MINISTER OF MINES.

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 January 1929, Page 3

MINISTER OF MINES.

VISIT TO SEDDONVILLE.

(Per Press Association.)

WESTPORT, January 27. The Minister of Mines left for Sed- ■ donville on Sunday morning, inspecting en route the Westport Coal Company’s plantation, and he was greatly (interested in the success that appears to be ensured in growing timber for mining purposes. At Seddonville the Minister met deputations, principally from co-operative miners, who sought amongst other concessions a reduction of the royalty, which had been increased from all new leases. The Minister subsequently left for Karamea, and returned to-day. He proceeded to Reefton in the afternoon. WESTLAND ITINERARY.. The Hon. W. A. Veitch, accompanied by Mrs Veitch, Mr A. H. Kimbell, Under-Secretary of the Mines Dept., Mr. F. Sherwood, private secretary, and Miss Foster, typist, will arrive at Greymoutli about 5 o’clock to-morrow evening. The Minister will be given a civic reception at the Council Chambers at 7.30 p.m., and will hear deputations at 8 p.m. On Wednesday Mr. Veitch will visit the State Mines and, probably will hear deputations at Ruuanga on Wed-

nesday evening. On Thursday the Ministerial Party accompanied by Mr J. O’Brien, M.P., will leave for Hokitika, calling at Kui.iara, and receiving deputations there, arriving at Hokitika in time for lunch. In the afternoon the Rimu Dredge will be visited, and other places of interest. Deputations will be heard at the Council Chambers in the evening. The Minister will leave Hokitika on Friday morning, stopping for a short time at Ross where matters of local interest will be brought before him by the Ross Borough Council. Brief stops will be made at Hari Hari and Matanui where deputations will be received. Okarito will be visited and

a deputation from the Okarito Harbour League will place the need for harbour improvement before the Minister. Saturday will be spent at Waiho, end, if weather permits, the Fox Glacier will be visited. On Sunday the party will return to Hokitika. The Minister will leave for Christchurch by the early train on Monday. MINISTER OF LANDS. CHRISTCHURCH, January 27. Hon. G. Forbes, Minister of Lands, was tendered a banquet on Saturday night at Cheviot. The hall was packed to the doors with people of all political views, and the Minister was given tt very flattering ovation when he rose to respond to the toast of his health. The Chairman of the Cheviot County Council, Mr J. 11. L. Hiatt, presided. The Hon. Mr Ransom was present. Referring to the political situation, .Mr Forbes said that all true sportsmen felt that the side which had for a, Jong time been fielding was entitled to a chance at the wickets. The majority of his opponents were fair enough to admit this. He was glad that, throughout his political career, lie had had the friendship of his opponents..