The Waipukurau Press. Friday, May 4, 1906. THE PREMIER.

Waipukurau Press, Volume I, 4 May 1906, Page 2

The Waipukurau Press. Friday, May 4, 1906. THE PREMIER.

% Mr Seddon was the recipient of a large number of congratulatory tslegrams on the completion of his thirteenth year’s reign as Premier. In the course of an interview he said. —“I must say that the kindly feeling expressed is very touching, and while deeply grateful for the confidence shown in me, I am by no means insensible to the great responsibility that is cast upon me. 1 would like to take this opportunity of expressing my wannest t hanks to the colleagues I have had supporting me during the past thirteen years, who have so ably assisted me in the work that lay to our hand, and by their untiring efforts promoted the progress, and the happiness, prosperity, and contentment of its people. To the members of Parliament and the people who have supported them and given us the opportunity, the praise and commendation of the colony is due ; for without the support given in regard to legislation and administration the advances auu improvements made would have been impossible. And when I see and read of the proud position New Zealanders attain, my first desire is to thank those who have been associated with me. It is true I have been the leader ; but the policy has been that which has been supported by the people, and which will be supported by them so long as they are true to themselves. And so long as they are true to themselves there is nothing to fear. Education is doing its work: and the marked advancement which has been made is to be attributed to the removal of ignorance and the education of the masses. With an educated democracy we have nothing to f. ar. Ignorance begets indifference, and wherever there is ignorance there is danger. Movements forward on the road of progress, leading a better and brighterhumaniiy and higher ideals and aspirations, w ill mark the future of this colony. Care must be exercised and economy practised ; and we should aim at being a self contained country, true to the Empire, true to our Constitution, and true to our gracious King. Our aims must be Imperial, and to that end we must labour strenuously in welding the bond of Empire, which will ensure the peace, prosperity, and stability of Hie Empire-”