THE PREMIER IN NELSON.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81899, 4 December 1906, Page 2

THE PREMIER I N NELSON.

Per ** - i'ress Association. T; ■ Neson, December 3. • - Premier was met by the.Mayor nis arrival this mornmg 2 and at <lOOll opened the new post office. In the course of his speech, he said that New Zealand vva" the most up-to-date country in the world in regard to post officeß, and had the most offices ; n proportion to population, as well as the cheapest telegraphic communication. He gave an interesting sketch of the establishment of Nelson, the first tettlement in the Island, and spoke of his pleasure in seeing beside him Mr John Tinline, who arrived at Port Nicholon in 1840 and icf Nj-'lson in '42. He alluded to the fifties, when Nelson was the first port of the mail steamers and gave interesting statistics of' the posta' business here, concluding by hoping the new building would soon b- ■ too small for the growing business. It was announced, that telephone extension along the western side of Pelorus Sound and the French Pass had been authorised, and the work is to be put in hand early. In the afternoon, a number of deputations waited on the Premier, whoi made no promises, save that he would enquire. Later, he was driven to and shown over the new college, with which he expressed himself WellploaMsd.

In the evening, the Premier, Lady, ward and Miss Ward were entertained' by the people of Nelson at the Prix vmcial Hall, where Lady Ward and' her daughter were presented with bouquets, and the Mayor extended a welt come.

! The Premier, in reply, avoided: party topics. Ho referred with prida to the railway service of the colony, and alluded to the approaching- Colonial Conference in London. Though,' no jmgoist, he strongly recognised,' the necessity for increased support 'o the British Navy for the protection, and maintenance of peace. He a!so> epoke strongly of the "yellow peril,'*the need for the maintenance of race, purity and guarding against an influx of Chinese.

The visitors are leaving; at 11 ta--tugut by the Tutanekai for Auckland.