"Mr. Seddon's Reply.

"The Premier then replied generally, expressing great pleasure at the cordial welcome accorded him. The Government, he said, were determined to remove the Native difficulties, and the Natives could all assist if they would but help themselves. The Government requested from them their assistance. This was his object in travelling through the Island and meeting the Natives face to face. That day they had followed the example of the Europeans in banqueting him and his colleague. He accepted this as a compliment paid to them, to their representative capacity, and as evidence of their goodwill. He would speak plainly to them. They might not agree with all he said, but at any rate they were his sincere convictions.