The Premier in Westland.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7922, 30 September 1904, Page 2

The Premier in Westland.

His Silver Jubilee as a Politician. Per Press Asaociaxioßj

HOKITIKA, September 29. Proceedings in counection with the silver jubilee of Mr Seddon's representation of the Westland constituency in Parliament commenced this afternoon, when fully four thousand persons from all parts of the Coast were present. The weather was overcast and a few slight showers fell.

A procession of several volunteer and cadet corps, headed by brass bands, marched from the town hall to Cass square, where a mass meeting of electors . and the presentation of plate tooJc place.

The Mayor o£ JTokitika occupied the chair, and in making the presentation referred to the many eminent services rendered by Mr Seddon to Westland, the Colony and the Empire. . A large, number of congratulatory telegrams (including those of Ministers and members-of Parliament) and Sir John Hall, were received.

The presentation consisted of a silver plate tea service, auitably engraved. Mr Seddon/ih a longthy speech; reiurnedthaiiks.' He also read a portion of his first political speech, made 25 years ago, to prove.that the ideas he then formed were now takiDg a practical shape. As Premier be had introduced 500 bills, out of which 180 had became Jaw.' ■/'-..'' '■"■ t. ■.■'■■'■■■' After dealing with a number of important poliovmeasnreß, he referred to the frequent criticism as to his favoring the West Coast against other parts of the colony. He found that the amount of gold duty paid in the past still entitled the West Goasp to half a million.! He also alluded to the Tobacco Trust and the Millers' Association, stating that steps must be taken to counteract their influence. The utmost enthusiasm prevailed. .

Subsequently the Premier was entertained at a banquet and a social. ■ ■ Afc the banquet he emphatically contradicted the rumour of alleged dissension in the.Cabinet, or of the Cabinet's mten-: tion to run another candidate against Mr Guinness,' the member for Grey. The speech principally dealt with local matters, emphasising the necessity, for better local governments The town was profusely -decorated andthe cadets, and children1 were suitably entertained by the reception committee. : ' :•■-■;

To-morrow the Premier visits the principal farming districts on the coast, and attends a ploughing match there.