The Prime Minister.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXIV, Issue 3709, 18 February 1908, Page 2

The Prime Minister.

Visit to Hamilton. Opening of the Carnegie Library. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward arrived in Hamilton by motor car at noon yesterday, and as per arrangement proceeded at 2.30 p.m. to open the new Carnegie library. The No. 1 Company 2nd Regiment >A.M.R., under Major Bell, formed a military escort from the Hamilton Hotel to the library, where the Town Clerk read the following address of welcome : THE ADDRESS.

To the Right Honourable Sir Joseph George Ward, K.C.M.G., L.L.D., P.C., Prime Minister: Sir, —• On this your first visit to Hamilton since taking up the position of Prime Minister of New Zealand, we, on behalf of the burgesses and inhabitants of the Borough of Hamilton, tender to you a most hearty welcome, and offer our congratulations to you upon your accession to the Premiership, as well as upon the success which has accompanied you in your leadership. In following your revered chief your task has not been of the easiest, but we feel that the mantle of Mr Seddon has fallen on worthy shoulders, and we hope that you will long be spared to devote your talents and experience to the advancement of New Zealand. We trust your visit to our town will result in enjoyment to yourself and Lady Ward, and that you will be able to realise during your short stay in our midst that this town and district arc making great strides in material prosperity and growth of population. In many respects Government Departments have not advanced with the town; more particularly is this so in connection with local railway facilities, and it is greatly desired that you will look into the matters under this head, which will be brought before you during your stay. You have honoured us in the past by officially opening the Hamilton post office. Today we ask you to open to the public the Hamilton Free Library. We are indebted to the Hamilton Borough Council for the site, and to Mr Andrew Carnegie for the building. The benefits of the institution are free to all, the only charge made being for books taken for home reading. We are encouraged to think that at an early date you will have occasion to perform a similar official function for us in opening a new railway station. In conclusion allow us to express the wish that you and Lady Ward may long enjoy the great blessings of good health, prosperity, and domestic felicity. Signed, on behalf of the burgesses and inhabitants of the Borough of Hamilton. Jas. S. Bond, Mayor; E. J. Davey, Town Clerk. Hamilton, 17th February, 1908. SIR JOSEPH’S REPLY. Sir Joseph in his opening remarks sincerely thanked the council and burgesses for their address of welcome to Lady Ward and himself and assured them that it was heartily appreciated as an evidence that the constituted local authority was already to show that respect which is due to one holding the position he had the honour to fill. He desired to thank them for their congratulations upon having accepted the position of Prime Minister of this important Dominion. He recognised that there were many and varied responsibilities attaching to this office, and ho felt that the man who held it should do that which he believes to be right and best calculated to further the interests of this country. He recognised that in filling that position a man must be an object for criticism for those who differed from him, and must from time to time accept in the spirit in which it was intended many comments and observations even if they may not be remarkable for their accuracy, and in the proper course take the opportunity of replying to them from the standpoint of his own position. There was one point in the address respective of the success of himself and his colleagues. He wished to say that they were doing what they believed was best calculated to help the country forward, and they would in the face of fair or unfair report, irrespective of misrepresentations or unfair criticism, carry out the duties which devolved upon them to the best of their ability. He thoroughly endorsed the sentiments expressed regarding his predecessor, who was a man who will always be remembered even by those who differed from him. The fact that the late Premier was a striking and strong personality who used all the force he could command to carry out what he believed to be for the promotion of the welfare of the community as a whole will long last, and in the years to come his deeds will receive even higher tribute than they did today. (Applause.) He was proud to think his last visit to the town had not been forgotten—the occasion of the opening of the post office, and he was pleased to see the advancement made since that time. Everywhere in his trip through the Dominion he found evidences of progress and prosperity; happily this was a striking characteristic of the country from end to end. He referred to the progress Hamilton had made of late years, and said he saw underlying the address a cleverly facetiously expressed hope that his next visit to Hamilton will be to see the architectural improvements in the shape of a new railway station. (Laughter.) He felt that it emanated from a sense of pride in the town they lived in, and a wish that they should not be left behind the other important centres. He hoped the result of his mission would be to give effect to the suggestion. It was hard, with the many calls upon the public exchequer of New Zealand to make every provision for the requirements of the public; but the Government were anxious to help people who helped themselves. When they found that the people had confidence in themselves, and confidence in their town, the Government was anxious to help, wherever possible, those who showed a sterling desire to help themselves, and nothing would give him more pleasure than being here for the purpose of seeing that they occupied a better railway station than they did today. He could not make any definite promise and but for the fact that it was referred to in the address he would not have mentioned it. The people of New Zealand believed that the town they lived in was the most important town in the Dominion, and had the best possible future before it. This was a spirit that ought to be more eneouraged —the spirit of having the utmost faith in their own place. If they did not believe in their own place and “barrack” for it, they could not expect others to come to them or have a widespread good opinion of them. In America could be seen many examples in this respect. In the most remote mining townships—and everyone knew what mining townships were like—they would lead you to believe that Chicago was a small place by comparison. He deprecated the pulling of coping stones out of any of our great public institutions for the purpose of obtaining political power and thought wc should all work together for the good of the Dominion as a whole. Referring to the library, which was a valuable adjunct to any town, he said he knew of no more worthy object that the corporation could have had in view when dedicating the land than a free library for the town. It was not for him to comment upon the donor to whose munificence they owed the erection of the building, or make enquiries into the means by which he excessive wealth, by which he could afford to set aside portions of it for the establishment of libraries; but he could not devote it to a more worthy purpose. The people of Hamilton could congratulate themselves upon the erection of an up-to-date building of a very solid character, and his Only hope

