Policy Speech by the Premier.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11421, 1 December 1904, Page 5

Policy Speech by the Premier.

DUNEDIN, November 29.

After the ceremony in connection with the railway had been completed, the Premior rode to Chatto Creek — eight miles distant — and .presented a charter to the branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation formed .there. Mr Seddon delivered a political address. He said there was a great work before the Federation, since, if ever there was necessity for combination,' with a. view to 'holding on to the progressive laws of the . present Government, now was the time. He went on to trace the rise of the Liberal Party, pointing to the danger of large tracts of country being in the hands of a few. In. the North Island vast tracts had been acquired for a .bottle of rum and blankets; in Hawke'a Bay 2s 6d per acre had been paid for, land now worth .£25 per acre. He .paid a high tribute. to the work done by Sir George- Grey. Mr - Ballance, and Sir Robert Stout in the Liberal' c&use. He believed the time was not so' far - distant when an Act would be passed making it illegal for holders of large a tracts- v of-coun-try, to increase > their , holdings.'- '"He "believed it would be ■ a 'correct' and proper law to' pass , when ' there were, people who held large tracts while thousands were unable .to gek an:acre. ■ He thought it time an Act -of Parliament- stonoed -the aggregation of. large estates.- The Premier.spoke for an hour and a half, and concluded by presenting the charter. He then- drove back! to Ophir, wfyere. a banquet was held.