SIR JOSEPH WARD

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIII, Issue 13783, 23 June 1905, Page 3

SIR JOSEPH WARD

VISIT TO WATMATE. [From Our Coruesl’oxdknt.] WAIMATE, June 22. Sir Joseph Ward arrived at Glenary at noon, and travelling thence by special train received deputations arranged by Sir William Steward at Glonavy, Morven, Willowbridgc and Stmlholme on tho way to Waimate., Glonavy asked for improved railway yard facilities and a telephone lino to Redcliff; Morven for a verandah, improvements in the yard and a telephone, office; Willowbridgo. for a stock loading yard and goods sited; and Studholmo for verandahs and a weighbridge. The Minister gave no hope of getting a verandah anywhere. Ho approved of some of tho minor requests .at Morven, and promised consideration of the other requests. On arriving at Waimato he was shown over the station, the goods shod, the branch lino, cars, and tho hospital was visited after a drive round tho town. A series of deputations addressed tho Minister ; at the County Chamber. The princi- | pal request was for a new railway sta--1 tion and improved service on tho | branch line. The Minister admitted tho old station is not in keeping with the work of the town, and he would put a now station on his list of necessary works. The cars should be replaced by bettor, and the other matters should ho inquired into. Another request stated, explained and supported at considerable length, was the proposed separation of tho hospital district, anci after seeing the hospital and hearing tho deputation and tho proposed terms of separation, Sir Joseph expressed his sympathy with tho movements, and promised his support. The enlargement of tho post office to separate tho telephone office was approved, and several other amendments of details of the wdrk of this office were promised alter inquiry and consideration, including the doubling of tho telephone wire to Timarn. I As Minister of tho Scenic Department, Sir Joseph said ho had already approved of the purchase of Koley’s Bush, .the .last, remnant of the old "Waimate bush, if the price was reasonable. . Sir Joseph Ward and Sir William Steward were entertained at a banquet .at’Middleton’s Hotel, tho Mayor presiding over a gathering of about fifty citizens, borough and county council-, lors and others. Sir Joseph afterwards gave an address in tho Oddfellows’ ilall.