POLITICAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5582, 4 June 1896, Page 1

POLITICAL.

[Per Press Association.! INVERCARGrLL, June 3. The Premier, . who arrived from the north this afternoon, was met at the station /by a large number of citizens, and addressed them shortly. Preceded by a brass band, he was driven to a hotel, and immediately after went to the winter show of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, where' he also spoke, claiming that the Government had been especially mindful pf the interests of farmers by the appointment of experts in various branches of their industry. He also stated that he would have the discussions and papers of the Fruit Conference distributed free throughout the colony, in order that the community might have the benefit of the deliberation of experts. This evening Mr Seddon addressed an overflowing meeting in the - theatre. The speaker had an excellent hearing, and waa frequently applauded. He made reference to the attacks on the platform and in the Press on his colleague the Treasurer in his private capacity, and contended that no Minister had ever been so" abused. Had Mr Ward given that close attention to his own affairs that he had given to those of the colony he would have been infinitely better off. The Premier's speech was entirely a reply to that of Captain Russell on Monday night, con--sequently on- the lines of - previous addresses in the north. At the outset there was a little feeling, and the Premier was told to talk politics not personalities. After that unkind statement, against which he (the speaker) strongly protested, the Premier said that it was absolutely necessary that Ministers should meet the people, as the Press did not do them justice. He regretted to say that 90 per cent of the papers of the colony were against the Government. Regarding the surpluses of the Government, he asserted that on paper and in fact they were as real as those of any previous Government, that of which Captainßtissell was a member having left one of .£140,000. The Premier spoke till 11.30, and was followed by the Hon J. G. Ward. A motion By Miss Manson, seconded by Mr, William Halliday, thanking the Premier for his address, and expressing; continued confidence in the. Ministry, was carried with afew dissentients, and the meeting dispersed at 11.45. OAMARU, June 3. Mr T. Duncan, M.H.R., addressed .his constituents to-night and received a vote, of thanks and confidence.