BANQUET TO MR. HERRIES, M.H.R.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12212, 6 March 1903, Page 6

BANQUET TO MR. HERRIES, M.H.R.

[by telegraph.—-own correspondent.] Tauranga, Thursday. A banquet was tendered to Mr. W. H. Hemes, M.H.R., last night, by his friends and constituents in Tauranga. Mr. Davidsol', chairman of the County Council, was in the chair, and Mr. Vesey Stewart in the vice-chair. The banquet was on a most elaborate scale, and reflected credit on Host and Hostess Smith, of the Star Hotel. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given, and the toast of the evening, " Our Member," proposed by the chairman, was received with acclamation. The chairman referred to Mr. Herries as an ideal country member, and good as his past record was he yet hoped to see it eclipsed, and 'Mr.' Herries a Minister. In reply, Mr. Herries said seven years ago he was a perfect stranger to this part of the district, and now he had been three times returned to Parliament as their member. He had to thank his Tauranga supporters for the consistent way they had to him. Although an.' Opposition member, he had always, where he thought the Government were doing good work, supported them. When Government measures we're brought down they were carefully considered by the Opposition, and deficiencies pointed out. The present Opposition simply patched and bided their time, Mr. luassey being ; practically their leader. Mr. Hierries then referred very pointedly to the attempt on the part of the Government to dictate to the electors at Waihi, especially thte way they tried to run the Liberal vote, which the electors scouted, and refused to adopt the Government nominee. In referring] to railway matters, Mr. Herries stated |t was high time the Government formulated a definite scheme of railway construction to complete the connection'along the East Coast, between Gisborne and Waihi. passing through Opotiki, Tauranga, and Katikitt). The district had not participated m the) railway expenditure to the smallest extent; and it bad a right to a fair share of consideration. He would agitate for this in tan House, and he was assured of the cordial support of Mr. Moss, the member for Ohmemuri. ;