HON. K. S. WILLIAMS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 10490, 15 October 1926, Page 5

HON. K. S. WILLIAMS

VISIT TO OPOTIKI

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION BY CONSTITUENTS.

OPOTIKI, Oct. 14. Opotiki woro an animated appearance yesterday, being beflagged on the occasion of the first official visit of the Hon. K. S. Williams since his appointment as Minister of Public Works. A public welcome accorded Air. Williams in the Theatre Royal in the afternoon was well attended by town and country people. The Mayor, Air. G. S. Moody, presided. Speeches of welcome were delivered by the Mayor, the Hon. J. B. Gow, M.L.0., and Air. PI. R. Hogg, cMpnty-cliairman off the County Council.

Air. Williams- replied in a brief speech, thanking the public for the warm welcome and the speakers for their kind words. He assured them he would do his. best for the district and the whole Dominion. The Minister was waited on at The Council Chambers by various*deputations, the chief requests being for money to push on the East Coast road to Gisborne, which was declared to be of national importance. The Minister promised to do' liis very best to meet the wishes expressed.'

There was a large attendance at a public: dinner tendered Mr. "Williams at the Masonic Hotel in the evening, which was followed by a smoke concert both functions according the Minister enthusiastic receptions.— Press Assn. ARRIVAL IX GISBORNE. MAIX HIGHWAYS BOARD’S PROPOSED VISIT. 'The Minister of Public Works (the, Hon. X. S-. Williams) accompanied by Mr 0. J. McKenzie, acting chairman / _ • ' of the Main Highways Board, concluded his tour through the-Bay of Plenty yesterday, arriving in Motu about mid-day by car from Whaka- . tanc. The Ministerial party was met on arrival by members of* the Waikohu ( ouuty Council, the chairman, Mr T. R. Spence, 31. Dovlo, the County Engineer. -Mr A. ‘G. M. Lucas, and the Resident Engineer (Air 0. W. Albertson). and later the party left by train for Gisborne.

-No deputations were received on route, and there was no business to occupy the Alinister here so far as is known.

The Hon. Air -Williams spent the night in Gisborne, and this'morning will leave for liis home at Matahiia. He will remain in the district for his daughter’s wedding, which -will take place shortly. . The acting-chairman of the Highways Board, (Mr Cl. J. McKenzie) will leave for Wellington this morning. The Main Highways Board will visit Poverty Bay next month to inspect: various public works proceeding iu the district.