THE PREMIER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 311, 10 June 1915, Page 4

THE PREMIER.

A BUSY DAY'S WORK.

VISIT TO HIGH SCHOOLS.

TALKS TO THE SETTLERS.

The Prime/Minister (the 1 , : ht Hoim W. F. Massey) spent a 'lhiki day in N T orth Tnramiki yesterday, starting the day early with an engagement at New Plymouth aid concluding wid: a political speech at Waitara in the evening. Shortly before !) a.m. Mr. Massey, who was accompanied by Mr. H. Okcy, Jf.l 1 ., visited the New Plymouth Hoys'. High School.

The. boys were mustered in the new gymnasium to meet the Premier, who was introduced to them by Mr. E. Dockrill, chairman of the board.

Mr. Dockrill welcomed, Mr Massey, and declared that the'lads should realise that it was a big favor to be addressed by a gentleman holding such a position as Mr. Massey did—that of Prime Minister. % Mr. Massey then spoke, to the boys, congratrtating them on their healthy appearance. He'referred briefly to thair school work, reminding them that they were there to prepare themselves for the battle of life. But they should nob overlook the fact that they had to do more than acquire knowledge. They had to fit themselves to live an upright and honorable life, and to that end should carry this principle throughout the school life—both at work and at play* At the conclusion three hearty cheers were given for the Premier, who was then shown around the school grounds. Leaving the High School, the party motored to Lepperton, where a large number of settlers gathered at the hall nnd welcomed the Premier. On arrival Mr. Massey was greeted with cheers, nnd he spoke for a few minutes to the school teachers, whose pupils were drawn up in line outside the hall. The Premier addressed the gathering for about half nu hour, dealing principally with New Zealand's part in the war, and touching on the various problems which had been handled by the (iovernment since the war broke out. Refreshments were then provided, and the Premier's health was tlrunk. The party then motored to Tikorangi, where the settlers gathered in force nnd gave Mr. Massey a warm roelcome. Mr. Massey spoke' for nearly an hour, dealing with various phases of the Gov< rnmc'it's activities, and more particularly in regard- to matters arising from the war. The party then returned to Now Plymouth.

After opening the winter show in the, afternoon Mr. Massey wont to the Girls' High School and addressed the pupils there. Mr. Ttockrill again introduced the Premier, who delivered an appropriate address to the girls. T'e. pointed out to them Hint they would he the future mothers of the nation, and had to fits themselves for this responsible potlthg by every possible means. He remarked again on the very healthy appearanee of his andienee, which did not appear to be affected by their close application to their studies.

This gathering also concluded with cheers for the Minister.

Mr. Massey then motored to Waitara, where he gave an address in the evening. Afterwards Mr. Massey went to Urenui, where he attended the social given to a number of men who arc goine to the front. b The Premier's visit to Taranaki wiH conclude to-day. Ho will receive deputions at Waitara this morning, after which he will go to Uruti, and to-niglit he will speak at Urenui. iMEETTXG AT WAITARA.

Mr. Mossey's address n t Wiiitam last night was followed with interest by a' large audience, the Clifton Hall being packed. Mr. K. HecMiessinger, Mayor, presided, and 'Mr. Mnssey waa supported on the platform by Mr. H. Okey, MJP., and Mr. C. K. Wilson, the. Oovernment candidate for the Taumarunui election.

Mr. Mnssey dealt with the problems —trading, sea-carrying and financial— I arising out of the war, outlined tha Cowrnmoiit's past work, and defended it from the charges levelled against it by the Opposition. At the conclusion. ■{ of liia address, which was punctuated! by applause , he.vsis accorded a vote ol thanks ami confidence by acclamation. Mr. C. K. Wilson also spoke, referring to the events which had taken place in regard to the Taumarunui Mat since November.

Our full report, which is crowded out of this issue, will appear to-morrow.