THE POLITICAL ARENA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 66, 13 March 1912, Page 5

THE POLITICAL ARENA.

A FULL PROGRAMME

(Per Press Association.)

Auckland, March 12

The Prime Minister left this morning for Ngaruawahia, where lie turns the first sod of the private railway of the Waipa Railway and Collieries Company. To-morrow afternoon tne Premier opens the new post office at Kingsland, and in the evening will be the guest of the Liberal and Labour Federation at a complimentary social. Sir Joseph Ward will probably return to Wellington by to-morrow night’s express.

PRIIViATE ENTERPRISE

Auckland, March 12

The Premier turned the first sod of the Waipa railway'this afternoon in the presence of a large number of residents and visitors from the Waikato. Tile line will start at Te Akatea, cross the Waipa and end at Ngaruawahia. Sir Joseph, Ward declared that the Government was always desirous of encouraging industries. He contradicted the idea that the Government would interfere with legitimate private enterprise by instituting industries. It was the golden rule of the administration that where people were able to carry out the work for the people generally on a satisfactory basis, the Government did not desire to attempt any interference. The Premier returned to Auckland to-night.

MEETING AT HOKITIKA

Hokitika, March 12

A •public meeting of supporters of the Liberal Party was hold in the Town Hall to-night. Very appreciative references were made to the services rendered the Dominion by Sir J. G. Ward and the Liberal Party. liesolutions were carried unanimously tendering to the Rt. Hon. Sir J. G. Ward the appreciation of the Liberals of the AVestland electorate and congratulating him on the many valuable services to the Dominion standing to his credit, also expressing great regret that he bad decided to voluntarily retire from the leadership of the Liberal Party in Parliament, and while expressing satisfaction at his intention to continue to assist the party feels compelled to give voice to the general wishi prevailing that ho should be asked to reconsider his decision, and expressing the hope that in the readjustment of, portfolios weight ,w.i|l he given to this wish. It was also decided to invite Sir Joseph and Lady Ward to be present at a oocial to be - tendered to Mr T. E. Y. Scclcldn, M.P.

LABOUR AND THE .CABINET

Dunedin, March 12

The Otago Labour Representation Council resolved that it would bo against the best interests of Labour if any Labour members of Parliament accepted any position in iany Cabinet not .wholly composed of Labour memlx?rs.

HON. MILLAR AT PUKEKOHE

Auckland, /March 62

The Hon. J. A. Millar this afternoon visited Pnkekobe to meet a deputation which desires to place him in possession of ceitain information concerning an overhead bridge at the railway station. The Minister will, a't the invitation of tho Harbour Board, make-an inspection of the harbour bvorks.