THE PREMIER’S SPEECH.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 98, 4 May 1901, Page 2

THE PREMIER’S SPEECH.

DECLARATION OF GOVERNMENT POLICY. SURPLUS OF .£532,064. (By Telegraph.) Hokitika, last night. Tho Prcmior addressed a large mooting in tho Town Hall to-night. After touching on tho death of Quocn Victoria, faith in King Edward, tho visit of the Duko of Cornwall, he referred to his (tho Premier's) eight years’ Premiership, tho prosperity of the country under the policy of the land for tho peoplo, fair taxation, industrial peace. One of tho boldest acts of tho Government, he said, was tho rescuo of the Bank of New Zealand, the present position of which fully justified tho course taken.

In referring to tho ehavgos of extravagance, he said the detractors, in pointing to the increased expenditure of tho last ten years, omitted to stato tho increased population and tho increase of rovenuo. The expenditure increased by £1,163,000 yearly, but last year the revenue increased by £i,665,000.

Last year’s revenue was £6,012,267, the expenditure £5,479,748, and the surplus £532,564, including £105,357 from the previous year. Considering all tho remissions made, they could claim a record financial your.

The statement that half-a-million of the previous year’s surplus had not boon transferred to tho Public Works Fund was pure fiction. There had been a saving in tho working of tho railways sinco the people lmd resumed control. lie stated that tho demands had been met in a manuor that gave general satisfaction. The reduction of rates and freights amount to £300,000. This year tho poreentago of earnings on cost was £3 19s sd. The actual profits wore £599,359, as against £571,533 in tlic previous years. Tho rovenuo was £1,727,246, and the expenditure £1,127,846.

Tho increaso of revenue was £605,555, and tho increase of expenditure £427,144. Government intend to make further remissions.

Notwithstanding tho remissions in tho Post and Telegraph Department, tho results for the year wore most satisfactory. Tho number of telegrams increased 94 per cent, the number of otlieos 80, the telephone connections, 215. Tho revenue of the Department in 1900-01 was £503,181, and the expenditure £153,767. He referred to tho establishment of tho Pacific Cable, and the benefit to the Empire and the colonies of an all-red line, and for the first time Canada would be joined with the colonics. lie spoke in favor of a Stall! cublo between New Zealand and Australia, and he explained his action therein. Ho referred to the almost imperceptible, the involuntarily drawing close of tho bonds with the Mother Country, and the eliango of policy of Imperial statesmen towards the colony. lie thought tho time was ripe for a conference in respect to Imperial affairs in South Africa and tho East, when the advice and co-operation of tho colonics would bo an advantage.

The Home Government favored a Royal Commission, with Canada, India, Australia, and New Zealand represented, in the interests of tho Empire’s trade, in respect to tho various competition of foreign countries, and the apathy of the British manufacturers.

11c hoped that on a not far-distant day the colony would manufacture our iron and steel, and preserve British trade within tlio Empire. Regarding the railway stock and locomotives imported to moot the increased traffic, in future tho Government intended to,manufacture its own rolling-stock. lie would encourage technical education, and a School of Agriculture in country districts, lie also alluded with pride to the success of tho Government land policy, and the settlement of the people in the country.The growing demand for land every day suggested an amendment in tho Land Act in tho direction of a bettermont principle. The railway lines laid down last session would bo adhered to.

The North Island Trunk Railway wus being pushed on. The Stratford connection will ultimately bo made. Tho Otago Central is going on expoditiously, and the basis of expenditure adopted last year would bo continued. Referring to tho extension of trade to outside markets, ho dwelt on the great opening in South Africa, and the proposal of tho Government to erect cool stores there. He also said there was a favorable opening in Chili. Ho justified the Government’s social legislation, which, he said, was attracting notice in other countries.

Ho pointed out that it would end tho great strike in the coal and iron trade in Great Britain.

Mr Seddon spoke of the unsatisfactory . condition of the timber industry, and also in regard to tho waste forests, and also of tho advantage of Stato control in tho interests of tho colony. The rating on unimproved values and a proper system of taxation were referred to. He hoped to pass a local Government bill next session, ns at present there were too many local bodies.