SIR J. G. WARD'S NORTHERN TOUR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12278, 15 February 1902, Page 8

SIR J. G. WARD'S NORTHERN TOUR.

(Per United Prkss Association.) AUCKLAND, February 14. dir Josoph Ward proceeded to Onehunga to-day. After inspecting tlio new school and local industries ho visited tlio ninth contingent camp at Te Papapa, opened the new pftst office at Onehunga at noon, and Kas subsequently entertained at a banquet iy the townfolk. Onehunga presented an animated fceue to-day on tho occasion of the opening of tlio dew post, and telegraph oflico by Sir Joseph Ward. There was a large gathering of townspeople, and _ the principal buildings were decorated with flags. A number of Members of Parliament were present. Heavy rain fell shortly before noon, but. cleared oil before the opening ceremony began. Sir iloseph Ward drove out to Onehunga during the forenoon, and was received by the Mayor. He went first to the Onehunga Public School, where ho addressed the Sixth Standard children. Tho party then visited She Onehung-.i Woollen Works, and in tho ifterlioon they visited tho contingent camp it Te Papapa. The new post and telegraph office is a substantial two-storey building, which cost £2000. It, is in the Elizabethan style, built of red pressed bricks, with cement facings. At the opening coremony Sir Joseph was cordially received. In his nddross he quoted figures to show how greatly the post office business in Onehunga had increased during the last 10 years. He also referred to the fact that the first Euro|>ean person born in Onehunga was present, Mr* J. (!. Hutchison, ,nid this lady was greeted with loud chcors. Sir Joseph called for chcors for tho new building, for Sir Maurice O'Rnrkc, and for the .Mayor, which were heartily giveu.

HAMILTON, February H. Sir' Joseph' Ward arrived hero by train at 7 p.m., and proceeded at once'to tk" post office, the object of his visit being to formally open the building. The Mayor and councillors met him .at the station, and drove with him. Sir Joseph congratulated tlio people on tho great progress tho eolonv had made during the last few years, and the people of tho \\aikitto in particular; in fact, the progross of the district had justified tho tiovcrnment in spending so large a sum on a office. Aftor some patriotic remarks w .Josoph said that as further evidence of the progress of the Waikato, the business at the Hamilton office bad doubled within the last three years. He then declared the limtding open, and with cheers for the Jlinister the function concluded.