MINISTERIAL

Southland Times, Issue 19822, 19 March 1926, Page 8

MINISTERIAL

SIR JAMES PARR TOUR OF WESTERN DISTRICT SEVERAL DEPUTATIONS RECEIVED Conditions yesterday were such that Sir James Parr’s tour of the Western District showed that portion of the province to the best advantage, and as an ever-changing panorama of undulating grain and pasture lands, seascape, and bush-clad hills came under his notice the Minister gave constant expression of a deepening appreciation of Southland’s potentialities and attractions. He was accompanied by his private secretary, Mr W. J. Deavoll, Mr Adam Hamilton, MF. for Wallace, and Mr Johnston, lately appointed Chief Postmaster for Southland.

The route followed lay through Riverton and Orepuki to Tuatapere, and thence via Ciifden, Ohai, Nightcaps and Winton back to Invercargill, a distance of close on 140 miles. The roads traversed were in very substantial condition, a feature which occasioned further favourable comment from the High Commissioner-elect, and the journey to within 12 miles of town was covered without loss or mishap. At "this stage, however, delay was caused by a puncture, and Sir James, in company with Mr Hamilton, who strolled ahead while the damage was being repaired, were shortly picked up by a compassionate motorist who carried them on to town.

The journey was commenced shortly after 8.30 a.m., and Riverton was reached at 9.30 o’clock, the party being welcomed by the Mayor of Riverton, Dr G. N. Trotter, members of the Town Council and School Committee, and Mr Horrell, senr., of Tuatapere. Sir James then paid a visit of inspection to the Riverton District High School, where he was introduced to the scholars by the rector, Mr R. M. Wilson.

The Minister, in a brief address to the children, voiced his pleasure at seeing such a ime school, and particularly at finding such a well-established district high school, in which he held a particular interest as it was established during his term as Minister of Education. There had been a time, proceeded the speaker, when it was feared that the district school would not receive sufficient support to warrant its continuance, but the fact that it now had a roll call of 70 pupils seemed to allay any fears on that point. Speaking particularly to the High School scholars, he stressed the importance of secondary education in later life, and urged them to take advantage of the High School as long as possible. Addressing the primary pupils he reminded them that success in life was only to be gained by study and hard work, and concluding he wished both pupils and teachers every success in the future.

On the call of the rector three cheers were given for the Minister, who suitably acknowledged the compliment. Later the party was entertained at morning tea by the Town Council, Dr Trotter tendering Sir Janfes a hearty welcome to the town and congratulating him on his appointment to the High Commissionership. The Minister then left for Tuatapere, where he performed the opening ceremony of the new Post Office. He and his party were the guests of the local branch of the Farmers’ Union before starting on the journey to Ciifden. Here a visit was paid to the Dog Trials in progress there, a special huntaway and driving event being stasred for the benefit of the visitors.

Thence the party proceeded to the coal country, the first stop being made at Ohai. Here Sir James was met by a deputation consisting of Messrs W. J. McGregor, Mr J. J. H. McLean and Mr T. Todd. Mr McLean, who is chairman of the Ohai School Committee, referring to the present position at Ohai in regard to schooling matters, stated that owing to the rapid expansion of the town during the last three or four years, the old school building was not large enough to house all the pupils who attended, the consequence being that the lower classes had to be taught in the hall. A little over two years ago the school committee acquired a site for a new school, but so far they had been unable to make any further progress. The Education Board was now trying to sell the old school, which was by no means an up-to-date building, and it was the committee’s desire to enlist the Minister’s aid to secure a new building of three rooms.

After ascertaining that the deposits of coal in the district were sufficient to warrant a permanent settlement, the Minister remarked that he was satisfied that about 100 children would need to be catered for, which fact certainly called for a threeroomed building. He stated that the sum of £945 had been authorised a long time back for the removal and enlargement of ♦he present building, but unfortunately the local board seemed to have made little progress. He understood the position now was that the old school was advertised for sale, but further than that he did not know what the position was. He agreed that the matter of securing increased accommodation was an urgent one, and promised to take the matter up with the Education Board. Mr T. Todd brought forward the matter of a daily mail sendee and improved Post Office accommodation. In regard to the first point, the Minister stated that arrangements had already been completed for a daily mail service to Ohai and a thrice weekly service on to Birchwood. The second matter resolved itself into a question of whether the revenue warranted the erection of a Post Office or not.

It was mentioned that a site had been given for a new Post Office free of cost to the department, the Minister remarking that if the business warranted it they had every chance of getting a suitable building, but if the volume of business was not large enough then they had no chance at all. At Nightcaps the members of the Town Board entertained the travellers at afternoon tea, Messrs Excell (chairman) and Sinclair (secretary) later deputising the Minister in favour of an extension of the telephone bureau hours from 7 to 9 o’clock in the evening. It was stated that there were a number of residents willing to put in ’phones provided the hours of attendance were increased. Mr Johnston advised that immediately the number of subscribers reached 51 the hours of attendance would be automatically extended. AT WINTON. Mr J. R. Hamilton, M.P. for Awarua, Mr P. de la Perelle, ex-M.P.- for that district, Mr J. A. Broom, Mayor of Winton, and Town Councillors, met the Ministerial party on arrival at Winton, when at a dinner tendered by the Council the Mayor expressed delight at the visit of Sir James and congratulated him on his new appointment. He was sure, he said, that Sir James would fill the position with as much distinction as he had his Ministerial offices in New Zealand. Mr J. R. Hamilton also welcomed the visitor on behalf of the constituents of Awarua, and in wishing him success on his appointment as High Commissioner, expressed the hope that he would return to New Zealand to carry on the political activities he was relinquishing. In the course of a lengthy reply * Sir James referred to the importance to the country of live Immigration and Tourist Departments, and also spoke of the constitution and administration of the Education and Post and Telegraph Departments.