VISIT TO THE BAY DISTRICTS.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13418, 16 March 1914, Page 6

VISIT TO THE BAY DISTRICTS.

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTIONS.

Tho Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. W. T\ Massey) and party,,inotared to Motueka, Tabaxa, and Collingwood, and were ,enthusHMtically received e-t tho various townsnips «n route. En rout© to Wotueka the Prime Minister received a deputation from the Moutero-ftoudort Progressive Association regarding a new post" office at Upper Moutero to replace the present inadequate structure aud the Clay Hill road deviation. Mr Massoy replied that tho post office was about the worst he had seen, and gave the deputation his assurance that he would make strong representations to tho I'ortniasler-General to place a sura on the estimates for a new building, uogarding the other matter ho ?«irwed the deputation to settle the difficulty with tlte County Council before approaching the Government. . o+ Tho Premier arrived at iVJotncka at 10.30, and was welcomed by at air So-.vd of residents. Most of tW bupbo;s places closed for two hou s. Jho Mayor welcomed Mr j Mussov on the Post Office steps, and stated that he was pleased to welcome a gentleman cr such high position to Motueka. -He congratulated the Premier on the legislation passed, and on the firm . stand token by the Government daring the watersides' strike. He trusted that he ww.ki retain his position as Premier tor 3 Th? Prime Minister thanked the Mayor for his kind.words of welcome and' expressed pleasure at his nrst visit, to Motueka. A prediction h*l been made that when he got into office there would be low wages and bad times. Events had proved that the Dominion was never so prosperous, and there was plenty of work for everyone. He congratulated the district on the magnitude, of the fruit industry, and stated that ho had got £25,000 granted for the .erection of cool stores and canneries. There was a great future before tlio district, as there was an unlimited market in South America for all their apples for many yeaifc. Ho concluded h} stating that th<* Government intended to develop the resources of the country in every possible way. "An adjournment was then made to the Post' Office Hotel, where a number of deputations were received on vanous local matters. . The party then proceeded on their Sfmrney, and after an enjoyable drive, over the Takaka hills, during which the Prime Minister was much impressed with the magnifirpaoe of the scenery, leached Takaka at two o'clock, where he received a cordial welcome from me j Takaka residents. The formal proceed-j iru» concluded* an adjourv-mont was made to the Oddfellows'- Hall, where the Prime Minister was entertained \o luncheon, Mr George Winter, chairman : of the Takaka County Council, prestoing. About 200 farmers and "business I men were present. A short toast .list was disposed of, and tte? proceedings were very enthusiastic. During^ the visit several deputations were received. The party then proceeded to Collingwood, which was reached at sis o'clock. The Prime Minister was cordially received by Mr J. Fish, chairman of the. Colling wood County Council, in tlie presence of a large crowd' of local residents. In the evening Mr Massey was entertained at a social gathering, the Public Hall being crowded. The Prime Minister delivered an address of an hour's duration, aftyr which refreshments wore provided. Several son.^s and musical items were contribute.!, and a pleasant evening spent. Yesterday Mr Massey returned to Nelson, arriving at six o'clock. JO 'route the Parapara iron fields were inspected, and at Motueka the party were shown over some 'if the orchard?. They also motored a- short distance into Tasman, and obtained a good view of iho valley, and the remarkable development that has taken place there during the past few yenrs. Continuing the journey to Redwood s .Valley a stoppage was made there, and tho party inspected Mr R. B. Jackson's line orchard." The Prime Minister was much impressed with the extent of the orchards, and the magnitude of tin? fruit industry in this district. „