A WELLINGTON BANQUET

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 388, 12 April 1902, Page 3

A WELLINGTON BANQUET

MR SEDDON’S SPEECH

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. Continuing his speech at the Tjanquet the Premier said that telegraphic com■munication with Fiji was only the fore runner of a closer connection with Fiji and was the keynote of a Greater New Zealand. He declared that expansion would be a blessing to the islands, which were all-important as a base for offensive and defensive operations. Over neighboring islands the flags of other nations were flying.. If those at Home had had the foresight of some of our leading statesmen in the colonies, the danger which now threatened us would never threaten. Mr Seddon next dealt at length with South Africa, quoting his memorandum with reference to the settlement of the Transvaal on a military basis. With reference to the encouragement which had been given to the Boers by the speeches of some of the Home statesmen, Mr Seddon said that if necessity arose and opportunity offered, he as the representative of New Zealand would speak his mind. Only that day lie had received a communication from the Secretary of State, ex. pressing a hope that the Premier of New Zealand would arrange to stay at Home until the various conferences had been completed. It was of the greatest moment, he said, that our opinions should be expressed, not that we should bind our colonies or ask lor representation in the Parliament of the Mother Country, but there should be a Council established to meet periodically to discuss questions deemed to be of interest to the Empire. He denied that Home manufacturers were _ not losing gsound, and declared that Home exports had decreased,, and that trade was not following the flag. There ought to be more capital invested, and greater enthusiasm displayed, and then our kinsmen would not have to leave the Mother Country in search of work. Reforms would have to come, and we, he added, as advisers, knowing the facts as they existed, would have great influence in bringing about a new order of things. The Premier was loudly cheered on concluding his speech.