THE PREMIER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 121, 13 May 1908, Page 2

THE PREMIER.

OX THE WEST COAST.. Per Press Association.

Denniston, Last Night, The Premier to-day visited Sodtlouville, where he delivered a short political ad- i dress, mainly on the lines of the ail- i dresses delivered in other parts of the j Coast. Referring to the Seddonville Htate mine, he said so far it had not I been a success, but the Government had

no intention of abandoning it. He was I in hones that in a short time it would rank with the other successful mines | „ n the coast. At the conclusion of i his address, the Premier was accorded L hcartv vote of-thanks and confidence in the "Government, on the motion of Mr. (Minn, president of the Seddonville

I Miners' Union. On his way to and from Seddonville, the Premier was interviewed by numerous deputations about local matters. He reached Denniston at (i.15 p.m., and was welcomed by Mr. Foster, president of the Denniston Miners' Union,' and a large concourse of people. Sir Joseph received further deputations on local *-ants this evening, and followed with a political address, ! ADDRESS ~Ax" DENNISTON.

I Denniston, Last Night, j To-night the Premier addressee one of the largest gatherings that has ever assembled in the Denniston Volunteer Hal). The Premier announced, amid chee'rs, the settlement of the Blackball ; strike. He was glad for all concerned and hoped that the mine would now be in continuous and prosperous working. I The Premier lengthily contrasted the conditions in the Old Country and America with those in New Zealand, show- , I iug how much better off in many ways I the people were here, both because of the Government laud for settlement po-

licy, and because of the railways being ) iu" the hands of the Government and jj not in those of private companies. He laid stress on the great advantage derived in connection with the unlocking of native lands in the North Island, and said the main object of the Government was to give the poor man a chance to i settle. People in one breath asked the Government to nationalise the whole ol the land, the steamers, butcheries, bakeries, etc., and in another said tney must not borrow. To do what was asked, it would be necessary to borrow

.-Cl 75,000,000. It would be financial ruin for any Government to attempt this, and his Government was not going to make the attempt. It was no use scrambling for the moon. The Go.vernnicnt must be practical.

As shown by the average earnings and savings, this country was nut inferior to any other in the world. The cost of living had increased, but that was because much of the sweating so prevalent iii the past was now abolished. He did not believe the workers would be willing to go back to the old condition*. It was better to pay a little more rather than continue the sweating system. The Government was endeavoring to give the best possible education to the young to fit them for life's duties. All could not be equal. If horses were turn-

Ed loose in a paddock one would in time become leader. Though they

could not make men equal, they could do something towards giving equal opportunity. The Government's legislation was in that direction. The Arbitration Act, he said, should not be repealed, but amended, and the Govern: ment proposed to do that next session. The; bank-to-bauk clause would be enacted.

The Premier referred to the large remissions in Customs and the benefits to workers. The Government proposed to introduce legislation next session to give annuities to those outside the Go--vermnent service. Reference was made to the breaking down of usurious rates of interest by the Government loans to settlers and workers. The Premier stated that his prediction that the country would be able to borrow money cheaper in March than immediately before the crisis was fulfilled. This country had escaped unscathed. New Zealand should realise its obligations to the Old Country and should also remember that the Navy was required to protect our produce in transport from New Zealand to the markets of the Old Country. He thought something more than £40,000 should be paid. Germany, France, and Italy were building navies' to capture British trade. New Zealand should assist Britain in her efforts to retain her ground.

At the conclusion the Premier was asked a number oi questions, chiefly by local Socialists. In his replies h e scored heavily, and finally received a hearty vote of thanks and confidence in the Government, with but fe w dissenters.