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Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7734, 2 March 1909, Page 3

The Premier (Sir Joseph Ward) accompanied by Messrs J. Hislop and C Or. Matthews (private secretaries), was a through passenger for the south by this afternoon's express. Sir Joseph is now enjoying good health, havin" benefited considerably by his sojourn at Kotorua. He granted an interview to a Guardian representative, who accompanied him from Asliburton to Rangitata, and while refusing to speak on prospective legislation, he chatted interestingly m regard to the telephone service of the dominion, stating that he did not propose to reduce tho rates for private wires and long-distance telephoning, as had been advocated m Christchurch and other places. A full report of his remarks will appear- m to-morrow's issue. Block 8 of the Springfield estate, containing 262 acres, has been sold privately by Messrs Friedlander Bros. Negotiations were opened yesterday, and the sale was completed to-day, but the name of the purchaser and the amount of the purchase money have not yet been made known. A team from tho Asliburton Bowling Club is to visit Temuka on Thursday. Mr George Fenwick states that the New Zealand delegates to the Imperial Press Conference will leave Wellington on March 23, and not on April 5, as previously arranged. At 9 o'clock tliis morning all rivers m the Asliburton county were reported to be either clear or ■ fi'shable.