THE PARLIAMENTARY TOUR.

Northern Advocate, 5 December 1916, Page 1

THE PARLIAMENTARY TOUR.

RODNEY COUNTY COUNCIL VIEW. The projected tour of the Parliamentary party through the northern districts was (says the "Rodney Times") discussed by the Rodney County Council at its last meeting. The chairman (Mr G. W. Thomson) said there were difficulties in the way of the district doing anything. The matter of accommodation was the principal trouble. It was now stated that there would be 130 in the party, and it was not clear that they could be billetted. That was a matter principally for the town. And many people would be reluctant about offering accommodation for fear that it might not be considered good enough. Moreover, this was not a time for entertaining travelling visitors. With the war on anyone might be bereaved at any moment. Then, finally, he did not think the trip would accomplish any good. It would be just as well to let the visitors pass through. If the visitors w T ere entertained socially the financial obligations of the trip would also have to be met. Mr Shepherd thought it would be a pity if the district did not do anything, lie believed that the trip would have good results and there was need for the work that the North Auckland Development Board proposed to do, in enlightening people of other parts as to the capabilities of the North. Port Albert had decided to entertain the visitors Mr Lawrie considered it would be a disgrace to the district if those visitorswere allowed to pass through. No money should be given, but there should at least be a reception, or something of that sort, otherwise the district would be made to look mean. Mr Walker agreed with the chair man. The trip might benefit the Far North, but there were more important things to think of. In regard to the Automobile Association's provision of cars for the trip free, how many members of the Association had cars for sale* Mr McKenzie: And land for sale? Mr Walker: Yes, in the Far North. The clerk, in reply to the chairman's inquiries, gave further particulars as to local attitude, and the possibilities of billettiug over a wide area, including Kaipara Flats, Woodcocks, Mata kniia, etc. After considerable further discussion, it was decided that the chairman and Messrs Lawrie and Campbell be a committee to confer with the Town Board on the subject.