THE PRIME MINISTER.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14349, 8 May 1912, Page 9

THE PRIME MINISTER.

_ 9 PUBLIC WELCOME AT IXVER- \ CAROILL.

(press association telegeam.) INVERCARGILL, May 7. The Prime* Minister arrived in Invercargill this afternoon. Hβ was met hv prominent local men, and welcomed by the Mayor. Tho pipe, band played several selections of Highland music. Mr Mackenzie was driven to the Rotunda, whore a public welcome was extended by the Mayor. Mr Mackenzie, in reply, said he was conscious of the great responsibility ho had incurred in trying to fill tho shoes of such illustrious predecessors, particularly those of later years. His experiences at Home had enabled him to yet an insight into the manner in which our produce was baing handled, and any irregularities connected therewith. 'The whole of tho Cabinet intended to look after tho interest of ajjricnliurc by promoting agricultural education, and establishing farms. He wanted to introduce tho best milking strains in order to foster tho dairying branch of the industry. He referred" to tho creat development of invcrcarsill and Southland, lhe members of tho Ministry had not all been educated at universities, but they had tho noonlc's interests at heart, and wou'd* have wider interests in their wider field of administration- Wool had maintained its price, as had other products. aLcl in everything high prices wore ruling, while the finances of the country were [rood and sound. Afterwords the Prime Minister received .several deputations regarding railway extensions and other matters oi local interest. He left in tho afternoon for Orawai, where he will attend a banquet to Mr J. C. Thomson, M.P., to-night, and a.t Otautau to-morrow night he xrill attend a simikfl function, to Mr J. C. Thomson.