PREMIER AT OHAKUNE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 107, 6 May 1913, Page 9

PREMIER AT OHAKUNE.

ADDRESS AND BANQUET. (By Telecraph.—Owd Correspondent) OHAKUNE. Monday. The Prime Minister (Hon. VF. F. Massey) arrived by the exprctw thie morning, being met by the Mayor. Councillors, and members of the Chamber of Commerce and Reform League. After attending to some deputsiione, the Premier was entertained at luncheon by the local Reform League,. following which he was driven to Raetihi, where An address of •welcome was presented to him. in ihe conrse of his reply, Mr. Aliueey emid it was essential tor "iMinietcT3 to visit the outlying districts and become acquainted personally with their needs. Touching the long : sought branch line from Ohakune to Raetihi. he eaid the only real obstacle to ite construction had been the financial difficulties. The past year's eurplra of £70O;060, together with the brightening -financial prospects, had improved the situation cosjsideraibty, and he assured his hearers that the present Government were ont for the-de-velopment of the country. '

TJle Premier was then banqueted, the toast of the guest being proposed by Mr. Braes (chairman of the County Council).. Air. Massey, in responding, spoke of the district*! progress during the past 19 years, and declared that the early pioneers earned eveTy penny' of increase which was so often referred to as unearned increment.

In the afternoon Roetfhi deputations were heard,, after which the Premier and hie party returned to Ohaknne. where a banquet .was given in Mr.. Massey's honour in the evening.