HON. F. M. B. FISHER HORSE-RACING. (BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 71, 25 March 1914, Page 2

HON. F. M. B. FISHER HORSE-RACING. (BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

PAHIATUA, 24th March. The Hon. F. M. B. Fisher, who has been touring the Akitio coastal district, ariived from Pongaroa this afternoon and was welcomed by the Mayor (Mr. J. D. Crewe) on behalf of the citizens. In reply to a deputation asking him to remind the Hon. W Fraser, Minister for Public Works, of the grant for country roads, Mr. Fisher said the strike last year cost £450,000 in hard cash, and probably some items in the Estimates would have to be cut down. In reply to a deputation from, the Pahiatna Racing Club regarding the restoration of its permit, Mr. Fisher held out no prospects of the Government itself taking up the Bill introduced last session by Mr. G. Hunter, M.P., providing for an increase in the permits, but he thought the House would put it through. His own opinion was that it should be put through. He described the Racing Commission as "The Racehorse Owners' Fat Stakes Commission." It was a_ metropolitan commission, and old-established clubs had been wiped out ruthlessly and relentlessly. The Minister afterwards proceeded to Eketahuna. AT EKETAHUNA. (BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS -VSSOCIAHON.) EKETAHUNA, /This Day. The Hon. F. M. B. Fisher addressed a large meeting last night. He had an excellent reception. His speech was on the lines of that delivered at Pongaroa. At the conclusion of the address, the Minister said he was prepared to divert trom the ordinary course and answer questions, but none were forthcoming. The meeting unanimously passed a vote of thanks in Mr. Fisher for the address and confidence in the Ministry which he