The Hon. C. H. Mills’ Northern Tour.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 17, Issue 6, 23 January 1903, Page 4

The Hon. C. H. Mills’ Northern Tour.

Ohaeawai, January 20, The Hon. C. H. Mills, Minister for' Trade and Customs, arrived at Mongonui on Wednesday and left, for Waipapakawi on Friday morning, in company with the Hon. Major Harris and Mr R. M. Houston, M.H.R. At Fairbnms/Mr Mills and party were entertained at dinner by a; , number of the settlers in that neighbourhood, and a deputation waited upon the Minister and brought before him the necessity for having the votes that had been passed by Parliament expended on the Fairburn-Kaitaia section of their road. The Minister promised to lay the matter before the Premier and the" Minister of Lands. He said he had very little doubt that their request would be granted, as he recognised the necessity of expending the money to the best advantage. The settlers then formed a cavalcade and attended the Minister and party for some miles.- On his arrival at Waipapakawi Mr Mills and party received a most cordial welcome by those who were there assembled to do honour to the Member for the district, Mr R. M, Houston. , The banquet was well Attended and was a great success throughout. Mr J. Evans, who is styled “ the magnate of the north,” was Chairman. Arniong the- various toasts proposed was the 1 health of the Ministry, coupled with the name of the Hon. C.-H. Mills. The Chairman said they were all sorry the Premier could not attend, but they - had with them the next man in the Ministry, Mr Houston said that before’the Minister replied he would like to say a few words. He had knownihe Hon. Mr Mills since they had both entered the. House in 1899,; After being there only two years Mr Mills was selected •- as Government Whip, a position of great responsibility, and after holding that office for eight years he had. been asked, by the Premier to join the Ministry. Nothing - gave him.:':(Mr. Houston) greater pleasure .than to know that his: old friend had been selected for the high position. He could assure them that a; good many matters of great importance to, their district had been issued by the Hon, Mr Mills, who,they were sO pleased to have with them; - - " ’ The Minister, on rising, to respond, was received with great applause. He said he was very proud to bjaiyith them to assist them in doing honour to their Member. ’ The Premier would have been pleased to be present, b.ut wa's away on,the West Coast. He defended the Government front any changes of maladministration. The cblo'ny was in a very prosperous condition,- which the wise laws passed during .their term of office had materially,"assisted.; He: was * astonished to see what ; .a large number of people, were engaged on the gum industry, and sovry.to fin'd such large tracts of kauri forest destroyed by fires. ' He thanked them sincerely for ~ the' cordial and enthusiastic way in which they had drunk- the toast, and he - would be very pleased ' fo assist their Member at any time. Hearty cheers- were - given for- ; the when leaving next morning. ; The Whangarei County Council has invited Mr Mills to accept a] banquet on the night of his arrival there, and he has consented to meet theif wishes. He expects to reach • Auckland; on Tuesday night, r.rl has, - not only evidenced a gret>£> interest in but carefolly noted tfie requirements of the far north. ,