THE HON. MR. ROLLESTON AT THE GRAVING DOCK LYTTELTON.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1246, 13 January 1883, Page 2

THE HON. MR. ROLLESTON AT THE GRAVING DOCK LYTTELTON.

Mb. Rolleston, replying to the toast of the Ministry, said that though on an occasion like the present politics were excluded, vet he considered the gathering in t&e highest and best sense a political one. Representatives of all sections of the community and every shade of opinon had met to celebrate the completion of a work of the greatest importance to Canterbury. He referred to the great works accomplished in the province in the past, as an evidence of that she would progress in the future, and metioned particularly the tunnel, for which they were indebted to the genius and energy of the late W. S. Moorhouse. He felt, and so did his colleagues, an overwhelming sense of responsibility in having to direct the affairs of a colony like New Zealand ; but he also felt that no man or body of men had studied the interests of the colony more than the present Ministry.—(“ Hear,’ and “ No.”) — (Rolleston was continuing his remarks, when the uproar arising from those at the far end of the room became so great that he had to cease, and the Chairman called those present to order, requesting them to come forward if they could not heat). — Order being partially restored, Mr Rolleston continued, referring to the importance of the harbour works, which greatly facilitated communication between the people of the colony and the outside world. The importance of railways as a means of intercommunication between various parts the colony was also dwelt on. Much of Mr Rolleston’s address was inaudible, owing to the confusion prevailing at times.