THE MINISTER.

Feilding Star, Volume IV, Issue 1129, 9 March 1910, Page 4

THE MINISTER.

Hon. J. A.Millar's Visit

TO FEILDING

Enjoys the Hospitality of the Country.

Impressed by What He Sees

Great Motor Trip

Banquets and Deputations

Some Good Speeches

It is admitted with unwonted enthusiasm by the Hon. J. A. Millar, I Minister of Railways, that 'he had the treat of his life yesterday as the guest of the Feilding Chamber of Commerce in his motor tour through the countryside. Tihe main points of the run out to Apiti were given in yesterday's Star. "We now fill in some details, and continue the narrative. On arriving at Kimbolton at 10.30, I the Minister of Railways was taken to i the Flower Show, where preparations were being made for the day. A large number of exhibits wero displayed, and after being introduced to the officials, Mr Millar inspected all there was to be seen, and was particularly impressed with the farm roots and vegetables, for which the district is famous. APITI HOSPITALITY. THE PARTY AT LUNCHEON. The luncheon was held at the Apiti Hotel, the whole party being the guests of the Apiti Chamber of Commerce, whose generosity in these matters 'is proverbial, ilr McConnell, the President of tho Chamber, presided, and about forty altogether were present at the function; After full justice had been done to what{ well deserved the name of a banquet, a short toast list was enthusiastically honoured. Mr Viles proposed the toast of "Parliament," coupled with tho names of the Hon. J. A. Millar and Mr D. H. Guthrie, M.P. MR MILLAR SPEAKS. In responding, Mr Millar said that some folk seemed to think that the less one saw of Parliament the better, and that if they could shut it up for ten years, the country would gain by it. He had often heard of comparisons being made between the present and past Parliaments, much in favour of the latter. He granted that there were men in the past who wore the pick .of the Old Country—men who had been driven out of the land of their birth by the existing order of things, and who had done yeoman service in developing New Zealand. For instance, from an educational point of view it would be difficult to cxc the legislation which had been passed over thirty years ago, and they would always revere the memory of those who had done such good work. But when they compared the legislature of to-day with those of the early days, they must remember that the men of to-day had to deal with problems which were undreamt of in the early days of New Zealand, and it was something that they had men nowadays who were prepared to do their best to grapple with them. It w.as not for him to say that they had been successful in solving the great social and economic problems they had before them, but the fact that they had representatives of other nations coming to the Dominion to study our solutions, and going back to their own countries with recommendations in favour of copying New Zealand's ideas as embodied in the measures placed' on the statute book. Of course, New Zealand had not been handicapped, like older countries, by vested interests, and perhaps that was one reason why that imitation which was the sincorest flattery had beon the result of the visits he referred to. He did not claim that the work was all accomplished by tho present Government, for the perfecting of advanced legislation had been going on_ for years and years. Yet tliey should look back and remember that in 'one comparative short time of seventy years ,a million of contented and prosperous people had been settled in New Zealand as well as the development of a total trade exceeding that of any other country of the size or popu'.ition in the world. Yet nothing cou'd have been done by any Government if the people were not prepared to back them up in the proposals they wore prepared to give effect to, and it was to the constituencies the Government owed a great deal for the encouragement they had so consistently received. (Applause.) The other toasts honoured were "The Feilding Chamber of Commerce," proposed by Mr Guy in an appreciative speech; "The Aniti Chamber of Commerce," proposed by Mr Mostyn Jones and responded to by Mr Clark; and "The Chairman," proposed by Mr D. H. Guthrie, M.P., and responded to by Mr McConnell. ON ROUTE AGAIN. SCENERY AND ROUGH ROADS. It was decided to run the. risk of the rough road through the Mangoira Gorge, owing to the beautiful weather, and thus give the Minister a chance of seeing more country, instead of retracing his tracks to Kimbolton. The cars all ran smoothly down to the Marton Block bridge, And up the steep climb on the other side of the river-.- The road to the gorge and across the ford was covered in good time, but the Minister was strongly impressed with tho justice of the request for a grant for the improvement of the bad piece of road and the erection of a bridge. A very rough piece of new metalling for over a mile "played up with the tyres of the motors and accounted for a, couple of subsequent punctures. . Before going in to Rangiwabia, a run out to Jtuahine and that beauty spot, the Dress Circle, was .made, and on returning a short stay iras made at tho Rangiwahia Hotel for after- ' noon tea. During the stay at Raaigiwahia, Mr Guthrie showed the Minister the "dug-out" used for a Post Office, and

