THE PREMIER'S SPEECH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, 28 February 1905, Page 2

THE PREMIER'S SPEECH.

REPLY TO THE LEADER OP THE OPPOSITION. (Per Press Association.) Stratford, last night. The Premier addressed a orowdc audienoo in the Town Hall to-night,speak ing from 8.30 till 11 p.m. The speed chiefly dealt with Mr Massey's recent de liveranoe m Stratford, which, Mr Seddo: said, seemed to him the greatest apolog, for a speech he had ever read, and if h attempted to follow it only his own speed would be a miserable failure. The Opposi tion journals cried out that the colony wai tired of Mr 'Seddon ; an assertion whief was answered by the vast assemblage tha; met that Dight. It was only a selfish few capitalists, large laud owners, and others who cared nothing for the welfare of their fellows, who had had enough of him twelve years ago. But they were not done with him yet. He did not say that the Government or the Liberal party was responsible for the colony’s prosperity. It was the people working under healthy con. ditions. The Premier replied to Mr Massey by quoting severai past speeohes from Hansard to show what he stated were ohaDged opinions on the leader of the Opposition’s part. The Opposition, Mr Seddon went on, had steadfastly declined to foreshadow any policy. The people had a right to know where a party was going, and thought it was better for the people to stick to evils they knew I rather than those they knew nothing of. Not that he meant to infer that the present Government was an evil, Dormer Oppositions had advanced definite policies, and they had a right to demand one from this Opposition. If it was not forthcoming the conclusion must be that there was none, and their stock-in-trade was merely a “ wait till the clouds roll by.” Dealing with the advantages of closer settlement, the Premier compared Taranaki with Hawke’s Bay. and the great progress made by the former. The Government desire' to encourage settlement, and P'' ‘’h should not bo harassed by La>-' tiers and rangers. The loadin'* -ci Boards roads should bo abolish'' ° be capitalised for ~u. Thirds should handed to lo' , ■ ■?* . 26 y 6ars > would ep'*’ bodlea Ia sums which men *. roading and road improve„wd to be effected. Some borrowing waa necessary for the development of the country. The Premier predicted a certain return of the Government at the next next election. At the conclusion the speaker was loudly applauded. A vote of thanks and confidence in the Government was proposed, and carried with some dissent. A banquet followed.