was that in the near future it would prove inadequate for the purpose, as this would mean greatly increased progress and prosperity. In order to mark the occasion Sir Joseph asked that the school children should be given a holiday. It would not be many years before the older members of the community would have to give place to the younger ones and they should do everything in their power to make the young people recognise the serious responsibilities which the future will bring to them in the way of carrying on business, working for themselves or taking part in local government or the government of the Dominion. He thanked the officers and volunteers for their escort. It was a duty that devolved upon this country to see that we had established from end to end well equipped cadet corps in every school. From this they pass into the volunteers and then retire into the avocations of life, they would remember this training in the use of arms and as a result would prove a valuable asset to the Dominion. They would remember that they must not allow any fastidious influence of jingoism or going to war for the sake of going to war. It was quite possible that in the years to come New Zealand might be drawn into the maelstrom of fight beside the dear Old Country in which case there was nothing more important than that we shouldjpossess a well equipped retired portion of the community who could take up a gun and stand by for the defence of hearths and homes, should the occasion arise. He concluded by wishing the people of Hamilton every success and above all the best of health.

Enthusiastic cheers were then given for Sir Joseph and Lady Ward. At this stage Mr J. Bettley came forward and volunteered the information that the ratepayers of Hamilton had not dedicated the site for the library. Sir Joseph said he did "not desire any argument upon the point and after declaring the library open he called for three cheers for the institution. THE GARDEN PARTY. After a short inspection of the library the guests left for the lake, where a garden party was given in their honour. The lake grounds have of late received the attention of the caretaker of endowments and the small amount of work bestowed upon it created quite a transformation and served to emphasise the immensepossibilities ahead of the lake grounds which, with a little expenditure on landscape gardening, could be made one of the natural beauty spots in the Waikato. A rough and ready rotunda had been erected for the Hamilton Band, but with its uprights of wattle and gay streamers it presented an even more picturesque appearance than a more pretentious structure would have done. A programme of pretty music was submitted while the residents were introduced to the Prime Minister and Lady Ward and light refreshments were served to the large crowd assembled. It was the most successful function of its kind ever yet held in Hamilton and the smoke laden atmosphere was the only thing that detracted from the pleasurableness of the gathering. VISIT TO THE HOSPITAL! Sir Joseph, before proceeding to the hospital, addressed the assemblage from the front of a coach. He thanked the Mayor and all assembled for the hearty reception they had given him, and Lady Ward. He had no intention of delivering a political speech —it would be out of place to do so on such an occasion. He would, however, return to Hamilton shortly, when he would deliver a speech sketching the proposed policy of the Government. He again thanked all for their hearty reception. Three cheers were given for Sir Joseph, who immediately afterwards started to view the hospital. DEPUTATIONS. During the evening Sir Joseph received a number of deputations which were introduced by Mr H. J. Greenslade, M.P. Messrs Jolly and Smith representing the Frankton Town Board asked for a loan of £3OOO for sanitary and drainage works, etc. Sir Joseph requested them to send a letter giving particulars as to the rateable value as soon as matters were adjusted, and he would see what could be done. In reply to a question regarding the acquisition of a site for a post office at Frankton, Sir Joseph said sites were being acquired for this purpose throughout the colony and although nothing could be done at present, he would bear the matter in mind. The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce represented by Messrs Ellis, G. Edgecumbe, A. Swarbrick, J. A. Young and H. Tristram, asked for a duplicaiion of the telephone wire to Auckland. Sir Joseph said he would look into the matter and see if provision could be made. He promised to obtain a special report on the matter and see what could be done. The Chamber asked for additional railway facilities including a new railway station, the present one being totally inadequate for the requirements of the place. Mr A. Swarbrick, who acted as spokesman, in order to emphasise the fact said that recently an application had been made for the use of parcel tickets foxtradesmen. The Department had replied that although they would be pleased to grant the request, the building did not afford sufficient accommodation for the purpose. The speaker quoted figures to show the enormous incx-ease in the traffic during the last five years, and said that apart from a sentimental point of view the public and staff were seriously inconvenienced by the inadequacy of the building. Speaking generally he said the train service appeared to be entirely modelled for the tourist traffic and we had to suffer on that account. While realising the importance of the tourist tx-affic he thought it was unfair that although we were only 80 miles from Auckland it was almost impossible to go to Auckland, do any business and return the same day. The only way to accomplish this was to travel by a train leaving Auckland at 1.30 a.m., on which the accommodation provided was very poor indeed. He suggested that an evening train should be run at a reasonable time which would prove a great convenience to Waikato residents.