told him of Mrs Ryan's offer of a site free. Mr Millar agreed that the prosent accommodation was inadequate, and promised to make representations urging that something should be done at once. The party then went on to the ■Makomako road. A great- view was obtained of the valley of the Rangitikei, Mangaweka, Ohingaiti, and the Mangaweka. viaduct. Livingstone township was passed by the way, on to Rewa, and through Waituna to Mr E. Short's stud sheep farm where the ARGENTINE EXHIBITS ■were inspected. These consisted of twenty Roinney sheep, belonging to Mr Short, and four Lincolns, owned by Mr Perry, of Mastcrton. Mr Short's sheep, which were perfect pictures, comprised the following:— 4 2-tooth rams, 2 by Record 18th and 2 by Record Breaker. 4 4-tooth rams, 1 by Elevation, 2 by Record Breaker, and 1 by Earl Godwin. •i ram lambs, 3 for show by Record Breaker. •J- ewe lambs, 3 for show and 1 for exhibition, by Record Breaker. 4 ewe hoggets, 1 each by Record, Record 11., Record Breaker, and Earl Roberts. Mr Perry's Lincolns consist of a pen of 3 to compote in the age class, and a- 2-tooth ram, and a 4-tooth for exhibition only. From here a run was made to Mil E. SHORT'S HOMESTEAD., where afternoon tea was ready for everyone, and the owner of Parorangi' and his wife were paid many compliments for their hospitality and generosity by the Minister and party. AT FEILDING AGAIN. Leaving at 6.40 tho Minister and party reached the Feilding Hotel at 7.10, satisfied, delighted and amazed •with their great journey and the million acres of splendid land they had been given such a great sight of. THE DINNER. INTERESTING SPEECHES. Owing to iho late- arrival of the party from the country tour, it was 8 o'clock by the tinvj dinner was CM.mmen-ed ' Mr Moetyn Jones (V icePresident of the Chamber of Commerce) presided, with the guest on his risiht, ;m>i Mr D. 11. (Jutbrie, M.l\, on his loit. Mr W. .3. B. Trewiu (Mayoi) unci Mr Hugh Burrell (President of the A. ami P. Association) were amongst these present, with a fairly large gathering of representative men. An excellent menu was provided by the hostess, to which the gentlemen present paid assiduous •attention; the waitresses were most painstaking in their attention to the wants of the patrons, and the bancm et was heartily enjoyed all round. KING AND PARLIAMENT. After the toast of "The King/ by the Chairman, The toast of "Parliament" was proposed by the Mayor, who said he Had to steer a passage bet-ween .Scylla and Oharybdis, as he had an ex-member of Parliament present and several aspirants for Parliament at next election. He eulogised the Parliament of New Zealand as leading the way with legislation, and referred to the fact that two New Zealand politicians bad been elected to the British House of Commons. The patriotism of New Zealand was mentioned, the offer of a Dreadnought being emphasised. Referring to Mr Guthrie, the speaker said he hoped their new member would be a -worthy successor of Mr