NO INSTRUCTIONS TO CEASE WORK AT RAILWAY DEVIATION

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6849, 2 March 1929, Page 8

NO INSTRUCTIONS TO CEASE WORK AT RAILWAY DEVIATION

Prime Minister Speaks AWAITING OUTCOME OF YEAR'S TRADING “There have been no instructions issued for the cessation of work on the Palmerston North railway deviation,” was the statement made by the Prime Minister (Bt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward) when questioned by a reporter yesterday regarding the rumours prevalent that the Government intended dropping the project. In making this statement. Sir Joseph added that the matter had not been discussed.

Sir Joseph was a passenger on tho Napier express, being en route to Gisborne, where he will unveil the memorial to the late Sir James Carroll on Sunday. The Mayor (Mr. A. J. Graham) and Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P., were present on the platform to greet the Prime Minister, who expressed himself as being' in good health in spite of the great deal of work which he had to handle.

On being asked for an opinion on tho present condition of New Zealand, tho veteran statesman said he had no official statement to make, but mentioned that as Finance Minister he was awaiting with tho customary concern the figures for the last three months of tho year, when ho would be in a position to speak. At tho present time, the financial policy in force had necessarily to follow in a degree that adopted by his predecessor in office. Sir Joseph expects to return to Wellington on Wednesday or Thursday next, but will leave soon after for Southland, where he is to be entertained.

Warm Welcome for Premier at Levin DEPUTATION HEARD. * * Times ’ ’ Special. LEVIN, Last Night.

A warm welcome was accorded the Primo Minister (Bt. Hon Sir ■,Joseph Ward) at Levin this morning, when on the arrival of tho Napier express he received a deputation on local matters from the Levin Borough Council. “I wish heartily to congratulate you, sir, on your return to power,” said tho Mayor (Mr. T. Hobson). “Wo wish you every success in your administration of tho country’s affairs. We knftw what you did for New Zealand in the past, and wo are confident you will do the same again.” The Mayor brought under the notice of tho Prime Minister a request from the Levin Bacing Club for an extra day’s permit, and on behalf of the bofough, asked the Primo Minister to represent to the Main Highways Board the necessity for continuing the payment of the maintenance subsidy on the road the borough had laid down. The subsidy, said the Mayor, had been paid for two years but had suddenly ceased. The position was that boroughs who were doing nothing were getting subsidies, while thoso who had done their work were getting nothing. Tho Mayor made representations also in connection with a right-of-way at the rear of the post office. The Primo Minister thanked the Mayor for the hearty welcome accorded him, and promised to bring the three matters raised under the notice of the respective Ministers concerned.

Welcome at Woodville Per Press Association. WOODVILLE, Last Night. Sir Joseph Ward, en route to Gisborne by the Napier express was met at the Woodville station by. tho Mayor Mr. H. P. Horne, councillors, representatives of the county and other prominent citizens. j

His Worship tendered Woodville’s welcome and congratulations on his election as Prime Minister. He referred oulogistically to Sir Joseph’s long and brilliant career and hoped he would long he spared to continue. Sir Joseph, in thanking Mr Horne, spoke optimistically of the Dominion’s future. He was also glad at being able to be present at the ceremony in Gisborne to do honour to the late Sir James Carroll, who had done so much for New Zealand and the Maoris,