MINISTERS IN AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13938, 21 December 1908, Page 7

MINISTERS IN AUCKLAND.

ARRIVAL OF SIR JOSEPH WARD. The Prime Minister (Sir Jdseph Ward) accompanied by his private secretaries (Messrs. J. Hislop and F. G. Matthews), arrived from Wellington by the Rotoiti yesterday. Sir Joseph, who is staying at the Star Hotel, is making only a short visit to Auckland on this occasion, it being bis intention to leave on his return journey to Wellington by the night train to-mor-row Whilst in Auckland Sir Joseph Ward will attend to a number of Departmental matters, including some business connected with the Lands Department. He will (.pen the new post office at Newmarket at three o'clock this afternoon. He had also consented to open the Birkenhead post office this morning but this ceremony, at the request of th»- Mayor of Birkenhead, has been postponed till Sir Joseph's next visit. He had also been asked to perform similar functions at Howick and Clevedon. but the shortness of his visit has made this impossible on the present occasion. At 9.30 to-morrow morning, the Prime Minister will receive a deputation in regard to the question of the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the recent allegations concerning the administration of the licensing laws. Sir Joseph will spend Christmas at home in Wellington, and he will proceed to Invercargill°at the end of the month, in order to attend the Southland regatta on January 2. ___^______ MR. FOWLDS' MOVEMENTS. The Hon Geo. Fowlds, Minister for Education 'and Public Health, accompanied by his private secretary (Mr. W. Crow), arrived from Wellington on Saturday morning. Mr. Fowlds will remain in Auckland during the holidays. He will probably proceed to the North of Auckland on Monday next lor the purpose of viewing the proposed deviation of the Maungaturoto extension ot the North Auckland Main 'Irank railway. He will also probably visit Whangarei during the fete that is to be held there. . MR. McGOWAN AT THE THAMES. The Hon. J. McGowan, Minister for Justice and Mines, will, as usual, spund Christmas at the Thames.