THE PREMIER ON TOUR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8060, 12 March 1906, Page 2

THE PREMIER ON TOUR.

. « ___ ROTORUA FUNCTIONS. PEB MESS ASSOCIATION. Koroni'A, March 10. The Premier attended a banquet last night and responding to a toast spoke for two hours. He introduced the Factories Act and Old Age Pensions. He dwelt at length on the policy of the Imperial Government and criticised severely their action in not annexing the islands of the Pacific. He gave a peroration ou the loyalty of New Zealanders, referred to the majority obtained at last election and the beneficial Acts passed by his Government. He was frequently applauded and in no way referred to local matters. The Native Minister, responding to the toast of the Native race, urged that tlicy should receive more attention and should be raised to a higher plane, and there would be found no more loyal people m the Colony today.

The Premier unveiled the monument to the late Chief To Keepa at Whakarewarowa. He paid high tribute to the late Chief and the Maoris as a race, About two thousand were present. The Premier and many othershad lunch with the Maoris. Wairoa geyser was soaped and gave a fine display. The Maoris gave a great reception to the Premier. The ceremony concluded after one o'clock. In the afternoon he unveiled a monument erected in memory of the late Petera. A large number of visitors were present and received a great reception. In unveiling the monument the Premier eulogised deceased, ami promised the Maoris he would lay before Cabinet the matter of allowing them to fish in the lake without a license. The proceedings lasted throughout the afternoon On Monday the Premier opens the new cawed house at Whiikarcnarewa.