VISIT TO DISTRICT

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 136, 9 May 1928, Page 2

VISIT TO DISTRICT

BY MINISTER OF JUSTICE. INFORMAL TOUR MADE. An informal tour of portion of the Manawatu. electorate was made yesterday by Hon. I l '. J. Rolieston (Minister of Justice and Defence) accompanied by Mr J. Liinklater, M.P. Foxton, Sandoti, Bulls and the Boys’ Flock House were, visited and an informal inspection was made of the mounted rifles camp on the Foxton racecourse.

On arrival at the camp, Dir llollost.on was received by Colonel J. Armstrong, the officer commanding, who conducted him round the camp. The Minister spent some time conversing with, the staff officers and, on leaving, said that he was very favourably impressed with the camp and the trainees.

Tho Minister then proceeded to Sanson whero lie was introduced to tho members of the Manawatu County Council, the chairman (Cr. Barber) extending him a hearty welcome to the district. REQUEST AT BULLS. From Sandon, the party went on to Bulls, where Dir Rolieston was received by Sir James Wilson, Dir J. Walker (deputy chairman of the Town Board) and Messrs F. Mansell and H. A. Goodall. On behalf of the local residents, Dir Walker welcomed the Minister and stated that ho had a request to make. The township had one of the best rifle ranges in tho Dominion and also an ideal site for a military camp. _ It had been felt throughout the district that a camp should be held in Bulls. In reply, the Minister said that the matter was worthy of consideration and ho would advise that an application be forwarded to the department. “You never know what might happen,” he added. A tour of inspection of the bowling green, the racecourse, the rifle range and the sports ground was then made, the Dlinister expressing himself as being much impressed by the comprehensive manner in which outside activities were catered for. The sports ground was, in his opinion, a credit to any district VISIT TO FLOCK HOUSE. The party then journeyed to Boys’ Flock House, Dir Rolieston being received by Hon. E. Newman, chairman of the Board of Trustees. After lunch, the Dlinister chatted with several of the boys and was then shown over t-lie farm, where lie took an exceptionally keen interest in all that was shown to him. It was stated that there was a grade herd of 90 Jersey cows Oil the property, and a large number of Aberdeen Angus cows. Forty tons of hay had been taken off this years arid extensive draining had been done. To supply tho needs of flic institution, six acres were in vegetables and orchard with excellent results. Also of interest were some thousands of pine seedlings, ready for transplanting to the sand areas to prevent drifts. SIXTY BOYS IN TRAINING. It was explained by Dir Newman that there were some 60 boys in the institution who would be given a minimum of six months’ training in general farm work, after which they would go out under apprenticeship for a period of three years. During that period, two thirds of the boys’ wages would be banked, so that at the end of the term, each boy would have a fairly substantial sum to commence in life. MINISTER’S OPINION. “I am satisfied,” said tho Dlinister, “that tho boys receive an excellent training and that they have every opportunity to make good on tile land in tho future. The management deserves everv credit for the excellent manner in which the institution is conducted.” The party then returned to Palmerston North. Dir Rolieston later leaving for Wellington.