Mr Ward Interviewed.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 45, 22 February 1901, Page 2

Mr Ward Interviewed.

BY AIEAIBERS OF LIBERAL ASSO CIATION.

A deputation from the Liberal Association waited on the Hon. J. G. Ward last night, the members of the deputation being Messrs Joyce, Dickson, Birrell, and Jones. The main point brought before the Minister was the providing of a town clock for the new Post-office. The deputation thanked Mr Ward on account of the erection of the new Post-offico, and pointed out that while the clock appeared in the plans, ’they understood it was not provided for in the contract. After Mr Joyce and the other gentlemen had spoken in support of the application, Mr 'fyard said he'’Was "glad tq'see the move made. The (government, he said, did not supply these clocks, but he would treat Gisborne the same as other places had been treated, and if the local people provided half the cost the Government would supply the clock. He estimated that one suitable for Gisborne would cost from j£3oo to L‘4oo. He estimated that one with chimes' would cost J6BQQ, The deputation thanked Mr Ward, one gentleman remarking that as they expected Mr Ward to lay the foundation stone, they hoped on that occasion to raise the greater part of the amount required. Mr Jones mentioned that a number of ladies were anxious to know whether, if they would undertake to supply a bust of the late Queenj the Postmaster-General would allow. it to be placed in a prominent position on the Post-office. An expensive statue was not within the means of the people, but the women hoped in the way proposgd to show their appreciation of their late Sovereign. The Hon. Mr Ward replied that he was quite aware that the smaller places could not afford expensive statues of the Queen, I but he was glad to see them offering to do what was within their means. An open space would perhaps be the best place for the bust, but if they desired it to be placed on the Post-office, he would facilitate the carrying out of their wish. Mr Birrell mentioned the matter of the timber at the Motif. • . Mr Ward said that that was a subject in the department of the Minister of Lands, who, he expected, would reach Gisborne within a fortnight.. He would advise then - getting the Minister if possible to make a personal inspection of the timber, as the Minister, being possessed of the facts, would be able to form a better opinion than could be offered by an expert specially seat thfere. 1 ' " The deputation then, after a few' minutes’ general conversation, thanked the Minister, and withdrew,