THE PREMIER AT AUCKLAND

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11511, 18 February 1903, Page 8

THE PREMIER AT AUCKLAND

(FBJSS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, February 17. Tlie Premier spent a busy day with deputations dealing with various public matters. In reply to a request for Government assistance' in connection with the boring scheme to test the Thames deep levels, Mr Seddon said the ' deputation might almost take it as a,pledge that the Government would contribute one-third of the cost. It had been proposed that the Government should grant £2 for every £1 otherwise raised. The Premier leaves for Rotorua to-mor-row morning. Mr Seddon was entertained by the Liberal and Labour Federation to-night in celebration of the Liberal victory at the recent election. In reply to a toast the Premier referred at length to the land question. He denied that there had been a failing off in Government support in the Auckland Province, and saJd he was prepared to/ submit his Government to tlie verdict of the Auckland Provincial district. The progressive policy of the Government during the past twelve years had done much for the colony, and the people did not wan- a reversal. He was glad, to say that "the wobblers" suffered most in the recent election, and tha Government was as strong as ever. In reply to the statement that *-he Government was a South Island' Ministry, he said Auckland had two representatives, and he hoped the time would never come when the policy would be so parochial that a man could not find admission to the Ministry unless he came from a particular part of'the country. There must ha an earth hunger if people wanted to go on the land, and fatalities must be provided.