VISIT TO THE BAY DISTRICTS.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13420, 18 March 1914, Page 2 (Supplement)

VISIT TO THE BAY DISTRICTS.

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTIONS

(From "The Colonist," March 16.)

Tho Prime Minister (lit. Hon. W. F. Masscy) and prsrty motored to Motueka, Takaka, and Collingwood, and were, enthusiastically received at the various townships on route. En route- to Motueka the Prime Minister received a deputation from the Moutero-Neudorf Progressive Association regarding a new pest office at Upper Moutere to replace the present inadequate structure, aiid the Clay Hill road deviation. Mr Massey replied that th© post office was about the-* worst ho had se.on, and gave the deputation his assurance that he would make strong representations to tho Po^tmaster-Genoral to place a sum J3ii the estimates for a new building. Regarding the other matter, he- advised tho deputation to settle the difficulty with the County Council before- approaching th» Govern men 3. The Prmuiur arrived at Mot:iekn at 30.30, and v.as welcomed by » fai_r •crowd of residents/ -Vloet of the business prices closed for two hours. Tho •Mayor welcomed V.t . Mnssev on the Fbst Officn stops, iin.-l stated that he. vffss pleased to welcome ;i gentleman of such high position to Motaeka. He congratulated tho Premier on the legislation jpassed, and on the firm stand taken by the Government during the .Tratcreiders' strike. He trusted that he .would retain his position as Premier for a long timo.

. . v !I&e'-Prime *M»£r -tlmißSaSfflft1 Mayor for his kind words of welcome, and oppressed pleasure -at his first-Visit to*Motueka. A prediction had. 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 e^ervone. H«» congratulated tluj district on the magnitude of the fruit industry, and stated that ho had got £25,000 granted for tho erectiora of cool stores and canneries. There was a great future > before the district, as there was an unJlßii^ed market in South America fo\n all their apples for many yoais. ] H#"concluded by stating that the Government intended to develop the resources-of the conntry in every possible way. An adjournment was' then made to the Post Office Hotel, where a number of deputations were received on various local matters, •'<'■}

The party then proceeded, on • their journey, and after an enjcyablei drive, over the Taka&a hills, during which the Prime Minister was much impressed with the magnificence .of "'-the-scenery-j reached Takalca at two o'clock, where j he received a cordial welcome from the Takaka residents. The.formal proceedings concluded, an adjoun-ment wa* made to the Oddfellows' Hall, -where thfe Prime Minister was entertained io luncheon, Mr George Winter, chairman of tho Takaka County "Council, presiding. About 200 fanners and business, men were present. A short toast list' was disposed of, and the 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 tho CoflingH'Ood County Council, in the presence of a large crowd of local residents. In the evening Mr Massey was entertained at a social gathering, the PuWJc Hall being crowded. The Prime Minister delivered an address -of an hour's duration, after which refresh-' ments were provided. Several son.^s and musical items wore contributed, and a pleasant evening spent.: Yesterday Mr Massey returnod to kelson, arriving at six o'clock. En route the Parapara iron fields were inspected, and at Motueka.;~"the party were shown over some of the orchards. rhey also motored a short-distance into j Tasman, and obtained a good view or vhe valley, and the remarkable deveiopI ment that has taken place there duning the past few years. ■ •; Continuing the journey to Redwood's Valley, a stoppage was made there, and the party inspected Mr R. B. Jackson's fine orchard. The Prime Minister was much Impressed with the extent of tiie orchards, and the magnitude of the fruit industry in this district.