MINISTERIAL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 274, 16 May 1912, Page 5

MINISTERIAL

AN APPEAL TO THE COUNTRY. By Telegraph—Press Association. Gisborne, Yesterday. The Prime Minister, accompanied by the Hon. Mr. Mac Donald, arrived tlhis morning, and was entertained at breakfast by the Scottish Society. He was subsequently welcomed at a civic function by the Mayor and prominent citizens. After attending a presentation to Sir James Carroll to-night, the Hon. T. Mackenzie will return south by steamer. In an interview regarding the political situation, the Prime Minister said that if defeat should come, as some have prophesied, it only meant two or three upheavals and would be the beginning of a process that would lead to an appeal to the country, a contingency which he would approach with the fullest anticipation of success.

GISBORNE'S WANTS. Gisborne, Last Xight. The Prime Minister and the lion. W. D. S. Mac Donald spent a busy day receiving deputations, paying visits and attending various functions. Mr. J. R. Bright, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the Chamber, urged the pushing on of the railway to Motn. He also urged the proper housing of different public departments, and advocated the establishment of an experi-mental-State farm in the district. Ho pointed out that Poverty Bay was somewhat isolated, and that the sons of farmers did not have the same opportunity regarding State agricultural education as in other centres. Other minor matters wore also mentioned. Sir James Carroll referred to the junction of the Napier railway with the GisborneAuckland line, and introduced Mr. Coloman, who presented a petition in favor of an alternative route by Mnkaraka. Mr. J. Pickover brought up the case of Mrs. Lee, the Taranaki heroine, and wanted to know if the Government could do anything for her, as she was in poor circumstances. Mr. Mackenzie said that they could take it that the Motu railway would be pushed on by the Minister for Public Works with all expedition. In connection with the experimental farm, the Government would have to do something for the South Island first, vs six such farms existed in the North Island and none in the South Island. Regarding Mrs. Lee, the matter had been before the Cabinet, which had referred it to. General Ordley, to s"e what cOuld be" done, and whether there was any provision uivW his control that could he extended to meet the case. If this could not be done the Cabinet would consider some other way. Mr. Mac Donald said that tenders would be called for public buildings in three weeks' time. The reeurvey of the junction of the Napier line had been practically completed, and if this was in favor of the Makaraka route no doubt it would be adopted.