Speaking at Haw era, Mr Seddon said that the policy of the present Government could be summed in two words — economy and progress. They advocated the making of roads to open up lands. Aa to acquir ing large estates the Government would do nothing revolutionary, but they saw no j reason why large estates Bhould not be taken for settlement, if the public intaroafc

THE MINISTER FOR MINES AT HAWERA. (BY TELEGRAPH.) Hawera, February 18.
CONGREGATIONAL UNION. ( BY TELEGRAPH.) Nelson, February 18.
At the Congregational Union this morning the Chairman read a telegram from the Bishop of Nelson, from Rotor ua, thanking the Union for the telegram of sympathy. Tho following officers were elected : Chairman, Rev. Habens ; secre tary, H. L. Bailley ; treasurer, SV. Lyon ; registrar, Rer, Foster ; auditor, J. Elkin, The following committee was elected : Revs. Chew, Lewis, Thomas, Miller, Powell, Evans, Hoatson, Bradbury, Grant, and Saunders, Captain Daldy, and Messrs Gummer, Elkin, Borton, Lewis, Lindsay, West, Knowles, Beaven, Mal colm, and Jago. A deputation from the Baptist denomination is now being re ceived.
EGMONT RACES. BY TELEGRAPH. Hawera, February 18.
The Lgraont races are being held to day. There is splendid weather, and a fair attendance. The following are the results :

First Handicap Hurdles, of 75 soya. Two miles and a half. Jenny .., ... „ , i The Peer ... ... ... 2 Rere ... 3 Time — 4rains 19-i-secs. Dividend — L 3 17s,

Saplixg Stakes, of G5 soy&. Six furlongs. Fraternite (by Dauphin — Sis&ie) SstlOlbs 1 Cretonne ... ... ... ... 2 Rosefeklt 3 Won easily. Time — lmin 204secs. Dividends— Lls 13s.
