THE PREMIER ON TOUR.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 334, 22 October 1908, Page 6

THE PREMIER ON TOUR.

DEPARTURE FROM FEILDING. (RY 2ELEGttA.rH—-ri'L'S* ASSOCIATION.) n . _ , Feilding, October 21. Sir Joseph Ward left hero this morning for Palmerston. He was thanked by the Mayor for making Feilding a stopping place for tho Main Trunk express, and replied that . i m P OSS Me to ignore a placo like Fending with the magnificent back. country it possessed. He felt sure the traffic would justify tho arrangement. (BT TEI.EGRArH.—SPECIAL COItItESrONDENT.) * , . Feilding, October 21. Speaking to a representative of the "Star" this morning, Sir Joseph Ward expressed his amazement at the great extent of magnificent country he had been taken over yestep-. d<*v. Ho had no idea Feilding was the centre of such an immense firea of fertile land, and it was impossible to over-estimate the futuro productiveness of ■ such a vast area of rich. land. The impression ho had received was such that he was sure no Governlne^,. cou ld ignore representations made for facilities to enable the people to develop the great resources of tho district. PALMERSTON DEPUTATIONS. {BT TEI.EGKAriI.—SPECIAL 'CORRESPONDENT.! Palmerston North, October 21. It was a very representative deputation that waited upon Sir Joseph Ward this morning relative to_ several local matters of more than ordinary interest. Those present representod the Chamber of Commerce, the Borough Council, tho A. and P. Association, and the Terrace End School Committee. The requests made were that Palmerston Post Office should bo elevated to tho status of a chief post office, but to this the Prime Minister gave a most emphatic answer in the negative, stating that tho office already possessed all the advantages of a chief post office. A request for an improved telephono service between Wellington and Palnjerston mot with no better fate, Sir Joseph expressing tile opinion that tho present service was quite equal to all demands upon it. As regarded an improved service with the district centres—Wanganui, Masterton. Dannevirke, etc.—the Prime Minister said lie would look into the matteh The well-worn theme of the railway' to Foxton Heads was also brought beforo the Prime Minister, who said he could not promise anything under this heading, more especially on the eve of the general election. As to the question of freight . rates on the Wellington and Manawatu Railway after, the .Government assumed control;' ho said ho : did not think the present' fighting rates would be maintained, and pointed out •that it would bo necessary to expend large sums of money between Wellington and Palmerston to give the neccssary facilities to cope with the increased traffic wheti the Main Trunk line was opened. Regarding the request for excursion trains to the A. and P. Show, but more particularly between Waikato and Palmerston, ho oxpressed his entire sympathy with.the A. and P. Associations, and said lie would give every facility possible. Tho Prime Minister, together with Lady Ward, left by the midday train for Wellington.