HON. J. COLVIN ENTERTAINED

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 87, 12 April 1912, Page 3

HON. J. COLVIN ENTERTAINED

CREYMOUTH, 11th April. I The Hon. James Colvin, Minister for Mines, was entertained at a banquet this evening in honour of his first official visit to the West Coast. The gathering was a very enthusiastic one, and was attended by leading citizens of the town and district. The Minister was heartily congratulated on his appointment, the opinion being freely expressed that the selection of Mr. Colvin as. Minister for Mines was a very wise and happy one. Mr. Colvin, in responding to the toast of his health, thanked the large gathering for the very cordial reception accorded him. It had been said that the present Cabinet was a ttop-gap, but that was not so. The_present Cabinet would remain in office, and do good work. The Opposition press had attacked one of the best men in the Dominion in the person of Sir. J. G. Ward, who~was the ablest man in the Dominion, and he expressed the opinion that before twelve months had passed Sir Joseph Ward would again. *be> at the head of affairs. The people of the Dominion wanted Sir Joseph Ward. He was a man of exceptional ability, and had a kind heart. Mr. CoJviu said ho strongly objected to the caJumnv heaped on Sir Joseph Ward by the Opposition press. Sir Joseph Ward never run after the Labour members, although Mr. Massey would- give anything to be in power even for five minutes. His chief had told him not to touch on the party's policy at present. When that policy was de<iided it would be found to be a sound and good one. The Hon. T. Mackenzie was very popular in tha farming communities, and would convert many when he wei^ among them. He thanked his old West Coast friends for the splendid reception. Cheer upon cheer was given for the Minister. Tho Minister leaves in the morning for Kumara, to open the Teremakau waterworks.