THE PREMIER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7330, 17 February 1902, Page 3

THE PREMIER.

MR SEDDOiN'S WESTLAIND TOUR. [Per Press Association.] - : HOKITIKA, Feb. 17. The Premier had/an enthusiastic reception at Ross on Saturday. An address of welcome was presented to Mrs Seddon by the women of the 'district. Later Mrs Seddon, laid the foundation stone of a memorial to the late Trooper Allen, who died at Pretoria, and the Premier .delivered a short address. Afterwards Mr Seddon turned the first soi of the Ross railway. In the course of -his remarks he expressed a hope •that thf lins would! be completed in two years. /Referring to the progress of the settlement of the district, he said that already iIOOO acres of *he Waitaha Settlement, which was only taken up a few months ago, were down in grass. Subsequently he was entertained, at luncheon. At that function the Premier -had a. magnificent welcome. He expressed himself delighted with the British Japanese, treaty, which would be of great interest and value to the colonies. Australasia, would' 'have a friendly Power at hand. He spoke of the Empire adopting freetrade and on the subject of the meat contracts question said that arrangements were being made for 20,000 carcases to be drawn from New Zealand immediately. Returning to local subjects, he explained that £15,000 of the Government subsidy for the development of Ross Flat .was still available. A large social gathering was hfiid in the evening.