THE PREMIER IN THE SOUTH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6137, 25 March 1898, Page 2

THE PREMIER IN THE SOUTH.

[From our Correspondent.] MILTON, March 24. • The Premier and the Hon John M'Kenzie visited Milton to-day, and on arrival at the railway station met with a very hearty reception from a large gathering. After visiting the new woollen millß and j the potteries, they were engaged receiving deputations until lunch time. In the afternoon a number of Milton residents accompanied the Ministers to Glenore in drags, where the ' « - ..■««•»-*./•*■" snectf' „ a a ■ " j^I.G ™g6§ were iri- -*. -,-•*> -M» oepfiUiiefls, principally on mining matters, were received. Before leaving on the return journey to Milton refreshment* were provided at the Glenore Hotel, and several toaste were proposed. Mr M'Leod, in proposing the toast Cf "The Ministry," said that no* former policy had so tended to the* development of . the country generally as ttwfr of the BallanceSeddon Ministry, and! ita hoped that it would long continue to entry out its good work. Mr Seddon, inreply, eaid that in that district twogreatinterests were represented —mining and agriculture. During the last few days a lot had been heard about the heroic efforts of the early settlers, who, without a doubt, were entitled to all the credit that had been given them, but very great credit was also due to the miners who came there se far back as 1861. He was glad to say' that in this colony wealth was more evenly distributed than in the Old Country, and not a single millionaire was to be found, and as years rolled by it would be found that a more even distribution of wealth would be attained. The Premier concluded by remarking that if the public judged Ministers by what they read of them in the Opposition newspapers they would not think them fit company for respectable society. Judging by the hearty reception he and his colleague had met with that day, however, he felt satisfied the people of that district, at anyrate, did not base their conclusions upon what appeared in the newspapers referred to. He hoped that the good feeling shown towards himself and his calleagues would be maintained. The Hon J. M'Kenzie, in his remarks, said it was that day just seven years and two months since the present Government had taken office. That was a longer period than any other Government i had lasted. At first the Opposition predicted they could not last longer than three months; then they were given an extension of twelve months; but they were still alive and full of vigour. From time to time reports of grave differences between himself and the Premier had been circulated by the Opposition Press, but he assured them, in the presence of his colleague, that since he had been a member of the Cabinet, and indeed since he had been a member of the House, nothing of the kind had occurred. Whatever difference of opinion ihey might have had on any question, there was nothing in the nature of a disagreement. The Ministers are being entertained at. a wellattended banquet at Milton to-night.