PREMIER AT UPPER HUTT.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 473, 3 April 1909, Page 5

PREMIER AT UPPER HUTT.

ENTERTAINED AT A BANQUET. SOCIAL TO MR. WILFORD, M.P. , Tlio Prime Minister (Sir J. G. Ward) was entertained by tho Upper Hntt Town Board at a bamjuet in tho Provincial Hotel yesterday evening, after the opening of the now post oflico. About 50 gentlemen sat down to tho repast. Mr. G. lienge presided, and among those present were Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.l\, and Jlr. E. E. Baume, M.P. (Auckland). • Tho chairman proposed tlie toast of "Parliament." Tho Premier, in his reply, eulogised tho member for tho district (Mr. Wilford), and mado special mention of his work as chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board. Mr. Wilford ; in replying to tho toast of "Our Mombor," stated that the Harbour Board had received £176,000, and had expended tho sum of £113,000 in wages alone. .The board was the top, payer of wages in New Zealand, and on his own motion this year had fixed tho minimum war;o for a worker in the board's employ at Bs, 6d. pet day. (Applause.) The board adopted a conimcndablo principle in regard to promotions. Permanent omployeos were chosen from casual hands who had proved their competency. Out of G8 meetings of tho board field last year ho had attended 67. (Applause.) Mr. F. E. Baurno, M.P., also responded; He expressed complete approval of tho Prime Minister's action in o(Terms a battleship to tho Imperial Government. (Applause.) Among tho toasts "Progress of' Upper Hutt District," proposed by Mr. Thomas Edwards, and acknowledged by Mr. George Bongo; "Our Member," proposed by Mr. John Whiteman, and responded to by Jlr. Wilford, 1 M.P.: ana "The Chairman," "The Town Board," "The Host and Waiters," and "Tho Press." Subsequently, the residents entertained Jlr. Wilford at a social in tho Town Hall. Thoro was a largo attendance. Mr. T. Edwards presided. Tho Prime Minister was present and delivered the speech which is reported elsewhere. Ho then loft for Wellington by tho last train. A danco was subsequently hold.