Lethbridge." They were pleased to have a member of the Government present —(hear, hear) —li'om whom they hoped to gain some concessions. The toast was drunk with musical honours. MR GUTJdLRIK IN REPLY. Mr D. 11. Guthrie, M.P., replied, and said he would have liked the Hon. J. A. Miiiar to respond, as that gentleman had had long experience. He (the speaker) was pleased to say the toast of Parliament was always loyally received in Feilding, and stated that Parliament was a reflex of the people's ideas. It was a mistaken idea to think members of Parliament were above the ordinary citizens, as they were the same as the people whom they represented. He believeu the majority of members of Parliament served the country to the best of their ability. Referring to the Mayor's remark that New Zealand's legislation had been followed by other countries, Mr Guthrie said that was because the pioneers and people of New Zealand had determined to make this country rich and prosperous. (Hear, hear.) Mr Guthrie then went on to refer to the mass of legislation which had been placed before members last and he claimed they were asked to do too much in too little time. (Hear, hear.) THE CHAIRMAN ON "OUR GUEST." The Chairman proposed the toast of "Our Guest," and said it was an honour and pleasure. He publicly expressed the welcome of feilding to Mr Millar. (Applause.) The Chamber had asked Mr Millar to Feilding, hoping they might be able to show him some of the resources of tire large district around Feilding. He stated Feilding had never experienced tlie delirium of a boom, hub had grown to its present size because the district needed it. They had shown the Minister the district so far as they were able to do, and they hoped lie Avould enjoy his stay here. Regarding railways, they knew it was easy to ask for what they needed and hoped they would get their requirements as easily. (Hear, hear, and '"More trucks.") They all recognised a strong man. (Hear, hear.) Mr Millar had said he wanted to make the railways pay, and they all hoped he would make them pay. (Hear, hear.) The toast was drunk enthusiastically. THE MINISTER'S REPLY. Replying, the Minister said he desired first to make a personal explanation. It had been reported some little time ago that he had referred "in another place" to Feilding as "a tuppenny-ha'penny place." That was not correct. His reference on that occasion was to another place between Feilding and Pialmerston. Having said that by way of explanation and to set himself right, he now wished to assure the company that his visit that day to Feilding had not only been, a very great pleasure to him, but one of great educational value. He desired to thank the members, of the Feilding Chamber of Commerce and the settlers all through the. districts he had just visited. for their lavish, hospitality and the hearty receptions tliey had -accorded him everywhere. He had received educatum that day, because Ms lot had ■been;- cast in the oity, and not in the

