MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7331, 18 February 1902, Page 3

MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS.

,»__ — _ THE PREMIER'S WEST COAST TOUR. [I?jsr Press Association.] HOKITIKA, J'eb. 18. The [Premier, in the course of his speech! at tie 'banquet tendered to 'him last evening, said he felt greatly honoured at such, a marie of appreciation to himself and Mrs Seddon. Referring to the coab export, he Raid -he was prepared to lay down thao New Zealand --coal should, foe only carried by British-owmed ships, and taken only to British ports. We should use every effort ■to demonstrate the solidarity and self-con-tained character of the Eroipire. He advocated the Government cutting: main and by-tracks for prospeoting purposes, th» lines to be opened somewhat on the idea, of the scheme originally started by the Hon W. 'Rolleston years <ago. Making reference to the" Midland' Railway and Mr Bogue's report, 'the Premier referred' in flatbering terms to the support accorded ' 'him 'by the Minister of Public Works, stating that the Hon.' "W. Hall-Jones would in due course visit the Coaet. (Cheers.) The length of. the tunnel would be- reduced from six to three miles on the grade to enable a mineral and timber traffic to be carried, and if ! possible they would further reduce the line construction one-half. This was a gr-eat gain, and" demonstrated the ■wisdom of the Government's action in receiving a high expert's advice. The appropriation for the works was only .partly spent. He did 1 aaot care for the hostile criticism on- the delay in proceeding with the works while the report was being obtained. The works would 'be started again, and would be vigorously prosecuted. The value of the delay would convince the critics that the Government -had done the right thing in this matter. He spoke at length on the Island' policy, and the need of looking 'forward, anticipating the great development that -would take place. The colony would 'best draw its supplies for the future from the colonies within themselves, rather than from tie islands in possession of a foreign- Power. He also touched upon. Hhe British- Japanese treaty. Referring to his action with -regard to the war, he felb he had only done his duby. The first duty was the self -preservation 1 of the Empire. The Oa-pe was the natural outpost on the highway 'between India, Australasia and Britain, and ifc was most essential that South Africa should be held at all costs for the purposes of the Empire. The colony's help had been cheerfully given, and more wo\ild be forthcoming if required. Probably hislast official act before leaving the polony would be to send off a Ninth- 'Contingent. Last winter he had advocated sending 25,009 mounted men, but his proposal was scouted' as jingoistic, The credit for sendjig the troops belonged to the people of the colony. Them action had excited the gratitude of the people of the Old Land, who were only too ready to treat New Zealanders with every hospitality. He hoped' to be «ble to satisfactorily represent the -colony at the councils of the Em-Dire when attending tho Coronation. He added that he was satisfied to ■conclude his political career as member for; Westla-nd. Acknowledging the address from the County Council, he said he would foe pleased to take the address from the peowl-e of Westland to present it to -tie King at the' time of the Coronation. The Premier left at 2 a.m. for , Greymoufli. A large number of peonle assembled nfc the railway station, and hearty cheers were jriven «s the train moved off. Throughout the course of his visit 'to all portions of his constituency Mr Seddon had a. most enthusiastic welcome, and he exoressed irreat Bleasur* at the warmth of his reception from all quarters. He was emphatic in "his statements that he intends *» return to ! Ne"\r Zealand flnd remain member for Westland -as lane as tie people's ? rotes Tgept him. there. There is every nrababiiify that the sUErtresnon thrown out last night' that the constituency should sctid i. loyal nddross to the King at the time of tie Coronations fhrou-sh tie mF-mbor for the district, as tie representative of tie colony .ittendiniT the ceremony, will' be warmly ' taken up.