RECEPTION OF HON. MR BALLANCE AT HAVELOCK.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2015, 20 November 1886, Page 2

RECEPTION OF HON. MR BALLANCE AT HAVELOCK.

[BY TELEGRAPH] (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Havelock, Friday. A most cordial reception was given to the Hon J. Ballance here to-day. An arcb, with evergreens, flowers and flags, was formed right across Lucknow Street from Mr Thos. Adams' Hotel to Mr Litchfield’s s'ore. On the top the word “ Welcome” in large letters stood out in bold relief. On the right wing were the words “ Rai Valley Railway” and “ Wharf Extension,” on the left wing “ Roads to Makakapawa and Tua Marina,” and in the centre wera the words, “ This is th* Ballance due to us,” the whole presenting a wordy picture, with the Union Jack, upside down, as a token of distress. All parts of the district were represented, all the school children were present. The following address was presented and read by Mr J. H. Smith, Chairman of the Town Board : “ To the Hon John Ballance, Minister for Lands, Native and Defence Minister; Dear Sir—On beliolf of the who 1 * community in our district we dosire t* offer you a hearty welcome among us on this your first visit to Havelock and its surroundings. We deeply regret to learn th* time at your disposal is so limited at to render your stay here such a brief one, but wa look forward to this advent as the precursor of a future visit and better means of communication hereafter. We recognise the high political ndministrative ability you have displayed in tb» ofilees under your control and wish to place on reeord our appreciation of the statesmanlike talents, and the energy you have shown for the welfare of the working classes by creating special settlement on the land throughout New Zealand. In the name of our fellow settlers we thank you for meeting us here to-day, and re* spectfully ask that you will kindly accord our delegates the privilege of an interviow, at your leisure, to discuss local mat'ers. We conclude this address, Dear Sir, with the earnest wish that your life may long be spared to labor for the welfare of your adopted count-y and carry out the great and good work you have so nobly undertaken.—Signed. J t H. Smith, sen, Chairman Town Board, W. Brownlie. G. G. Crichton, C. H, Mills, Jacob H. Reynold*, G. Rutland) R. Jones, G. Drury, H. L. N, Clarke, etc., etc.,” In response, Mr Ballance said ha wu greatly flattered at the kind reception so unexpectedly given. He could hardly claim to be so perfeot as the address suggested, and there would always be a difference of opinion on that subject so long as we had party Government. He had always used his best endeavors to make the land laws so liberal that bona fide working men could permanently settle on the land, and, with that object the Govern, ment had passed the Village Settlement Act. He recognised their main industry, the timber trade, and would do bis best to promote i'. He again thanked then most sincerely for their hearty welcome and said he would gladly meet a deputation and discuis any matters of importanca they mLht lay before him at 8 p.m. The Natives th n presented a letter re* questing an interview which he kindly accorded. H-“ rai l he t'.id visited every Native hapu in the Colony but this, and always found the Natives very moderate in their demands. Three hearty cheer) were given for the Minister, followed by three more from the school children, and echoed by a large number of Native* present. _____