MINISTERIAL ADDRESS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 25 April 1901, Page 4

MINISTERIAL ADDRESS.

(per press association)

Picton, April 23. The Hon. C. H. Mills addressed a large , and appreciative gathering of his con. stitusnts in the volunteer shed this evening. A. P. Seymour, Esq. (the Mayor) , presiding. In his opening remarks ho referred to the rapid march of events during the past year, in this connection reference being made to the war in South Africa, the death of our late Queen, the accession of King Edward the 7th to the Throne, and the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York to the colonies. On coming to the questions of the day ho first of all referred to the Lands and Survey Department and shewed that the number of selectors placed on the land for the past ton years, exclusive of surrenders, and forfeitures, by the present Government was 13,842 and the expenditure on roads, bridges and other public works for the same period was £1,886,407. Ho instanced the case of the Cheviot, which when purchased only kept 160 people, whereas the population now was 13C0 : and from a comparison of the Post Office revenue there, which prior to its,being taken under the Lands for Settlement Act only amounted to £326, for money orders issued per annum, now amount to £8,186 per aunum ; and the deposits had increased from £BIO in 1891 to £6,437 in 1900, thus proving the success of the Government policy with respect to the land for settlement. Ho reit referred to the great remission of taxation made by the Government during last session in the Customs, Railways, Post and Telegraph and Lands Departments. Notwithstanding that the remissions amounted in the aggregate to £327,000, the ordinary departmental revenues shows a large increase. The total revenue for the year prior to the concessions was £4,859,700, while for the year just ended it is anticipated that the amounts will bo £3,112,200 the surplus probably being over £400,000. Upon the question of railway policy he strongly advocated the completion of the Main Trunk Lino in both Islands and for fast ferry service across Cook Strait to Titahi Bay or Plimmerton. In connection with the opening up of

trade with South Africa, he was of the opinion that there should be a continuous service established with that country. It was to our interest to find new markets for our produce, and ho fc-It sure that the appointment of the Trade Commissioner just made and his visiting other countries in the interest of commerce would tend eventually to an increased export trade. The gross public debt of the colony up to the 131st March, 1900, was £17,874,452, but the indebtedness was represented by substantial assets. He complimented the managing directors and officials of the Bank of New Zealand upon the very satisfactory result of the past year’s transactions, shares now being worth £T 11s, whereas a few years ago they were unsaleable. In conclusion ho said that from the result of the past yecr’s transactions every one must admit that I here was a bright and glorious future before Now Zealand.

Mr Mills addressed the meeting for an hour and three quarters, and on sitting down was warmly applauded.

The following resolution—“ That (his meeting thank the Hon. C. IT. Mills for his able and instructive address, and has great pleasure in expressing its entire confidence in him as their member and in the Government of which the IK. Hon. 11. J. Scddon is Premier, was carried unanimouslv.

The meeting closed with the usual vote of thanks to the chair.