Premier’s Goodwill Tour

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 181, 3 August 1938, Page 5

Premier’s Goodwill Tour

HEARTY RECEPTION IN MIDCANTERBURY Per Press Association. ASHBURTON, Last Night. The Premier (Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) concluding a goodwill tour of Canterbury, reached Ashburton County this afternoon. He was joined at Arundel by Hou. R. Semple who Conducted him on an inspection of the irrigation works at Klondyke under the guidanco of Mr. T. G. Beck (engineer in charge of the irrigation works) and Mr. E. Smith, of the Klondyke scheme. s’ho party viewed the largo mechanical units imported specially for the construction of channels and later saw an elevating grader working near Methvcn.

At Mcthvon the local bodies enter-, tained the visitors at afternoon tea, after which Mr. Savage was accorded a civic welcome at a gathering of 400 including many children. The county chairman, Mr. J. H. Crother, welcomed Mr. Savage on his first official visit. The chairman of the Mount Hutt Road Board (Mr. Marr) said that only once previously had a Premier in office visited Methvcn. Mr. H. E. Herring, member for the district, also spoke. Replying, the Premier exhortod the children to take advantage of every opportunity for qualifying to take up their responsibilities individually and communally. Mr. Savage ’s request for a commemorative holiday was greeted uproariously. Referring to irrigation Mr. Savage mentioned his early job on similar works in Riverina, contrasting the old methods of construction. Messrs. Semple and Webb were pressed for time and promised to return later. The Ministers were all given a hearty reception. At Ashburton the borough and county councils entertained Mr. Savage’s party at an official dinner, tho Mayor, the county chairman and respective clerks, and the chairman of the Tinwald Town Board being tho only non-visitors present.