MINISTERIAL INTERFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 576, 21 November 1902, Page 2

MINISTERIAL INTERFERENCE.

THE PREMIER AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

By Telegrapa—Press Association. New Plymouth, last night. The Premier gave a political address in the Theatre Royal this evening, the building being packed. It was the largest assemblage seen lure, lie received an immense ovation.

In the course of his remarks ho referred to Dr Chappie’s repeated statement that the colony hid reason to congratulate itself on the splendid services rendered in :he cause of autonomy and freedom, and f r the stand taken by Sir IP Burton and Sir Wilfrid Lauricr at the Imperial Conference to his (Mr Seddon's) iniquitous proposal to hand over to the Imperial Government our young colonials for the purposes of warfare. The Premier condemned the statement as absolutely false. He would not use stronger terms. Ho never promised to hand over the colony to the Imperial Government or to anyone else. This colony, which was a portion of the Empire, was able to look after itself. The proceedings of the Premiers' Conference were secret, and Dr Chappie knew that the Premier's tongue was tied. Ho endeavored to have the proceedings made public, and probably Dr Chappie gained bis information from newspaper cuttings. It was a fundamental part of the pro posals and a condition precedent that they should ho submitted to the Parliament of New Zealand and receive the consent of the people; yet, in the face of this, it was said lie (Mr Scddon) wished to hand over the colony to tho Imperial Government. He would say that one who sought to enter Parliament and made such statements was not fit for the position. Referring to the steps taken by the Government relative to the Bank of New Zealand crisis, he contended that their courageous action proved the salvation of the colony and its commercial and pastoral interests. He stated that tiiero were 907,000 acres of Crown lands to he opened up by December 31st, and 65,000 acres wore being prepared, the intention boing to offer for settlement on a partial survey. With regard to Taranaki ironsaud, Mr Cadman assured him ut Homo that they had every prospect of a successful termination to their labors, and tho Premier took it that tho business was in a fair way to beiug taken up by privato enterprise. An important announcement ho would make was that, that should privato enterprise fail, he would he prepared to submit a proposal to Parliament. This action would he taken especially in view of the fact that locomotives, waggons, and rails in tho future would ho manufactured in the colony. Ho emphasised the importance of increased population, and in this connection referred to tho rule obtaining in tho Bank of Now Zealand and other institutions, restricting tho marriage of employees receiving loss than 4)200 a yoar, a restriction which should ho übolished, and ho asked tho ladies to support him in this direction. His remarks on tho finance and tho extension of markets weto on tho same lines as his previous speeches during tho election campaign. 110 declared himself in favor of unionism, both for laoor and farmers, and thought the latter took tho position in the country of the Chambers of Commerce, and so rendered valuable sorvico and interest to settlers and pioduccvs. No departure would bo made Irom existing labor laws, which had been proved tho greatost benefit to employers and employees. 110 strongly urged the necessity of the conservation of timber, even if tenants were granted two years’ grace. Ho concluded by making a strong appeal to tho electors, impressing on them the importance of the good ship (tho colony) having a good captain and good crow. Loud and prolonged applause was given at the termination of the speech, followed by hearty cheers. A voto of thanks to the Premier and confidence in the Government was passed unanimously, the enthusiasm beiug unusually great.