The Premier

The Premier, on rising, was received with tremendous and continued applause, the vast audience rising enmasse, and cheering. He said be felt that for the moment he was unable to do that which they expected of him. He did feel honoured at being in the presence of such an audience and at receiving at their hands the great reception and demonstration accorded (Applause.) There was always a difficulty in speaking of one's self or what one had done, and if in the course of his address he was forced to speak of himself he asked them not to take it that after ten years of office he had become egotistical. On the contrary, he felt then more humbled and less capable of doing justice to that great people and to those present than he did on the day he assumed the Premier ship of the country. (Applause.)

It was a great honour to have received on that and the preceding day telegrams from all parts of the colony, including some from leading men who have sent him to political perdition. (Laughter.) One telegram he had received that night was indicative of the many he had received: "Delighted that your signal services to the colony have been so justly praised as to establish you our Premier in perpetuity." There was a time when he (the speaker) railed at the continuous Ministry, but time was having its revenges. If they only looked at some "Hansards" and read what was said against continuous Ministries by the gentleman who sat there for ten years, he did not know what he could answer except that he was there by the will of the people and what the people willed should be done. (Applause.) He had received a very nice telegram to which he considered he was scarcely entitled: "Congratulations on the completion of ten years arduous services as Prime Minister of New Zealand. My best wishes for many years of life and happiness to yourself and for the continued prosperity of New Zealand.—Chamberlain." (Loud applause.) Considering the questions of moment that occupied the time of that great statesman, he looked upon that as an honour to himself and a desire to pay a tribute to the people of New Zealand.(Hear, hear) He had also received the following telegram—"Hearty congratulation on the attainment of your ten years' Premiership, and all good wishes from self and colleagues.—John See, Premier of New South Wales."