TRIBUTE TO MINISTERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20162, 24 January 1929, Page 12

TRIBUTE TO MINISTERS.

MR. TAVERNER AND MR. SIDEY

GATHERING IN DUNEDIN

[ET TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION. ] DUXEDIN, Wednesday.

A complimentary luncheon was tendered by the citizens of Dunedin to-day to the Hon. W. B. Taverner, Minister of Railways, and the Hon. T. K. Sidey, Leader of the Legislative Council. The deputy-mayor, Mr. J. S. Douglas, presided.

Replying to the toast of his health, Mr. Taverner said he realised the importance of the portfolio of railways. He referred to the problems facing transportation systems, not only in New Zealand, but throughout the world. He realised also the solemn trust in the position of Minister of Customs. Its ramifications were very wide and vitally affected the interests of the whole community. New Zealand was placed in a peculiar position because up to the present they had been unable to find a uarket for goods manufactured by their secondary industries. This was a matter for research, but the job would not be shirked He believed the Cabinet would work together in a manner that would be satisfactory to the representatives of all parties. Mr. Sidey thanked the speakers for the kindly reference made to his work in educational matters, more particularly with regard to Otago University, of which he is chancellor. Speaking in a reminiscent vein, he said he had been in public life for nearly 40 years and in Parliament since 1901 The only members of Parliament nnw there who were members when he joined were Sir Joseph Wan) and the Hon. T. M Wilford.

The Minister of Education, Hon. H. Atmorc, also spoke. He said £4,000.000 a year was spent on education in New Zealand, which had a population of 1.400.000 They must be well satisfied with what had already been achieved in New Zealand in educational matters, and he intimated there would be little change in the system operating in the Dominion