THE PREMIER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 39, 26 May 1910, Page 5

THE PREMIER.

HIS WEST COAST PILGRIMAGE. Uv Telegraph—Press Association. Hokitika, -May 2T». The Premier arrived from the north to-day. The weather is unfavorable for | the ceremony of unveiling the Westland Seddon Memorial statue, which is of white Carrara marble standing eight feet high on a pedestal of polished grey granite. The figure is at present veiled with the Union Jack and New Zealand lings, which recently veiled the tablet to Mr. Seddon ! V St. Paul's, Loudon. The llag-i arc ,ww the property of Mrs. Seddon. ADDRESS AT H<J\!TTKA. P.EPLY TO THE OPPOSITION. Hokitika, Last Night. The Prime Minister delivered a political address in Hokitika last night. There was a very large audience, and •Sir Joseph Ward met with a good reception. The speed) was practically.devoted to replying to Mr. Massey's recent address here. He quoted figures to show that the West Coast had steadily progressed for the past four years. In replying to the statements of Jlr. Massey in regard to the treatment of the Opposition papers in the Dominion. Sir .Joseph quoted figures *o show that the total amounts received by the Opposition papers in the four centres as against the (lovernment organs, wai £:17S!) to £:).")84. In other words the Opposition papers received £205 more, in twenty-one months. lie coiitndicied Mr. Massrv's statement that the leader of the Opposition lmd been resnonsihle for the. placing of the Advances to Workers Act on trio Statute Hook, giving facilities to workers' to borrow money nt 4 per cent, for the purpose of building homes. The Prime Minister said he alone was responsible for placing this on the Statutes. Sir .los'enlt referred to. the matter of the adjournment of Parliament, when he had gone Home to attend the Defence. Conference, and to other matters on the same line as contained in his Wfnton speech. He referred to Mr. Allen's speech at Milton in regard to the retrenchment scheme, as most extraordinary. The Defence Act was referred to, and the Prime Minister announced that Lord Kitchener's scheme would be adopted almost in its entirety. He announced that Lord Kitchener was asked to recommend a military officer to take charge of the territorial forces of the Dominion. At th<> conclusion of the address a resolution was carried conveying the hearty thanks of the :ii»eting to the. Prime Minister for his able, interesting and instructive address, and also expressing its cordial support of the Liberal pol'cy he had enunciated, and confidence in th" (!ov»rnme'it of which he is the dU'Mnauisheii leader. I HeaHv eheers were given for Sir JoI sepli Ward.