THE PREMIER'S MOVEMENTS.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 414, 25 March 1899, Page 4

THE PREMIER'S MOVEMENTS.

The'Premier and his party arrived at Raglan on Wednesday afternoon, and met with an enthusiastic reception. On arrival he was presented wi' h the following adress of welcome-.-"lo the RtHon. R. J. Seddon, P. 0., L.L D., Premier of New Zealand : Sir.-We, on behalf of the residents and settlers ot the Raglan County, beg to tender you a most hearty aed cordial welcome, on this the occasion of your first visit to our district, and take this opportunity of expressing our great pleasure that you have found it possible in the midst of your Ministerial duties to accede to our requisition. You will allow us_ to entertain the hope that your brief* stay among us may be both eDJoyabl* and beneficial, and that it may prove merely the precursor of many subsequent and more lengthened tour 3 in this locality. Wo caunot but regret that the limited time at your dbpoxal en this occasion prevents you, not only from inspecting many of the natural beauties of the place, but preoludes us from bringing foino of the more pressing wants of the district under your personal notice. The promotion of local industries in our midst, and the expansion of the district's natural capabilities have been retarded for many years by the want Of better road carriage, and closer settlement, and while fully appreciating the assistance already rendered by the Government in the way of grants for public works, and for the settlement of lands in the county, we venture to trust that the county's advancement in both these directions may receive your further attention and serious consideration. Possessing as we do a fair harbour, with the necessary steamer accommodation, and its growing popularity as a seaside resort, thermal springs whioh are at once the most picturesque and could be made as easily accessible as any establishment of its kind in the colony, besides other tourist advantages and attractions, you will readily admit that the question of road communication is from this point of view one of primary and most vital importance to the country. Up to the present a serious drawback to the advancement and prosperity of this district has been the extensive areas which havo been precluded from settlement ou account of being held by absentees and Maoris, and we would respectfully ask for your assistance in taking steps to remedy these existing evils. In ooncluBion, allow us again to express our great pleasure at your visit to our port, hoping that it may be attended with the happiest results, and beg you to accept our good wishes for a loDg life and future happiness.-R. C. Matuias, Chairman, W. I. Conkadi, Clerk, Raglan County Council. The Premier, in reply, said he was delighted to be with them. He was well repaid by the welcome they had accorded him. It was very pleasing to see the adults and children of both races gathered together. The address stated that the road question was the principal trouble with them, and after his journey from Frankton he did not require to have this impressed upon his mind. As to the land owned by absentees, no doubt this retarded settlement and he sympathised with them. This was a serious drawback to the energetic settlers who were endeavouring to further the progress of the district. The remedy was to adopt rating upon the unimproved values. This was the fairest way, as those who improved had not to pay for those who did not. The law as it stands is permissive. It would be for the House to decide if the system should be made compulsory. As to native lands, the more roads they had the more valuable they would become ; the difficulty would bo to collect the rates. Where roads are made, and they are used by the Maoris, he did not see why they should not pay. In glancing through the address, there was a nicely expressed desire to make the best use of him they could, and dip into < the public purse. Be considered it the duty of a Minister to visit all parts of the colony and make himself acquainted with the requirements of the people. This place was one of the oldest in the colony, yet so little had been done in the way of communication. With the changes now going on in the agricultural industry there was a possibility of the district supporting a large population. The natives then presented an address of welcome. The Premier, in reply, said the welcome was pleasing to him as Native Minister. He was always willing to do what he could for those who were the remnant of a once powerful race. If they would let him know their grievances he would endeavour to relieve them. He reciprocated their expression of love. As representing the Government and as a servant of the QueeD, whose mam was over all, it was his duty to do his best for both races.

PUBLIC MEETING. At 8 p.m. a public meeting was held. Mr R. C. Mathias (in the chair), and ho briefly introducted the Premier who on rising was greeted with checks. He said there stood before them the best abused man in the colony. He was there to fulfil a promise. Some portion of the Press blames Ministers for goiDg round the coutitry. He contended that the Seddon adtnbisratiou had resulted in increased prosperity to the colony and dwelt at length on the success of their land policy. He claimed that a freehoH tenure would result in the formation of large estates, as in the case of the Forty-Mile Bush. The loans to settlers scheme, he held, had lowered interest in the colony, and in this connection he said he knew of a gcntlomau who was saving £4O annually by this means, and who gratefully proposed to devote the whole sum towards Ousting the present Ministry. Mr Seddon then referred briefly to the reduction of railway charges and steamer freights, which he announced at Auckland, He contended the public works demanded a fresh loan. Although the electorate in which he was speaking, had invariably returned a Conservative representative, he claimed that the present Government had done more for the district than e.ny previous administration. The Premier concluded his remarks witli reference to the Old Ago Pension Act, stating that the Government were quite prepared to meet the necessary expeuse. A motion of thanks and confidence in Mr Seddon, proposed by Mr Bankart, and seconded by MrT. B. Hill, was carried by acclamation. THE SUITER. After the meeting the County Chairman (Mr R. C. Mathias) entertained the party at supper at the Harbour ViewHotel, where the landlord, Mr Smith, had prepared a most recherche repast. After the Queen had beeu duly honoured, the chairman proposed the health of their guest, the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, aud expressed pleasure at seeing him amongst them. The Premier, in reply, expressed the pleasure lie felt at being present on that festive occasions. He had been banquettcd from the North Capo to luvercargill, and had never met .such a lot of jolly good fellows. The Premier, by request, then sang •' The Wearing of the Green." The toast of " The Representatives in Parliament " was given by Mr Bankart, and was replied to by Mr MuCullough, Major Harris, Mr Lawry and Mr Lang, Mr Seddon then proposed " Local Authoiities," which was replied to by the Chairman and Mr Bankart. The toast of " The Press " followed, to which several of its representatives replied. Hie proceedings terminated with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne." DEPUTATIONS. On Thursday morning the Premier received deputations. The first introduced asked for a grant of £SOOO for the

Raglan-Waipa Road.— The Premier, in reply, said he must consider, as Colonial Treasurer, where the money was to como from if surpluses were to be reduced by lessened taxation. The works, no doubt, were necessary, but where was the money to come from. The matter would receive full consideration. Ths que3tion of building a bridge at Tuakau, was next brought forward. — The Premier's reply was in much the same terms as to the previous deputation. The next subject brought before the Premier was the establishment of telephone communication between Raglan and Wamgaro.— Mr Seddon said that when calculations were made as to the cost, and application made by local bodiei and a gaurantce given to pay interest on cost, the Government would entertain the question. The next question was a bridge over Opotura Creek.—This the Premier said he would refer to the Minister Lands for his consideration. Totherequest put forward by Mr Bregman as to a wharf at Aotea, the Premier said he would refer to the cabinet for considerations. The Premier then proceeded to the public school and spoke a few kindly words to the children. He pointed out to them the advantuges they enjoyed from the care their teacher took to in • struct them, and the use good learning would be to them in after life. He asked the Chairman (f the Committee to grant a holiday, which was acceded to. Cheers were then given for the Premier, the Teacher and the Committee. The Premier left the township shortly afterwards, en route for Waikato.