country. He had visited the district with the utmost pleasure, and he had been very much impressed in seeing such a large area of country within a. radius of one town. Steady development was going on all over New Zealand. He did not want to see land booming in the Dominion, which always finally reacted on the country. In the future he would show a little more consideration for Feilding in view of what he bad seen that day. Regarding the railways, he claimed it was an important department. Thirty millions sterling ■had been invested in it, and it required close attention if a man is going to do his duty. His policy Avas to endeavour to remember the railways were intended to help the development of £h.e country. The object of the State in owning the railways Avas to run them for fhe benefit of the people of the whole country. Still, those Avho had the use of the raiLways should pay for them. The first thing he had in vieAv was to make the railways earn their own. interest —£8 16s per cent. When the corner turned, he intended to give back any surplus by Avay of increased facilities, etc. Things Had been clone ■with the railways in the past Avhieb made them unremunerative. While dealing with these, he would try not to increase the cost of carrying the produce sent to Home markets, to prevent any undue increase on exportable products. He referred to the fact that previously the Railway Department decided to carry timber ior fruit cases free in order to encourage the fruit industry. This had been abused, people carrying timber iio miles free because 'they could get cases one penny cheaper. That was not going to last any longer. Wangamii papers had recently been criticising the department regarding differential rating. He wanted to tell the Wangamii editors he Avas not going to make the whole people of New Zealand pay for the sake of the port of Wangamii. Our coal freights should be as low as posible, because it AA-as a necessary commodity fo" ti'i! whole people. Speaking on in.matter of stock trucks, he said the railway could not be expected to keep trucks lying idle half the year to meet the abnormal demand of ten weeks in one district. He referred to the recent sheep fair at Feilding, Avhere 10,000 sheep were handled, and said they would require 100 trucks and 10 locomotives to de-al with them, which Avas impossible to do. Fat stock required the trucks, so stores had to w-ait. He had just got a telegram saying 200 trucks Avere wanted at Wanga'nui, lor stores. It Avas impossible to supply theiA and meet other demands. This year 1210 trucks, and 10 locomotives, were being built. His nolk'v was to pay for new Avorks—locomotives or trucks —which added to Capital on railways, out of loan moneys. They Avoro hoav re-laying nearly j.OO miles per annum out of revenue, ar.d the railways were better to-day th : .-.. they have CA'er been. Tho Raihv.iy officials Avere anxious to do the best they possibly can for the people .if New Zealand Avith the material ;.t hand. He had recently received a letter from the Vice-President of i he Farmers' Union of N<:av Zealand complimenting the officials on the excellence of the Avork. He would ha-'c no hesitation in applying to Pariiiment for money for the railways, Avhich had always been tAvelve months behind the requirements. Revenue m February was £304,000 more than last year. Expenditure this ye-ir Avould bo reduced by 4 per cent, i.f -what it was last year. The ratio of expenditure aa'oulc! be 69 per cent., possibly 68, this year, which compared favourably Avith other countries. Some time ago the Department knew a coal trouble. Avas breAving, and bad stocked 40,000 tons of coal ready for the strike. This had helped to SAvell the expenditure for the year. There were 181 miles or' railway more this year than last, at" small increased cost. He did not anticipate this year paying the full rate of interest, but would go closer to it than last year, and by the end of next year he hoped to pay the "full rate of interest. (Applause.) If he did that, his life would not bo spent in vain. (Hear, hear.) In conclusion, Mr Millar said lie hoped his present visit Avould be the forerunner of many more. (Loud applause.) He would promise that Feilding Avould appear as a stoppingplace OJi the time-lable for all trains. (Hear, hear.) He hix<l indeed been pleased with his visit, which he hoped Avould bo to the mutual benefit of himself and the district. The trip through the district had been an education to him. (Loud applause.) The toast of "The Chairman" avsis proposed by Mr Kred. Piraiii, who said Mr Mostyn Jones Avas mostly responsible for the success of the arrangements of the Minister's trip. In reply, the Chairman apologised ior tne absence of Mr G. Wheeler, who Avished to express his pleasure at the Minister's trip. THE DEPUTATIONS. SOME SATISFACTORY REPLIES. Mr xj. H. Guthrie, M.P., Introduced the deputations. Mr Tolley spoke on tho matter of tho extension of the train service irom Wellington to Feilding for a daily through sendee. He pointed out they Avanted the connection with other places besides Wellington. As to whether it would pay, Mr Tolley &jid a number of the people who usecl w£o T ! i¥ m lr , Om Pal "ier,ston Imtfr Pe °? k - T he total amount ot business done in Feildino-. warranted the facility. He quoted figures showing Feilding railway ie SSS? otl" £18 12 96 last year. Vesting many other places, even goino- close to ports. They wanted bette? communication with Palmerston TW atel*l c • ime n i ad COme when tE should be given this facility. A PASSENGER FACILITIES. Mr Pirani pointed out there was it ■by " FeiStf 01 " where•a I TT connec ted with 4eat ™'~, He lne 1 ako that a great many people went to ton *or-play ß> etc., which tiaffic the" Railway Department lost because there were no facilities. Mr Piranl wiff V SO l°, r bettor-communication ■with Bunnythorpe, referring to the present disabilities. They were askin S for these facilities because of the possibilities., of future traffic for tho ■railways, and for tho sake of the country settlers. Mr Millar said he had this ■matter before him before. It was a. difficult matter to "decide.with regard to the extension;.of the service. Feilding was a good paying (section, but the

