PREMIER AT WEST COAST.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 342, 17 February 1902, Page 2

PREMIER AT WEST COAST.

la the course of a speecli at Kumara Mr Seddon referred to the patriotic movement, the great valor displayed by our troops, and the impressions made on the nations of the world It behoved New Zealand to establish continuation schools, and the colony must move rapidly in this direction. Priniary education was incomplete without hand and eye work. He said he intended to proceed to the King’s Coronation, and would do his best to represent the colony fittingly, but he felt the honor was a great one. He referred to a number of general matters, and was heartily cheered. There was a large attendance at the public function of driving the first pile of the Hokitika River bridge. The Premier said the proposed line would he oi great benefit to the colony as a whole. He had great pleasure in driving the first pile of the bridge. He hoped to 1* Premier and member for Westland when the bridge was opened. (Cheers). His aspirations were to remain with the people of New Zealand, notwithstanding definite rumors to the contrary. Tiie foundation stone of the Westland war memorial was laid in the thousand people witnessed the cereafternoon in pelting- rain. .Fully two ir.ony. The stone was laid with full Masonic ceremony, Mr Seddon being acting Grand Blaster, representing the Mayor said there were over 2000 subNcw Zealand Grand Lodge. The scribers to the fund, and £250 was in hand.

The Premier said their sons were inie to the trust reposed in them, and those who had died lived in ever blessed memory. Their friends had the sympathy and condolences of their fellow colonists. Though nothing could give back the loved ones lost, it was a comfort to know that the memory of the men was being perpetuated. Much contumely had been heaped on the British troops by outside nations, but the soldiers had proved tiieir grit and recovered the position, often fighting with courageous determination against heavy odds. The reverses had the effect of hardening up the empire, and paved the way for .success, and now we were within reasonable distance of peace. The volunteers of New Zealand felt strongly in the matter. and not one too many had been sent. The Premier concluded with a patriotic reference to the need of the Umpire standing shouider to shoulder, j ai d brooking no interference from foreign Powers. If necessary, he said, the colonial forces caulfi hold South -Viipa, ivniie the British troops - went elsewhere, as need be, to protect the interest and fair name of England. The ceremony concluded with cheers for Mr Seddon. The committee presented him with a handsome silver trowel, and .Mrs Seddon was presented with a gold derrick and chain. The piesent memorial will cost somewhere about £4OO, and will be a striking granite