PRIME MINISTER'S TOUR.

Otago Witness, 1 June 1910, Page 40

PRIME MINISTER'S TOUR.

DEPUTATIONS AT REEFTON.

EOKITI'KA, May 26

After receiving several deputations here to-day, the Prime Minister visited the Ross goldfiekls. He proceeded this forenoon to Rimu and visited the goldfields. Replying to the Rimu Miners' Association deputation, he promised to take definite action on his return to Wellington with reference to the question of the amalgamation 01 the three water :i..! ' (already granted). He said he wou send "the Rimu miners a definite an ■ nouncement on Monday next. Sir Joseph was entertained to-night at a banquet by the Mayor and borough councillors. During the evening he announced that a one day's service would be arranged for by the Government between the East and West Coasts within five or six months, and that the railway to the Otira tunnel from the Christchurch side would be finished before the contractors completed the work of piercing the hole in the hill. Sir Joseph Ward left for Greymouth after the banquet. REEFTON, May 27. The Prime Minister arrived at Reefton to-day. He was formally welcomed, and received deputations from the Inangahua Miners' Union re the rider added to the verdict of the jury in the Otira accidentcase. Mr Betts (president) strongly impressed on Sir Joseph the need to adequately protect the workers at the tunnel, and incidentally the underground work. Mr Pagan (secretary) strongly supported Mr Betts. The Prime Minister replied that the Government had seriously considered the rider given at the inquest, and was taking every possible step to see that the health and safety of the workers were protected in every way. It was the main idea of the Government to do all possible in the way of providing safeguards. The Minis-. ter of the department concerned had the matter under careful consideration. Of course, they had to take care lest they .imposed on the conditions of the contract. The contractors, also, were anxious to do their best to preserve the health and safety of their employees* A deputation from the Chamber of Commerce and County Council waited on the Prime Minister. It took strong exception to the administration of the Nelson Land Board, and urged the opening ofthe thousands of acres under the jurisdiction of the board now lying dormant. GREYMOUTH, May 28. The Prime Minister and Dartv left early this morning by special train to coach to Cass, where a special carriage and engine were waiting to convey him to Broken River. The train was timed to catch the Maori at Lyttelton to-night, thus completing the through journey under 24 hours. This is the second train run between Cass and Broken River, the former being' on the occasion of the Bealey tunnel accident. The Prime Minister, in unveiling a memorial fence and tablets yesterday, paid a high tribute to the late Mr Joseph Petrie for his long and valuable services to Greymouth.