ADDRESS TO THE PREMIER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 81, 9 April 1902, Page 2

ADDRESS TO THE PREMIER.

BRILLIANT FUNCTION AT CHRISTCHITRLH. PES FBBSS ASSOCIATION. Christchubch, April 8. There was a tremendous gathering at the Canterbury Hall to-night, when some 3000 people, including a large 1 proportion of ladies, assembled on the 'occasion of ihe presentation of an I address to Mr Seddon prior to hie leaving the colony to attend the coronation .ceremony. The Miyor, Mr A, E. O. ' Rhode*, presided, and amo/>g those OB the platform were fir John Hill, Sir Jos'ph Ward, Hods. James Carroll and W. C. Walker, Bishop* Juliuaand Grimes, and a number of local oaf abilities,

Sir John Hall presented tha addreta, and spoke very briefly, oommending the Premier for his untiring energy in promoting an Imperial policy. Though political differences existed, in tha matter of the unity of tbe Empire thja colony was as one, and recognised no party and no power, tfpeaking on tha final settlement of the war, Air John declared there must be a basis of absolutely unconditional surrender. The Boeis must he granted no constitutional right till their loyalty bad been cm* phaticaily demonr rated and proved. In presenting tLi» ado'rew, Sir John Hall intimated that it w< uld be followed by a purse «f aevereigbs of a substantial n*ti>re.

Meisis G. G. Su>s.d and T. W, Stringer also spoke briefly in a commendatory strain. Tiie Premier wm quick to gnsp the eitua'ion, and hu live Imperial policy at n time wbm tbe attitude of tbe colonies was of importance in a im.ijtal was applauded. All tbe speakers pointed to the representativ.i attendant* as evidencing tbe colonial nature of the presentation. The Premier, in!responding, urged that h • had only done his obvious duty. Every man and woman in tin colony had been supporting him, and when he had taken the initative he bad been strong in the conviction that the Imperial spirit in New Zealand would back him to the extent of the last peony and the last man is tot country, The colonies bad acted nobly, and their attitude had daw much to convince other nations of the* unity of tbe Empire, and to restrain intervention in tbe war. Mr fceddoo proceeded to refer to h's visit Homo, and detailed suggestions to come bafore the Premier*' conference. He tharked them fur their kind present and address, which had strengthened bim on his departure. ,He waftgoing Home not as the representative of a party, but as the representative of the whole oolcny, and intended to make that clear at Home. The was wildly cnthm-iastio throughout. Apologies for anstDot and greetings fiom all pirts of th* colony poorer] in.