POLITICAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1466, 29 May 1905, Page 2

POLITICAL.

PREMIER’S SOUTHERN TOUR.

GRAND MONUMENT SUGGESTED

(Per- Presa Association.) Dunedin, last night. On Saturday morning the Premier left Naseby and proceeded to Ophir, stopping on tho way at Konghridge, where he openod the curling season by throwing a couple of curling atones. Deputations waited on the Premier on the subject of water conservation, and also on tho subject of Thompson’s Gorge road, which, if made, would enable Lake WaDaka to be reaohed in one day from Dunedin. Ophir was reached at 6 p.m., and two hours later the Premier addressed a public meeting in the sohoolbouse, which was crowded. Mr Seddon pointed out that the goldfields of Otago had helped the colony fifty years ahead of what it would have been as an agricultural and pastoral country. He thought a groat mistake was made in not having a rocord of thoso bustling days. The Premier went on to deal with the finances and prosperity of the colony, Vet with things as they wore, it was said there should be a change of Government. Ho intimated ho would again introduce the Local Government Reform Bill, as there were too many local bodies. He declared Mr Massey was no Liberal and never was, and his works proyed it. Dealing with the increase of population, Mr Seddon stated that including the Maoris and Pacific Islands, the total was 903,259. He went on to show how country residents had benefited by railway and other concessions, and in this connection thought concession should be given on timber on the Otago Central line. In addition to helping the settlers there, it would help settlers in the Catlins district. The Premier resumed his seat, after speaking for hours, amidst applause. A vote of thanks to the Premier and continued confidence, in the Government was carried. The mover of the resolution said he would like to see a grand monument erected to Mr Seddon. He believed in erecting a monument in honor of a man before he was dead, so that he would know people appreciated him and bis works.

The Premier, in addition to speaking at Boxburgh, Lawrence, and Kaitangata next week, will also speak at Mosgiel, Tapanni, Palmerston, Dunedin, and Oarnaru.