SPEECH BY THE PREMIER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 78, 29 March 1900, Page 2

SPEECH BY THE PREMIER.

LPiill PUKSS ASSOCIATION.] Ajideulev, March 28. Tlio Pr mir-r delivered an nddresa at ,Vni')orlt,y Ui-nighfc to a crowded wad ■m husiiistic siuilionee, and met with a splendid reception. Ho first replied to the speech of Mr. J. Allen, M.H.R., at Wyndham, and showed that he had 'uisiTpresoctpd facts to serve his own md party ends. Mr. Seddon quoted from the Year Book to show how figures had been twisted, and hoped -Mr. Allen had been misreported, as such remarks might be detrimental to the colony. The Premier referred to Mr. C. F. Lewis as tho funny man of the House, and attributed his remarks it Mr. Allen's social to an after-dinner speech, Figures were quoted to show how much better the position of the' colony was in now than when the present Government took office, and the Premier announced his intention of reducing rates on railways, and all over 3 per cent, of earnings should be returned in rebate. It was intended to continue endeavours to get cheaper freights to the Old Country, and if the Steamship Companies would not do their duty it might come to a Government line of steamers taking produce h o various parts of the world. Mr. Seddon announced the probability of legislation in the shape of workmen's hours to do away with slums. In concluding, Mr. Seddon read a cable message from Lord Onslow congratulating the co'.ony for the assistance sont to the Transvaal, and expressing himself as p'oud to have been Governor of the colony. A hearty vote of thanks for che address, and continued confidence in tha Ministry, was carried by acclamation.