THE HON. A. M. MYERS ENTERTAINED AT AUCKLAND.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14339, 26 April 1912, Page 7

THE HON. A. M. MYERS ENTERTAINED AT AUCKLAND.

iriIESS ASSOri\TION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, April 23. A complimentary reception -was tendered to the Hon. A. M. Myers by citizens of Auckland to-night, on tho occasion of his elevation to Ministerial rank as first lieutenant of tho Prime Minister (tho Hon. T. Mackenzie). It was held in tbo Town Hall, and about 3000 persons attended. The proceedings were marked by the greatest enthusiasm. Tho speakers included tho Prime Minister, the Hon. G. W. Russell, tho Mayor of the City, tho President of the Chamber of Commerce (Mr Elliot), tmd tho chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr Gunson), and Mr T. Long (Labour).

Tito Mayor presented Mr Myers with a handsomely bound address, congratulating him upon the honour bestowed upon him. Mr Myers, ou rising to reply, was greeted with a storm of applause. The Mayor stood and called for threo cheers for tho Minister, and theso were most heartily given. Mr Mvors, in replying, said ho had a'most shuddered upon hearing Mr Mackenzie state that ho was to undertake the responsibilities of his three portfolios, but ho realised that Auckland should havo a Minister, and he determined that it was fitting that he should accept tho position. The people of Auckland appreci t:d honesty of purpose, and the motto on the banner of the Mackenzie Ministry was "Honesty of purpose and efficiency." All recognised that the timo had come for efficient administration. Even t>he "other side" held if to bo one of tbo planks of their platform, and it hfld been ."f-rspted by tho Mackenzie Ministry. Tho most urgent questions before the people to-day ivere land settlement, railway transport, nnd prudent finance, and all the cortfolios with these were held by northern Ministers. They fortunately had a clean slate and nil they asked was that the public should suspend judgment unti , they proved worthy or otherwise. If they proved unworthy they would ask for no quarter, but would in due courso retire and h-uirl over tlrair duties to t'-ose who would then possess the confidence of the people.