SPEECH BY THE ACTING-PREMIER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 100, 7 June 1900, Page 2

SPEECH BY THE ACTING-PREMIER.

THE RAILWAY REDUCTIONS. fPEB PBBSS ASSOCIATION.] Lyttelton, June 6. Mr. Laurenson, M.fcL.R. for LytttltjD, was entertained at a social gathering to-night. The Hon. J. G. Waid, responding to the toast of " The Ministry," said the present railway reductions should be allowed a fair trial for six or twelve months. At the end of either period, if tha railway revenue showed sufficient elasticity, further reductions might be made. He announced that it was very problematical whether the Hon. J, McKenzie would be able to retain his portfolio, or even to appear at the coming session. He said he had just received a cable from Major Francis, stating that he and his men were well, and were expecting to go to the front. The Acting-Premier said he believed the Minister of Defence would bring down proposals for improving the defences that would receive general approval. He thought the coming Parliament would have to discuss questions of-a far wider import than former ones, such as the representation of the colony in the Councils of the Empire, He thought New Zealand should show that it wanted Federation of an Imperial character. He advocated an independent BritishPacific cable, continued acquisition of land for settloment, cheap money, cheap ocean freights, and making roads and bridges to open up undeveloped country.

Mr. Laurensen was presented with an illuminated address.