HON. W. D. MACDONALD.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 136, 7 June 1912, Page 7

HON. W. D. MACDONALD.

EAST <DO&SrTOUB, (By-Telegraph.—Own, Correspondent) WHAKATAJSTE, Ttarsday. TheJHon. W. D. S. Mac Donald (Minister for Public Wsorfcs) atiived here this evening from Te Puke, coming round, the beach from Matata. This is Mr- MacDonald's first visit to the Bay of Plenty since his attainment to Ministerial rank, and he was -warmly welcomed by large gatherings of settlers at each of t&e townships passed through. A number of deputations were received en route, and at Matata the Minister -was. entertained at luncheon by the Mata±a and Manawahe settlers. On his arrival here this evening he was greeted by a haka of welcome by a co-aple of hundred assembled Maoris, and was cheered by the combined brown and white population. Later he was entertained by the local bodies and residents at a smoke concert, at which the county chairman (Tdr. Reid) presided. Mr. MscDonald's appointment to the portfolios of Public Works and Kative Affairs appears to be very highly appreciated in the Bay of Plenty, the opinion generally being impressed at all the functions that, with his wide knowledge and experience of both local body and native land matters, he is eminently suited for both positions. The Minister proceeds to Opotiki tomorrow.