ARRIVAL OF THE PREMIER.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 555, 27 October 1902, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF THE PREMIER.

A HEARTY RECEPTION AT AUt KLAND. INTERESTING SPEECHES. Bv TVit-gtapli t'n-ss Association. Auckland, Saturday On landing in Audi.unit honi the I’m giitito to day Mr fia-iklon ii-citvid a mum iiti plain, tie people turning out m vi iy large munbtis tu receive him. Alter being welcomed by the Reception Committee Mr Sellout) drove to Albert Park, where lie unveiled the meuiotial t l-ected by "A" Battery to comrades who had talleii til South Attica.

In eulogising tho conduct of tho New Zealand tloops who hail taken part in tho war Mr Seddon mentioned that His Majesty had said to him, “ Mr Seddon, the New Zealanders fought well it) South Africa. They fought well, and I am pleased at toe signal service they have done."

Mr Seudon said that Government intended to mark the places where New Zealanders had fallen, and Imped tho example set by the " A ’’ Battery would be followed in other parts of tho colony. Replying to an address presented by the Mayor outside the Municipal buildings, Mr Seddon expressed thanks for tho hearty reception, and said that he was pleased to be home again. Referring to tlio King’s illness Mr Seddon said that when asked if he would wait until the postponed Coronation took place, he replied, that the people of New Zealand had sent him to be present at the Coronation, and ho would not go back until it had been done.

Continuing, Mr Seddon said that ho was. quite satisfied with tho results of tho imperial Conference. It was a great advance on what was dono in 18D7. Tho four-yearly Conference that had now been decided upon would prove a step in tho direction of an Imperial Council at which, before action was taken on great questions affecting the wholo Empire, representatives of tho various parts of tlio Empire would be consulted. Of twelve resolutions passed at tho Conference, no less than six wero initiated by New Zealand. Mr Seddon was frequently applauded during bis address, which was listened to by a very large assembly. The Coronation Contingent also arrived by tho Tongariro. They wero entertained at a stand-up luncheon in tho Drill Hall and welcomed by Colonel Davis in a few well-choson words.

MR SEDDON’S FLIGHTS OF FANCY

NEW ZEALAND IS QUITE GOOD ENOUGH FOR HIM. DENIES THAT HE INTENDS TO RESIGN. [By Telegraph -I’reso Association.] An. kl-md, last night. In tho course of an interview, Mr Seddon was informed that "it was rumoured that there was a probability'of a high official position being offered him and that he was going to settle in South Africa.” The I’rcmier said: "In my highest fiiguts of fancy I was not egotistical enongii to think that such an offer would or could bo made, and before leaving for London 1 publicly announced my intention to remain in New Zealand, adhere to what I stated in public before went Home, and my future as ft publio man rests in a great measure with tho people of New Zealand.”

Asked if it was true that ho was going to resign in May, he said, “ Absolutely untrue. It in probably an electioneering canard. I intend to remain in Now Zealand.”

ENTERTAINED AT SMOKE CONCERT.

HE WAS STILL “ MR SEDDON."

By Tolograpb—Press Association. Auckland, last night. Mr Seddon was entertained at night at a largely attended and most successful smoke social of a non-party character. Sir Joseph Ward and Hon. J. McGowan were also present, lie referred to the great advance made at tho Imperial Conference as compared with tho Conference of 1897, though it might not have gono as far as ho could have wished.

He also dealt with tho question of Imperial trade, and urged that the Ernpiro should as far as possible become selfsupporting. As regards tho squadron, New Zealand had for years been paying £21,00(1 for an obsolete fleet; now we were to have an up-to-dato (loot for £40,000, and there wore to bo throo cruisers manned by Australians and Now Zealanders. He had como back still “ Mr Soddon,” but for that ho hoped thoy would not blame tho people of the Mothor Country. Ho hoped tho Homo Government would see that people leaving tho British Isles would go to their own colonies and help to build up tho Empire, instead of going to other nations, so strengthening them ngainst ourselves. In conclusion, Mr Seddon said tho welcome ho had received would nerve him to go on working for the good of tho colony, assisted by his colleagues. Mr Soddon resumed his seat amid loud and prdlouged applause.

In proposing tho toast of " Tho Press,” Mr Seddon said it would be n good thing if New Zealand newspapers could be sent to England and English papers to New Zealand free of cost by post.