THE PREMIER'S MEETINGS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5518, 19 March 1896, Page 1

THE PREMIER'S MEETINGS

% [From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, March 18. The following letter has been written by Mr Trask, the chairman of the Premier's meeting, at Nelson, to the Post \ — Sir, — My attention has been directed to a telegram which appeared in your issue of yesterday's date, and headed "How confidence in the Government was carried." The telegram in question purports to come from Nelson, and to give a truthful account of certain circumstances connected with the putting of a motion of " thanks and confidence in the Ministry." Allow me to say, Sir, that the telegram in question conveys a very inaccurate account of what actually took place. I was not "prompted" by. Mr Seddon. The true facts of the case are as follow : — After the Premier had concluded his address a proposition was moved by Mr Everett "according, on behalf of the meeting, a vote of thanks to Mr Seddon for his able speech and of confidence in the present Ministry. Before this was seconded Mr Costabodie desired to move an amendment, the nature of which he did not state. I, as Chairman, then requested him to wait till Mr Everett's proposition was seconded. Colonel Pitt then seconded the proposition in an "able speech, at the termination of which neither Mr Costabodie nor anyone else offered to move an amendment. Therefore I put the proposition, the only one before the meeting, and it was carried almost unanimously. Although of less importance, I feel compelled to. emphatically deny yoixr correspondent's opinion, as expressed in the telegram, that the meeting was "markedly apathetic." As a matter of fact it was one of the most enthusiastic meetings ever held in Nelson, and I may say that the Premier's speech was received with the highest satisfaction. As, I am sure you will admit, there are two sides to every question, and. that you would not wilfully display any unfairness even to a political opponent, I feel confident you will insert this letter as promptly as possible. — I am, &c, Francis Trask.