The Premier at Eketahuna.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 103, 26 January 1894, Page 2

The Premier at Eketahuna.

Thursday, January 23th. j The long-wished for banquet in honor of the Premier (lion. R. neddon ( and the member for this district (Mr A. W. Hogg) look place on Wednesdav night in Kllistou - Hall. There was it very good muster of settlers present, including alsiut 20 ladies. The caterer ran b< congratulated on the splendid success lie achieved in atteniihig so satisfactorily to the wants of the visitors. Also a word of praise is due to the several young ladies who volunteered their services as waitresses. The Premier arrivisl at Eketahuna shortly before 0 p.m. by special train, and was met at the station by Mr Hogg and members of the banquet committee. The chair was occupn-d by Mr Hemt Syvers n. who was supported on the rigbi by the Premier and Mr Sinclair-George, of Alfredton, and on the left by Mr Hogg and Mr Kli Smith, of Tawataia. The vicechair was occupied by Mr Joseph Smith, of Parkville. After the good things provided had been fully discussesi the Chairman proposed the usual loyal toast •• The Queen and Governor," which was duly honored. The “ Army" and 44 Navy," coupled with the names of Mr J. Smith (army) ami Mr W. Cullen (navy), was proposed in a neat little speech by Mr A. H. Herbert and res|ionded to by the above-named gentlemen. Mr H. Aulin proposed “ The Go vernment of New Zealand," coupled with the name of the Premier, which was drunk with musical honors. The Premier, who responded, was heartily applauded. After thanking those present for the manner in which they had drunk the toast with which his name was coupled, he apologised for the absence of Sir Patrick Kuckley and the Hon. John McKenzie, both of whom were unable to attend. He was pleased to see such a large attendance of ladies, and it was very evident to see that they had begun to assert themselves, and in future would not allow their husbands to be singing 44 For he’s a jolly gi>od fellow" till the small hours of the morning if they could help it. lie desired to cultivate everybody’s acquaintance, more especially the ladies, and considered there should lie a mutual understanding between tile governing and governed. The speaker also touched on the land settlement question. Referring to railway matters the Premier said that ho expected the next visit he made to Eketahuna would be to open the railway between F.ketahunu and Woodvillo, one of the most important works in New Zealand at the present time (applause). The Premier concluded his remarks with a brief reference to the Native land question and taxation, and the appointment of the new railway commissioners.

Mr Kli Smith proposed the health : of the member for the district, which [ was drank with musical honors. Mr Hogg responded and thanked the ladies for the support they accorded him last November, Other toasts were proposed as follows : “ The ladies " proposed by the Premier, and responded to by Mrs Joseph Smith, "Local Bodies,” by Mr I). M. George, and responded to by Mr Von Redin. 1 Farmingand Commercial Interests’ by Mr Hogg, and responded to by Messrs Aulin (commerce), Lund (farm *»g)- “ The Liberal Cause," by Air J. Smith, and responded to by the Premier. The Press, Chairman, and Caterer, - wore also duly honoured. Songs wi re contributed during the evening by Miss Gardner, the Premier, Messrr Hogg, Brenmuhl, and Hart. The veteran, Cameron, presided at the piano in his usual well-known style. The affair broke up about 2 a m. by the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne" when the ladies went home.

A deputation from the Wairarapa Nortii County Council, consisting of Messrs Von Redin, and Eli Smith, waited on the Premier in his room at the Railway hotel, after the banquet, to see if he could not place a sum of money on the estimates for putting the main road in repair. The deputa tion pointed out to him that through the extra heavy traffic consequent on getting material carted on to the rail way works, the Council with the scanty capital at their command had been un able to keep the road in proper repair. The Premier promised to do his lest in the matter when he went hack to Wellington. The deputation tbankeq him and withdrew. Ihe Premier, accompanied by Messrs Hogg, M.H.R., and Kli Smith, • .1 ~ drove out to Alfredton this morn ing, and expect to lie hack this after noon to meet the Hon J. McKenzie on his way to Pahiatua.