THE MEMBER FOR MANAWATU.

Evening Post, Volume LXXII, Issue 68, 18 September 1906, Page 2

THE MEMBER FOR MANAWATU.

BANQUET AT SHANNON. . [BT TELEQEArk.I (From Our Special Reporter.^ SHAKN ON, 17th September. Mr. John Stevens, M.H.R. for Man*watu, was ontertained at a banquet 'here by his constituents this evening. The function was held in the Town Hall, about 100 people, including several ladies, being present. Amongst those present were the Minister for Lands (Hon. R. M'Nab) and Mr, F. Lawry. Mr. George Stevenson (Chairman 1 of the County Council) presided, and apologies for absenco wore received from tho Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones, Mr. T. Y. Duncan, Mr. W. H. Field, and others. Mr. J. M." O'Connor proposed th« toast of tho "Guest of the Evening" in a speech appreciative of his long services to the district. Other speakers also added a warm tribute to Mr. Stovens's labours, and advantage waa taken of the opportunity to press home local requirements in view of the presence of a Minister of the Crown! In his reply, Mr. Stevens affirmed Hi« conviction of the integrity and ability of the new Cabinet. In his place in the House he would always voice the district's needs in reason. One thing that Shannon urgently required was a bridge over the Manawatu river. » He was a freeholder, but he believed in the reasonable limitation of area. From these views he believed he coul3 not depart. Mr. vSteveng had a good deal to say about flax, and he freely criticised the actions of those officials at the Levin State Farm or whoever was responsible for discarding or losing sight of the distinguishing marks on the species pf flax planted there for experimental purposes. It was a disgrace to the Gov» ornment to allow this thing to happen. Other toasts included "District and Local Industries," "Our Visitors," "Local Bodies," and "Trade and Com* merce." The gathering was a very successful and enthusiastic one.