HON. HALL-JONES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 293, 10 December 1900, Page 5

HON. HALL-JONES.

SPEECH AT STRATFORD.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

STRATFORD, Saturday

The. Hon. W. Hall-Jqi.es, Minister for Public Works, . returned... from Whangamomona last night'- He. was entertained at a banquet in the* bounty Hotel, a large number of representative, residents being present. TheMayor presided. The evening was a most enjoyable one, the Minister receiving a hearty welcome. Replying to the toast of his health, the Minister said his chief, the Premier, could not have been given a more handsome reception. The I remier had taken a large share m the formation of the scheme of light railways. Hs was struck with the marked "improvement in the district, as shown by*the buildings,* electric light, proposed water supply,, etc, .and ho gave credit to the member for the district for the work he had done. Per ferring to federation, he said, he looked for a greater federation than .with Australia—that was, the federation of the English-speaking races. He and his colleagues wished to help the settlers, but the settlers must also help themselves. Where he saw they were ready to help, it would be the duty of the State to do what it could for their assistance. There was a difficulty as to the route of .the railway, and as to whether they should make a 2ft, a 2ft (iin or 3ft gauge He wanted a little more information when the survey commenced. The first sod would be turned in three months. The Minister spoke at considerable length, and was warmly applauded. . . ; * . v, Mr. Symes and Mr. Smith, M s.i±.K., were also present. • The health of the Premier was drunk warmly, and responded to by Mr. Hall-Jones. - - • The Minister to-day received a deputation, and laid the foundation-stone of the Presbyterian Church m the atternoon. ... „ , .... 1,.:_ ELTHAM, this • day. The Hon. Hall'-Jone_ visited Eltham on Saturday and received* a number of deputations. Tn the evening he was entertained at a banquet; He. said connection with the Main Trunk line would depend on the report of the engineer. On Sunday the Minister was driven out and left Hawera, en route, for Wellington. .'-....' '