BANQUET TO THE PREMIER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 67, 12 March 1902, Page 2

BANQUET TO THE PREMIER.

I • s PUtt FKHSS AfelOUiAXlO N.J , t Dvskuis, vi arch 10. • A bai.quot tendered by citizen* of Ducudta to ihe Right. Hon. the Premier in r-ro?ni>ion of his servioes to the Imperil aau><e, pro' - to his d«pirture for the coionatioti eeremonia*, was held in Victoria Hall, about 150 being present. The Mayor, Mr Denniston, presided, and the guest of the evening was on bis right with Sir Joseph Ward on his left. Several m°mbers of the Legislature were alio present, The Itfayor, in proposing the health ' ef the Premier, said he yielded to bo ; man in his appreciation of the qualities ' of mind and distinguished services of - Mr Seddon in Imperial »«itt»rs. He occupied the proud position of doyen i among ColoaiJ Premies H<t went J ;on to. eu!ogi«se ♦h* Premier's esrrioM,' and said hi deferred a place in the | Oounci sof 'he Empire. He concluded oy wishing him a peasant aud suooessi ful missiiu, aud re'u'u. The Pemier received a great ovitio:-, tue carapiny rising and ch«eri ing him heartily. He s<id the Empire > was bis watchword. In doing what ' was done, he and those awcived with ' him We'i vsd th-->y were furhwing the best interests of the colony. New Zealand was in the van, and New Zealanders were looked up to. In tendering advice the Premi. rcomplaiind that newspaper articles on the financial position of the colony w>re u-ed to the disparagement of the colony. Part/ sh-uld bt sot nsid'-, ltd p<tiiotisra bv come th« watchword. Rehiring to South Africa, he «tid then was no turning back till freedom, justice, and happiness reigned pupreme. Dealing with the Preuv.'ra' Couf- rei.ee. he said be would guarantee the Imperial authorities would subscribe a share to

nua."jiiiioi wuinu ouusurine a snare to strong'hen the Australian aqnadron. In concision he «ug sorry t-> say good bye, but on this occasion be looked forward to again addressing them. After the -users which greeted the Premier di*d away, he propose! the Mayor's heal'b. A rouwrs»zio e followed in the large lull of the Agricultural BuiMiugp,