Sir Joseph said he would be be pleased to submit the request for a railway station to the Minister for Railways. He recognised that apart from the sentimental value of a good station in order to carry on the business of the country, such buildings were necessary; but the extraordinary growth of the business of the colony made the amount required something prodigious. Last year they could comfortably have spent two and a half millions but this had to be cut down to £350,000 for absolutely urgent works, and while he thought the Hamilton station quite inadequate it was impossible to do everything at once. With reference to the extra facilities, it resolved itself into a question of whether it would pay. They could not run a fast service between Auckland and Waikato unless they were absolutely sure that it would gve a reasonable return. The service must be run as between Auckland and Rotorua and in order that the tourists and others might reach the end of their journey at a reasonable time it was necessary to leave Auckland at an early hour. He would enquire into the potentialities and possibilities of such a train as was asked for paying. The matter would receive serious consideration of the Minister for Railways. Mr Swarbrick also brought under the notice of the Premier the necessity for holding Supreme Court sittings in the Waikato. We had, he said, a district court; but the procedure was so antiquated and inconvenient that it was practically useless. At the present time they had to take all witnesses to Auckland where they often remained for a week as they never knew when a case iVtotald come on. Sometimes as many as two or three trips had to be made before a case came on which meant

an enormous waste of time and money, beside which the salary of another judge would be insignificant in comparison. He suggested the appointment of circuit judges who could hold sittings in the various centres and who would be the means of reducing to a very large extent the costs in connection with Supreme Court letigation. Sir Joseph agreed that the matter was an important one. He was in favour of circuit judges and would have the matter thoroughly enquired into. Mr Geo. Edgecumbe called attention to the necessity for public buildings in Hamilton. There were, he said, a large number of Government officers in Hamilton, whose offices were scattered about in various portions of the town. For the convenience of the public he thought they should be all centered under one roof, and suggested that a suitable building should be erected on a section belonging to the Survey Department adjoining the Volunteer Hall. ' Joseph said he would be glad to see’that the representations were considered; but could not promise anything. The Government had a limit to tl^e. .expenditure on public buildings, bnt'he would be pleased to see matter recorded for consideration. Mr J. A. Young drew attention to the necessity for a new road between Kawhia and Hamilton which could be obtained by opening up 20 miles of road through the Moerangi Block. This route he said would bring Kawhia within an easy day’s journey of Hamilton, and he asked that a trial survey be made by a Government officer. Sir Joseph said there was a big native meeting at Waharoa on the 18th at which the Governor and Native Minister would be present and he thought it would be advisable to wait until then. In the meantime he would have full enquiries made. To make a trial survey would imply that the Government intended to make the road and he counselled waiting until an initial vote had been made in the House. At the native meeting referred to he would be prepared to tell them whether the Government was inclined to make the survey asked for. In answer to a request from Mr H. Tristram regarding the erection of a goodshed at Kirikiriroa, Sir Joseph promised to bring the matter under the notice of the Minister for Railways. A request for a reduction in frieght on sand soap was treated in a similar manner. The Hamilton Domain Board brought under the notice of Sir Joseph the question of the Hamilton Domain lands and asked that something should be done to enable a satisfactory lease to be given and the best use made of the landsjn the borough. Sir Joseph said he understood the position; but as the matter had already been dealt with by Mr McNab he would refer it to him with a view to having the matter complained of adjusted.