good paying sections had to make up tor the bad paying one. To be candid, he did not see ]ioav he could get better facilities between towns until he had got the motor service. To take that train on to Feilding would cost £G 12s per day. The motor service would cost £2 2s a day. There Avoukl be no possible chance of the train going to Martou. An engineshed would have to be a good one, and Avould take working expenses. He Avould go into the matter, and it Jie could give any reasonable facilities, he Avould be pleased to do so. The difficulty with regard to stopping tho train at" Bunnythorpe Avas. that if the train Avas stopped at one place, a dozen others Avanted it. Mr J. W. Bramwell tbrwked the Minister for having granted beforehand the request to have Feilding placed on the time-table as a stopping place for the Main Trunk trains. On behalf of the Chamber,, and of the residents of the district, lie heartily thanked Mr Millar for having -granted the request. (Applause.) THE NAVY LEAGUE. Mr Atkinson asked for a concession for the local members of the Navy League, to enable them to go to "Wellington and see the _ warship and return in one day. The local branch Avonkl be willing to guarantee £10 the cost of taking the children doAvn to Wellington. In reply, the Minister said it Avas a large order. It would mean an annual trip for the children at a nominal rate, and an excursion train for all school children. He would look into the matter. He cordially agreed with the objects of the Navy League, but before lie could undertake to i>ncourage the patriotism of the children, he Avanted to knoAV lioav "much it was going to cost. TRUCKS FOR STOCK. 'J'he last deputation bad reference to the necessity for sheep trucks, hi introducing the deputation, Mr Guthrie said we had a district oi a million acres, practically all closely s-t-r----tit'cl. Feilding Avas the stock centre for the North Island. Mr H. J. Booth spoke for the hit sheep and fat lamb trade. For years they had had trouble in getting trucks, and this year it was Avorse than oA-er. They had asked tire Railway Department to notify them, if they could not supply the trucks, Lut it hoy had not been successful in t'leir eft'oVts. Mr Booth mentioned his own experience in regard to the inability to get trucks, and said he could u.it understand why they could get trucks at Longbu' , !) and not at Feilding. Mr X. Gorton, for the stock auctioneers, emphasised the fact that Feilding was the stock centre for th-3 Waikato and other places. At t>! - ;e recent sheep fair they had 6000 sheep for the Waikato, and were una.ijlo to get the trucks for them, and they li were twelve days Avaiting for tiuck.s. c Suc-h things occurred every year. Pie t suggested a way out of the difficulty, c by running stock trains at in j tho busy season. Fat sheep lost lib :- weight per day by having, to Avai.t a for trucks. Mr Gorton also asked V for_ :i draught horse at the Feilding r Railway Station for shunting purposes. ;1 Mr Hugh Burrell emphasised the 1- points already made. i Mr Miliar -said he had partly drnit t with tho subject, at the dm>ii!i\ He ■. said if he got trucks sufficient for the ii abnormal trade in the ten Aveoks ji. r tlie year, they Avould have to iiiu'e-iso o the cost of haulage to pay intomst t on the cost of keeping the imcUs ,f standing idle for the rest of the 3 year. Next year there would.be m. r<,s trucks, and they Avould do n'l they i' possibly could for the farmers. He ;■ asked the auctioneers to give Uie D< - partment as much notice as possible, 3 and the Department woul,-] strain o CA-ery nervo to assist tho farmers am] r auctioneers. I 1 ruti;rning thanks. Guthrie thanked the Minister ' lor the kind Avay in Avbicn ]■<.• l\'id j received the deputations, j Mr Millar took a ];:>;(, oii.r.-Lunilv j of thanking the people ;>f l'cihiinij; and district for the pi > h;> it \is't '( wbiHi he Ind bad. lie :.SKed'\';----r G.T>'l-:-ie to frnr.-ey to his < = hearty thanks for the l.ea-ry '_ i>:t.:!iLy which !>ad been :iccoi<i > 1 him. !!_>•_ .-:iu<li:d\-d by sayiuo; lh-- way in _ winch the deputations had '.-pu'uu <•■■> v him made it more a plensu.v. tbi.i: a _ fety to list-on to their con >' u,;s. (Applause.)