MINISTERS' MOVEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 294, 11 December 1900, Page 4

MINISTERS' MOVEMENTS.

HON. J. G. WARD.

The Hon. J. G. Ward was in- attendance at the Ministers' rooms, Customs buildings, from. 3.30 o'clock, and re-v ceived a number of deputations regarding private matters, but only one of public importance. There were present with the Minister the Hon. A. J. Cadman, Messrs. George Fowlds, J. Bollard, W. F. Massey, Jackson Palmer, J. H. Witheford and F. Lawry. Most of these gentlemen were in attendance to introduce various persons who wished to interview the Minister, acter consisted of Idessrs. H. Cooke and J. Grey, who asked to have a telephone laid at Whangarei to connect tbe Portland Cement Works. Mr. Ward said for private wires the cost' of construction bad to be borne by the applicants. Mr. Cooke said they wanted to get the telephone laid on, and would be prepared to pay an annual subsidy. Mr. Ward said that all over tbe colony the rule was the same; tbe construction of private wires must be paid for by those requiring them. Mr. Cooke said this would scarcely be a private wire, as it would, be open to use by all the settlers. Mr. Ward said the best thing would be for the settlers to apply for a telephone in the usual way, and state that they would be prepared to pay the usual amount. Last evening the Hon. Mr. Ward dined with the Mayor, Mr. David Goldie.

To-day Mr. Ward was not in attendance at the Ministers' rooms, as he paid a visit to the Ostrich farm. On Friday Mr. Ward proceeds to ." Whangarei. Eefore 1 caving Auckland ; . to'return South it is'his intention to -. go up the Kaipara line in fulfillment: of a promise given to Mr. John Bollard. Mr. Ward will also go right tip to Rotorua, taking deputations on tho way. It is Mr. Ward's intention, as • far" as possible, to'see all the railways in tbe Auckland district.