VISIT OF THE PREMIER.

Colonist, Volume XLIII, Issue 9688, 18 January 1900, Page 1 (Supplement)

VISIT OF THE PREMIER.

The Government steamer Tatanekai, with the Eight Honourable the Premier on board, came into harbor on December 27th about half-past four o'clock.* The vessel put out of Wellington at one o'clock yesterday morning for Westport, but met with such terrible weather that, she could not get round Cape Farewell, and it was decided to seek shelter, and at the Premier's request the vessel put into Nelson. Mr Seddon, accompanied by Mrs Seddon and family, landed here, and as the Premier ha? to return to Wellington not later than Tuesday next, the party went on by train last night to Motupiko, whence they proceed by conveyance to-day as far as Lyell, and to-morrow will reach Keefton, and take train for Greymouth. While here, the Premier visited Mr Trask, who sent a messenger to apprise Mr Graham, M.H.R., of the Premier's arrival, and later the Premier, at the request of Mr Graham, and accompanied by Mr Trask, visited the Government Buildings grounds, and inspected the proposed site for the new police gaol. The result of this visit is that the Premier has agreed that it would be a pity to encroach upon the open space in front of the Police Station, and it was decided that another site will be chosen for the building. Mr Graham had previously, while in Wellington, arranged with the Minister for Justice to delay the acceptance of tenders until the question of site could be definitely settled, an opportunity to do which the Premier's visit provided. Mr E. McKenzie, M.H.E for Motueka, subsequently joined the party, and accompanied the Premier as far as Motupiko.