THE PREMIER'S TOUR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7328, 14 February 1902, Page 3

THE PREMIER'S TOUR.

MR SEDDON AT HOKITIKA. [Per Pukss Association.] HOKITIKA, Feb. 14. The weather turned out wet for to-day's functions. It has been raining since midnight, but at 10 a.m. there was some slight indications of clearing. The Premier artd party arrived from Kumara at midday. Immediately after his arrival Mr Seddon drove the first pile of the Hokitika River Bridge on -the railway extension to Ross. At three o'clock he laid the foundationstone of the memorial to the men from Westland who served, and are serving-, in South Africa. This evening he will attend a banquet at Rimu. Mr Seddon will proceed to Ross to-morrow morning, where he will be entertained at luncheon. Afterwards he will turn the first sod of the Ross Railway, and Mrs Seddon will lay the foundation-stone of the memorial to be erected to the memory of Trooper J. K. Allen, of the Third Contingent, who died in South Africa. A large social gathering will be held in the evening. On Monday evening the Premier will be entertained at a banquet at Hokitika, tendered by the electors of his constituency as a mark ol their esteem of "the Premier's Imperial work. To-day is being observed as a public holiday, but it is feared that the weather will largely spoil the intended general display. The Premier had a 'busy day yesterday. At his old home, Kumara, he had a very hearty receptiofa from 'the residents of the district, being presented with an address from the Mayor and councillors. In tie afternoon he opened an industrial exhibition in aid of the local hospital, and in the evening he delivered a short address. Subsequently he attended a public banquet. The warmth of the reception accorded him was very marked everywhere. As they drove through Stafford and Goldsborougli to-day the residents accorded bath Mr and Mrs Seddon a homely welcome. Their old friends had gathered from all points. The Premier and party arrived at 11.10 a.m., and were received with hearty cheering by a large assemblage. Bouquets were presented to Mrs Seddon. The excursion train brought a large number of visitors, including a strong force of northern Volunteers and cadets under Major Wolfeio take part in the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the War Memorial. A number of Masons also arrived to take part in the Masonic ceremony. The weather this afternoon is still showery. Mr Seddon expresses himself as highly pleased with his reception all along the West Coast. The greeting at Kumara yesterday was very hearty. In the course of his speech there last night he referred to the patriotic movement and the great valour displayed by the British troops, and also the impression made on the nations of the world by the colonies' work, which had proved the solidarity of the Empire. The war of the future would not necessarily be one of arms, 'but of industry. Unfortunately the Mother Country was slow in grasping new ideas and chanprg old ideas. It behoved New Zealand to establish technical schools, and the colony must move rapidly in this- direction. Primary education waa incomplete without hand and eye work. In this respect Germany was ahead of the old land. When he attended the Diamond Jubilee . of Queen Victoria the critics prognosticated that be would find his own level in the presence of states •men and prove insignificant. He went as Mr Seddon and he returned' as Mr Seddon and tad always endeavoured to act naturally without imitating anyone. Speaking 6\ the colonies' response to the Empire's call he isiid: that if the other colonies and Eng-land-hard sent a proportionately large number of troops to South Africa the Britisl force would now total 400,000. He spok< • of the blessings of the old 1 age pensions, anc tho benefits of- industrial legislation in con trolling: labour and capital, which now worked harmoniously for the mutual ad vantage of both. He intended to proceed to the King's Coronation, and would do bii beist to represent the colony fittingly. Hi felt the honour was a great one. He alst referred to a number of general matters Mr Seddon was heartily cheered during th< course of his lengthy speech. The proceed ings lasted until an early hour in the morn ing. ■ ■ -