THE PREMIER IN WESTLAND.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 12872, 6 January 1906, Page 7

THE PREMIER IN WESTLAND.

BANQUET AT GREYMOUTH. Per Press Association. " GREYMOUTH, January 5. " The Premier was tendered' a banquet at thG'Opera House by the citizens of Grey and Grey County. The ball was crowded, and the reception most enthusiastic. It was the most representative gathering ever held in the town. People came from all over, the district to be present. The Premier was cheered on rising to respond to £he toast of his health. He made an excellent speech, lasting two hours, and touched on many important matters. He referred to the movement some years ago for federation with the Australian Commonwealth, but held that New Zealand! should work out its own destiny. "What ■was wanted was reciprocity, and that would r~ eventuate before very long for the good of both colonies. In referring to his visit to Australia he said that if time permitted before next session he would make the trip, and read a cable message received by him that day from the Premier of Western Australia, asking him to pay them a visit. Sir J- G. Ward intended going to* the Postal Conference, and his presence would be wanted in the colony for some months. He referred! to the happy and contented condition of the people of the colony, and instanced the large number of estates that were dealt with, showing that provision had been made for those left behind. The Government had a settled policy in the cutting up of large estates for closer settlement, and net even the most bitter opponent of the Government would attempt to alter it. The Leader of the Opposition had stated during the election that before taking largge estates the matter should be decided by Parliament. This he differed entirely from; it was for Parliament to -settle the policy, and the Government to carry it out. If the owner of an estate had to run the gauntlet of Parliament very few estates would be sold. The gold export had increased this year to two millions, and bore out his statement made in 1897. that such would be the case If Ml justice was done to the gold industry it would next year reach three million. The timber, coal, and lias industries were flourishing on the coast, and gold had been neglected. The Government intended mapping out the coast and bringing scientific knowledge to bear. The knowledge of the old miners should be tabtdated and the Government geologist

use the work scientifically. Coal must play an important part in the commerce of;; the -world. President Roosevelt had said the Stars and Stripes -would dominate the; commerce of the Pacific. As the Britishers* mind -was made up that no flag but the; British flag -would dominate the commerce of the Pacific, Americans have to coibe to the port under the British flag to obtain coal. He referred to Point Elizabeth : ' as a harbour created by nature. "The question about a harbour in the days gone by "was necessity; it was not required, and the undertaking was too great. Now requirements demanded it, and it would be the harbour of the Pacific, and steamers of all nations -would call for .coal.

• He referred to Ilie islands of the Pacific and held that the flag of the British Empire should float over all of them as they ■were part of New Zealand and necessary to the defence of the colony. He referred to the enormous coal deposits on the coast and also gold. The importation of Newcastle coal could be met with by giving cheaper freights on steamers. The game applied to Oregon timber. The Premier touched on several local matters and concluded his speech amidst great enthusiasm, eheeers followiug as he resumed his-"seat:-