HON. HALL-JONES AT STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 244, 10 December 1900, Page 2

HON. HALL-JONES AT STRATFORD.

PER PRESS 4ISOOI4WOK. . SnuTFoRD, December 8. The Hon. Hall-Jones returned from Wbangamomona. last flight, and. waientsrtained at a banquet at the County Hotel, a largo nuaber of reptessntative residents being preset,!. Tin Mayor, presided. The evening war most enjoyable, the Minister receiving a hearty welcome."; Replying to the toast of his health, the Minister said his chief, the Premier, 'oould not hvv» been given a more hmlsomo rtcep ion. The Pietnier hid tikeu a largnlßharoi: the formnioi; mjh.une of the light railway. Hu was struck with th*» marked improvement of the district, aa e/; denced by the buildings, electric ligh', proposed water supply, etc., and gavi i credit t,o tho mombar fjr the district for the work done. Referring to federation, he Slid ho looked for i> greater federation than with Attßtr»li. , namely, thai of the English-Speaking races. He and bis to help the Bottlers, tub the swttler, must help themselves. Where! how ever, it was seen that they were ready for help it was the duty of the State to do what it could for their relief. Thur< was a difficulty as to the route of the [railway, whidh eauld be made eithe--2 feet, 2 fees 6 inches, or 3 feat guage. Ho wanted a little more information. When the survey iyas commenced, the first sod would be turned within threi months.

The Minister spake at consjdarabh [length, and, was warmly applauded. Messrs. Sympa ( and-iE M. M's.H.R,, were, 'also 5 present. Th< health of the Premier was drunk,'and warmly responded to by Mr 1 . HallJones. \

The Minintsr is to-day receiving deputations, aqd will lay the foundation stone of the Presbyterian OhuroV in the afternoon.