MINISTERS IN THE SOUTH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6138, 26 March 1898, Page 6

MINISTERS IN THE SOUTH.

[Prom Our Correspondent.]

BALCLUTHA, March 25,

Tha Premier and Minister of Lands arrived by the express from Milton this morning, and were received on the platform by the Mayor (Mr D. T. Fleming) and Councillors D. Stewart, G. Thomson, J. Dunne, M'Leod and others. The Mayor welcomed the Ministers, who were entertained at luncheon by Mr George Thomson. In the afternoon the Ministers were driven to Kaitangata, where they were received by the Mayor and members of the Borough Council. They were taken to the mine ancl shown over it. They had a good reception and a pleasant afternoon, and were cheered on their arrival and departure. The party returned to Balclutha at 5 p.m., and proceeded to Mr Thomson's residence, where they received deputations and were provided with tea.

A very numerously - attended public meeting was held in the Balclutha Public Hall this evening. The Mayor presided. The meeting was addressed by the Premier and Minister of Lands. Tho Premier spoke for upwards of two hours, and the Hon J. M'Kenzie for an hour, and both secured a very favourable hearing. There was no interruption except in the way of applause. The Premier's address was on the lines of those previously given, and was directed towardsthe defence of his policy and of the Ministerial party. He said distinctly that he was not going to commit the colony to a borrowing policy; that was what his opponents would like him to do. He claimed that the increased prosperity of the colony had resulted from the progressive Liberal policy, which should still be followed. Taxation- through the Customs upon the poorer classes had been reduced, and by tho abolition of the property tax struggling settlers had* obtained relief. He anticipated a surplus from the present year of J2400,000. He declared his fixed determination to carry the Old Age Pensions Bill, for whicb, as Treasurer, he was prepared to make provision. The Hon J. M'Kenzie dealt chiefly with the land policy, and challenged the Opposition to declare its intention to repeal the measures or depart from the policy the present Government had laid down. He asserted that the Conservative Press persistently misrepresented and unfairly criticised the Government. Mr A. Morrison was called upon by the audience and delivered a brief speech. On the motion of Mr G. Thomson, seconded by Mr H. M'Leod, a vote of thanks to the Ministers and of confidence in tho present Government was carried, a large number of hands being held up for it and only one against it. The Premier returned thanks for the reception extended to himself and his colleague, and especially for the unexpected result of an almost unanimous vote of confidence in the Government.

[Peb Pbess Association.] The Premier and the Minister of Lands visited the Tokomairiro district yesterday, And were entertained at a banquet in 'the evening. Both Ministers said that in the absence of the member for the district they would not make their fighting .speeches, but the Hon John M'Kenzie said he intended to speak again when Mr Allen returned.