SIR JOHN HALL.-HIS HOME EXPERIENCES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 4545, 18 November 1884, Page 2

SIR JOHN HALL.-HIS HOME EXPERIENCES.

(BY TELEORAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

New Plymouth, this day. Sir John Hall reached New Plymouth by tho Hawea about ten o'clock last night, Among those from the shore in the surfboat was Major Atkinson, who cordially greeted his old colleague. ■ In the course of conversation on tho steamer , between Auckland and New Plymouth, Sir John informed mo that ho is very much better ■in health than when he left the colony, but is not yet altogether strong. His present visit is merely of a temporary nature. He has left his family at Home, and returns to them after he concludes his business here. Although in delicatehealth whileat Home, Sir John has taken a keen interest in the important political questions of the day, uppermost being the extenion of tho franchise, on which both Conservatives and Liberals present a very dogged and determined front. Sir John has travelled much on the Continont, and visited the Legislatures of Germany, Hungaria, etc, and other public institutions. Prospects of tho Ponana Canal. Sir John spent six or seven weeks in America prior to the sailing of the steamer. In answer to a question as to what he considered were the prospects of the Panama Canal, ho said he had an opportunity pt conversing with an American engineer of high standing, who had inspected the works, and who had como to a strong opinion that the work was impracticable ; whilst on the other hand a French engineer of intelligence and standing, who had an intimate acquaintance with the works, eaid they would prove successful. Onft tiling is certain, it will, if finished; cost. a sum immensely in excess of the original estimate.. Sir John spent yesterday with Major Atkinson, and proceeds Overland to Wellington either to-day or to-morrow. He goes via Opunake, and is accompanied by Mr Fen wick, of the " Otago Daily Times."