Mr Barton drew the Premier’s attention to the necessity of having a level crossing at Hinemoa street, or an overhead bridge erected. He stated that originally there were five streets over the railway open for traffic; but these had now been reduced to one—Victoria Street. Sir Joseph said he would bring the matter under the notice of the Minister for Railways with a view to having it fully enquired into. The Mayor asked for trucking facilities at the Hamilton saleyards to enable stock to be shipped away by train on the day of sale. Sir Joseph promised to place the matter before the Minister for Railways. The South Auckland Sawmillers’ Association drew attention to the shortage of trucks and want of locomotive power on the Waikato section, and to the necessity for the abolition of a duplicate freight imposed by the Public Works Department in the King Country. Sir Joseph said he would undertake to ask the Minister for Railways to look into the matter and see if matters could not be arranged with the Public Works Department. They also complained of the State competition in -the sale by the Public Works Department of inferior timber at very low rates and asked that the timber should be disposed of by auction or tender. Sir Joseph said he would have the matter enquired into. They also called attention to the waste that was going on at some 20 or 30 mills in the district owing to heavy freight upon inferior timber used in manufacturing centres as staves, barrel tops, etc., which prevented the local mills competing with Auckland mills. This timber represented 25 per cept of the entire log and was at present used for nothing but fuel. It was therefore easy to see the loss to the Dominion that was taking place on all sides. They suggested that the limit should be put at four feet thereby obviating the abuse of the concession that had led to the cancellation of the cheap freight some years ago.

Sir Joseph said the same thing applied to a great many mills in the colony and promised to have the matter looked into. With reference to trucks and locomotives he said the Auckland province was better off than any other in the colony. There was ample power and sufficient trucks, but the trouble arose through millers wishing to rush their timber downjto the ship and sometimes some days before a ship arrived. " An individual order did not matter; but when similar orders for shipping purposes arrived fx-om a number of millers at the same time it naturally caused some inconvenience. The Government was anxious to help them and he would see what could be dnoe.

The library’committe e’s request that the fence between the library and the courthouse should be removed to the boundary of the library and the courthouse grounds placed under the charge of the library committee, who could carry on landscape gardening operations, Sir Joseph said he would refer to the Minister for Justice.

In x-esponse to an application from the Hospital Board for £ISOO, the balance of a grant of £3OOO for the Waikato Hospital, Sir Joseph said the original grant was only £lsoo,and he advised them to apply at the proper time for a new grant of £ISOO.

Representatives of various local bodies in the district waited on the Prime Minister to impress upon him the need for the establishment of electrical power. Messrs Bond, Ellis, Bell, Fitzpatrick, and Paterson all spoke upon the question, pointing out the many advantages that, would accrue.

Sir Joseph said, regarding the cost of electrical power, there was a very great diversity of opinion. A valuable report had recently been made by a Victorian engineer which showed conclusively that the utilisation of electrical power for railways was impossible owing to prohibitive cost. It was cheapen and more effective to run the railways by steam. Parliament had originally intended to harness rivers in this country for railway and other purposes, but as it would cost some millions of money, it was not considered a sound financial undertaking. The country had already borrowed £60,000,000, and was spending this year £2,900,000, and the country had a limit to its borrowing power within a certain period; therefore the electrical power scheme could not be considered. They had, however, decided to make regulations providing that the power could be acquired by the Government, public companies, or private individuals on condition that power was supplied on the same terms to the poor as the .rich. By these means they hoped before long to see the power mentioned established throughout the Dominion. The Newcastle Road Board requested a loan for the Pukete road, and Sir Joseph promised to carefully consider the matter. Sir Joseph left in a motor ear for Huntly this morning. ' . . - i