THE PREMIER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8300, 1 December 1906, Page 5

THE PREMIER.

■ ■ -'■ SPEECH AT INVEKCARGILL. GOVERNMENT DEBENTURES AND THE MILLION LOAN. THE "YELLOW PERIL." By Telegraph—Press Association. INVERCARGILL, Nov. 30. Sir Joseph Ward opened the Otautau Post Office this afternoon. In the evening he was tendered a public reception by the oitizens of Invercargill in the Munioipal Theatre, when he was presented with an illuminated eulogistic address. In the course of a speech Sir J, G. Ward said that since April l*t £2,000,000 of Government debentures had fallen due, and the whole had been renewed on very satisfactory terms. There"*was £750,000 due on Saturday next, and f.be greater portion had already been renewed. By Saturday it would all bo renewed. Holders outside of New Zealand were paying a premium of 2 per cent, for the right of renewal. Regarding "the million lean authorised this year, the Premier said that £900,000 had been subscribed, and the other £IOO,OOO which the Government could have got outside of the colony, if they wished, wad being taken up hy over-counter sales at 4 per cent, at par with a currency of five years. The total amount involved, was £3(750,000, of which £3,650,000 had beau arranged for wilbcut any publicity or fuss. As Colonial Treasurer he felt particularly happy, and the oolony should be well satisfied. The Premier also said that the lino" would have to be discussed at the Colonial Conference in regard to ♦.he necessity of keeping the colony 'Clear of the yellow peril.