POLITICAL SPEECHES.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 120, 31 May 1901, Page 2

POLITICAL SPEECHES.

TRIUMPHANT SPEECH BY HON. J. G. WARD. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, last night. Mr J. A. Millar, M.H.R., addressed the electors at Princess Theatre this evening, the Mayor presiding. After referring to the various measures of. last session, and his own action in connection with some of them, in which he opposed the Government, he spoke of the legislation of the coming session. He said he would make a determined stand to protect the education endowments, - and retain their administration in the hands of school commissioners. A vote of thanks to the speaker, and confidence in the Government, was carried unanimously. In response to calls the Hon. J. G. Ward addressed the meeting. He referred to the great financial prosperity of the colony, and to the concessions "made to the men of the railway service. He claimed that the Government had lifted the wage-earners by a quarter of a million per annum. This year, there would be L 82,000 available to go in the way of concessions to users, and additional increases to employees in the service throughout the colony. Notwithstanding the enormous concessions referred to, the railways would pay L 3 9s 5d per cent, upon a cost of L 17,280,000. The loss upon universal penny postage would be only L 17,000, and the development had been so marvellous that his most sanguine expectations would be more than realised. The progress of the colony was indisputable, as indicated by the London Stock Exchange, the most sentitivo and reliable of thermometers, and the fact that the Commonwealth of Australia was now considering measuros which had for years been in operation for the benefit of this colony. There could bo no stopping or receding in the policy. Much as had been accomplished by that grand and worthy man who had left his impression for all time on the land laws of the colony, the Hon. Jno. McKenzie, there was still much to be done in the interests of settlement, and this would be accomplished. He made reference to the approaching visit of the future King, and to the absence of provincial jealousy in Otago, and the generosity of tho people. If in point of size tho welcome extended to the Royal guests was less than that accorded in’Australia it would, he believed, exceed the demonstration there in earnest- 1 ness and heartiness. Thehon. gentleman . resumed his seat amidst applause. i