The Premier.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7834, 29 May 1905, Page 2

The Premier.

MOOTED MONUMKXT. (Per Press Association.) DUNRDTN, May 28. On Saturday morning the Premier eft Nnse'oy, and proccouVa to Ophir, slopping on the way at Koiifjjhrtdgc, where he oponed the curling season by throwing n couple of curling stones.

Deputations waited on the Premier on, the subject of walur conservation anion the su/hjeel of Thompson's (iorgc road, which, if made, would enable 1.-ike Wanakn to be reached in one day from Dunedln. ttphir was reached at t> p.m.. and tv o horns luti-r the Premier addressed a piAilic meeting in the school-

ing e, which was crowded. Mr Std don pointed oMt thai the goldlields of (!tagu had h l|.erl the qjlony fifty ye r.s ahead of what it would have Ik -Mi as an agricultural and pastoral Com,try. He thought a mistake was made in not having, u rj.'ord of those l> stlimr days-. Tim Piv'iiiier went on to ileal with the finances and proslie i!y of the c.ilony, and yet with th us ihvy were, it was said there sho.ild be a <hane>; of Government. Ho intiu ate.l that he would again introduce the Local Government Deform Hill, as there were too many local bodies, lie declared that Mr Ma sey was no laly-rnl, and never was, and (declared that his works [■roved it. Dealing with the Question cf increased population, Mr Sodden stated that including Maoris und the Pacific, Islanders the total was 903,259. He went on to ■.howhow th« country residents had benefited by railway and other concessions, and in j,his connection he expressed, the opinion that • a concession should be given on the Otago Central lino. In addition to helping seHl.-rs there, this, would help settlers iu the Catlins district. The Vremier resumed his scut after speaking; two and " a half hours, amidst, applause. A vote of thanks to tho Premier and of continued confidence in the Government was carried.

, Tho mover said he would like to Isee a grand monumont erected to Mr Soddon. He believed in erecting a monument in honour of ft mun Vwforg ho. was dead, so thai he would know people appreciated hiui and his works.

The Premier, in addition to speaking at Roxburgh, Lawrence and Kaitoogiata next week, will ~lso speak at Mosgiel, Tapanui, l'almcrston, Our.troon, and Oamaru.