THE PREMIER AT NAPIER.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 839, 13 March 1903, Page 2

THE PREMIER AT NAPIER.

A SIGH. FOR THE GOOD OLD DAYS.

Per Press Associations Napier, last night. The Premier laid the foundation stone of the new Government Buildings to-day, in the presence of the Mayor and Councillors, Mr A. L. D. Fraser, M.H.R. for Napier, Sir William Bussell, M.H.B. for Hawke’s Bay, and a large gathering of people. The Mayor briefly welcomed the Premier, this being the latter’s first visit to Napier since his return from England. In laying the foundation stone the Premier referred to the part taken by the members of the old Hawke's Bay Provincial Council, who were responsible for the erection of the building which was being replaced, in bringing the colony to its present state. In June, 1859, the first Hawke’s Bay Provincial Council sat in the big council room. The Superintendent was Mr Thomas Fitzgerald; the Speaker was Mr (now the Hon.) J. D. Ormond ; the Clerk was Mr G. T. Fannin. The first Council consisted of Mr Thomas Fitzgerald, the Rev. W. Colenso, Dr Hitchiugs, Mr H. V. Tiffen, Captain Carter, Messrs Joseph Rhodes, E. Sculling, J. D. Ormond, J. Adene, and Dr Riddell. Of other subsequent members of the Council he might mention Sir W. Russell, better known amongst them as Captain Russel), who was on the platform that day, and who, like the timber in the old building, lasted well. Mr Henry Bridge and Mr Sidney Johnson were also members. He might probably be doing an injustice to others, but those which he had mentioned were names that at the moment struck him. Many who were members of the Provincial Council had passed away, but he was sure their services were remembered. He would like to see a history of each of their provincial districts written before it got too late, so that there might be put on record for all time the names and the services of those hardy early pioneers who had done so much for this our country in the good old days, if he might use the term. They went in more for roads and other development works outside the towns than for beautifying the latter and having luxurious Government buildings, either provincial or colonial, and he was not so sure but that in that respect they were wiser than we were to day. He believed himself that making roads to the back blocks, assisting settlers, and developing the country, was better and assuredly more reproductive than putting up palatial buildings in the towns. He would go further, and, he hoped without trenching on anything of a debataole character, say that he cun sidered that when it came to the renewal of public buildings the cost ot renewal should come out of the consolidated lund, and should not be a charge on the public debt of the colony. The buildings would take about £BOOO to complete, but the importance of the town and the requirements of the various departments rendered it necessary.

The Premier is present to-night at a smoke concert given to the united fire brigades, and he leaves by the express train to morrow for Wellington.