HON. K. S. WILLIAMS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 10476, 5 January 1928, Page 5

HON. K. S. WILLIAMS

FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO TE

ARAROA

MINISTER ENTERTAINED AT SOCIAL

On the occasion of his first official visit to Te Araroa, the Minister ot Public. Works, (the- -Hon. K. S. Williams), was-'feted by members or the Matakaoa County Council and settlers of the district and with Mrs Williams and their daughter/ Mrs Cotterill was entertained at a social. On arrival after riding on horseback from Opto tiki, the Minister was met by a deputation from the county council who . made several requests for which Mr. Williams promised every consideration. . . The function at which the Ministerial partv were the guests of honor was largely attended by settlers assembling from Ruatoria, Cape li-urt-awav and Lott in Point. _ In welcoming the Minister, the chairman ■of the Matakaoa County Council Mr King Reed, thanked Mr Williams for his visit- and remarked that the Minister was doing well in establishing contact with the outlying districts, • thus gaining first hand knowledge of their .conditions and requirements. Felicitations were also extended to the Minister by Mr Hpvell, Mr. Cowan on behalf of the returned soldiers and Dr. Wi Repa. . . In apologising for his belated visitto the district/ the Minister promised to recompense them by another visit on Anzae Day'when he would unveil the memorial the settlers were greeting to the local men who had fallen in the Great War. The object of his trip from Opotiki he explained, was to acquaint himself with the needs of the district. Whilst he appreciated the difficulties of the settlers ho point; ed out that- in allocating grants tor. rb'ad construction he must first consider the routes where -there was considerable traffic to ensure that sifich traffic was not- hampered by, bad roads. He also' promised to do' his y best in the interests of the returned soldiers. . ~ Regarding Maoris, Mr V llliams said the times were calling them to move on; bntl the natives could not be expected to be on the same plane •with their white brothers. They must be patient with the Maori and Ins shortcomings, must give him some latitude. Mr Williams expressed his pleasure at: seeing so many .old and familiar -faces. V, Dancing to the music .of Simpson s orchestra was kept* up till irudnightw and Mr Simpson gave vocal items and Mr Con O’Regan a recitation. A dainty supper was appreciated by ■alb