THE PREMIER IN THE SOUTH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3518, 8 May 1912, Page 5

THE PREMIER IN THE SOUTH.

WELCOMED AT INVERCARGILL. ANOTHER APPEAL TO THE FARMERS. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] INVERCARGILL, May 7. The Prime, Minister arrived in Invercargill thifj afternoon and was met by prominent local men and welcomed by the Mayor. The pipe band played several selections of Highland music Mr Mackenzie was driven to the rotunda, where a public welcome was extended by the Mayor. Mr Mackenzie, in reply, said lie was conscious of the great "responsibility he had in trying to fill the shoes of such an illustrious man as his successor. His own experiences at Home enabled him to get an insight into the manner in which orcduce was being handled and any irregularities connected therewith. The whole of the Cabinet intended to look after the interests of agriculture bv promoting agricultural education and establishing farms. He wanted to introduce the best milking strains in order to foster the dairying branch of the industry. . , , . . After referring to the great development of Invercargill and Southland Mr Mackenzie said that members of the Ministry had not all been educated at Universities, but had the people’s interests at heart and would have wider interests in the wider field of administration. Their ocean liners were not enough to take away their produce. Wool had maintained its price as had their other products', and in' everything high prices were the rule, while the finances of the country were good and sound. Afterwards, Mr Mackenzie received several deputations regarding railway extensions and other matters of local interest. He left in the afternoon for . Orawia, where ho will attend a banquet to Mr J. C. Thompson, M.P., to-night, and at Otautaii to-morrow night he will attend a similar function to Mr J. C. Thompson.