tamahau, read the follow* ing address of welcome to the Premier :—

Welcome hither, Mr Seddon, Premier of the North and South Islands and father of both races. We feel greatly pleased at your having quickly responded to the invitation that you should come among&t us to explain the legislation of the past Parliament, and what is proposed respecting the Native people in the cpming Parliament. It is right that you should come amongst ub in accordance with the union of the two races, snd in accordance with the words of the Apostle Paul, " You who were far off in past times had been brought near by the blood of Je&us Christ." After continuing words of welcome the iddress asked the Premier to look after the remaining members of the race, and expressed a wish that the Premier, his family, Ministerial colleagues, and his Government may live long to complete the work they have in hand. The address was signed on behalf of the people of all the hspus and tribes of Wairarapa and right op to Porangnhau. Mr Seddon was then presented with leveral mats, one a kiwi feather one which has been in the possession of Tamahau's family for upwards of 20 years.

TheFremier, replying, said it was the desira-of himself and Government to promote the interests of the Native race. He regretted that some of those who had held the portfolio of Native Minister bad ministered against the Natives instead of for their goodwill. He referred te (he early arrival of the colonists in New Zealand and to the disastrous war, which resulted in ■ rhany instances in their lands being filched. Ib had been the policy of. the present Government to preserve the land for the Natives so that they might enjoy life and possess the same advantages as did the Europeans. The policy of the Conservatives, he said, had been in the opposite direction, and they had taken every opportunity to fleece the Maoris and secure land at an unjust price. The manner in which lands had been acquired from the Natives in the past was a standing disgrace to the Europeans of New Zealand. He referred to lands in Hawke's Bay which had been bought from Natives at 2s 6d per acre, and which were now worth £22 10s. So long as the present Government were in office this meant of dealing in Native lands would be stopped. The Government were keeping an eye on those Europeans who were watching the opportunity to take land from the Natives, and the Premier urged those present to hesitato before putting their signatures to any papers vrhioh bereft them of their lands. The difficulty of the Advances to Settler* Act cot apply ing to Natives would have te be solved. The charge against the Natives was that they would not pay interest on the money advanced. His (Mr Beddon't) reply to this was, Give the Natives money at the tune cheap rate v it OM Advanced to fiuroßewu— 6 not cent— »nd

they would pay. ' At present if the Natives borrowed they had 60 pay 10 per cent., and when in the hands of storekeepers were charged 20 per oent. and often 50 per ceot. In conclusion, he hoped the Natives would educate and improve themselves. If they had any doubt as to matters affecting them, they should go direct to the Government for advice aud redress. He thanked them heartily for their reception, and said he would ask Parliament to continue laws which would bear equally on both races. Tho Premier, before resuming his seat, presented Tamahau with some nice gold nugget* which he had secured during hi* recent visit to the West Coast. He read a letter from the Hon Mr Carroll expressing regceb that he was unable to be present.

Several hakas arranged specially for the visit of the Premier were danced, after which he was entertained. Throughout the proceedings were marked with enthusiasm, and on departing three hearty cheers were given for Mr Seddon.