The New Temuka Post Office.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3908, 17 June 1902, Page 2

The New Temuka Post Office.

THE VISIT CF SIR J. G. WARD. THE ARRIVAL OF THE PARTY. Yesterday was truly a red-letter day in the history of Temuka, the occasion being the laying of a commemoration stone and the forma! opening of the new post office, that has been for the past nine months and more in course of erection. Additional interest was lent to the proceedings by the fact that the Acting-Premier and Postmaster-Ge-neral, Sir J. G. Ward, was to perform the ceremony. The day was one that might appropriately be termed “ King’s weather,” and this was appreciated by residents, who for the last six days have been subjected to weather that was just the reverse. When the noon train from south, which conveyed the distinguished visitors, arrived, the day was gloriously bright and sunshiny, and this lasted throughout. All trace, therefore, of the recent bad weather was speedily effaced.

At the station to meet Sir J. G Ward and party were the Mayor and several of the Borough Councillors, the Hon. J. M. Twomcy, M.L.C., the postmaster, Mr P. P. White, and several other prominent citizens. On alighting from the train Ihe Postmaster-General was met by the Mayor (Major Hayhurst), who introduced him to the Councillors pro sent, and then expressed himself a 1 happy to welcome Sir J. (>. Ward and party to Temuka on the present occasion. They had looked forward for some time to this visit, and the speaker hoped Sir Joseph and his friends would have a happy time Ihe few hours they were in Temuka. Major Hayhurst apologised for Ihe absence of Airs Hayhurst, who le r t the other day for Fiji, where she was going to witness the approaching Coronation ceremonies there. The Mayor touched upon the arrangements made for the day, and said that till 1 o’clock the Hon, J. M. Twomcy, M.L.C., hoped to have the party as guests. Sir Joseph Ward returned thanks for (he Mayor’s kind welcome am. expressions made. He was sorry he was unable to spend the evening in Temuka, but lie must proceed on lr. the express train, in order to catch the steamer at Lyttelton. While in Temuka he would be happy to do anything that was required of him. and lie hoped that on the occasion of his next visit he would he able to make a more extended stay in this delightful district.

The party, which consisted of the Ron. Sir J. (f. and Lady Ward, Misses Hall-Jones (3), and Mrs Nixon, and two private secretaries (Messrs H’slop and Hyde ; Air Locan, superintendent of telegraphs; Mr Hutton, chief postmaster Timaru,; Mr Craigie. Mayor of Timavn ; Mr Lough, town clerk, Timaru ; MessrHole and Grand), ex-Mayors of Timaru : Mr Nixon, collector of customs, Timaru ; Captain Webb, diiector of Hnddart Parker Steamship Company ; Mr Anderso manager C. G Ward company. Invei ca i gi’l: were then driven to the residence of the Hon. J. M. Twomcy in Mr A. Story’s waggonette, where the gentlemen of the party stayed till 1 o’clock, when (hey loft to attend the luncheon tendered by the Borough Council at the Crown Hotel. The ladies stayed to lunch, and were entertained at Air Twomey’s till the hour of the opening ceremony at the post office, viz., 2.30 o’clock. THE LUNCHEON. Sir J. ff. Ward, the Mayor, and guests invited met at the Crown Hotel, when the Borough Council luncheon was prepared by mine host Mr John Nash. The visitors with a number of local friends walked from the residence of Air 'Twomcy to the hotel, and on the way down, just as they were nearing the Post Office corner, a pleasing dramatic incident was cnacted by Air Titarihi (Kokoro), who as one of the chiefs of the Arnwhenua Maoris, uttered a Maori welcome to Sir Joseph- The old chief, arrayed in a “ kinikini ” and wearing a many-coloured “ potai,” and carrying in his right hand a manuka “ mere,” made a picturesque figure. 'Die cry was given in a loud voice and with vehemence, and consisted of “ Kia ora Lady Ward” uttered twice and “ Kia ora Sir Joseph Ward ” likewise given twice. Sir Joseph acknowledged the greeting and Kokoro was applauded by the bystanders. On entering the hotel a sumptuous repast was awaiting. This was on a scale seldom, if ever, attempted in Temuka, and the variety can be judged when it is stated that almost everything that could bo thought of, from oyster soup to champagne was included. The whole arrangement was carefully carried out, and the success of the luncheon complete. The tables -were set out in the orthodox fashion, two running lengthway and a cross table at the" head About thirty-five guests sat down to lunch, and the Mayor presided. He was supported on his right by Sir Joseph Ward and the Hon. J. M. Twomey, M.L.C., and on his left by Air F. R. Flatman, AI.H.R. and Mr J. Talbot, chairman of the County Council and the Temuka Road Board. The vice-chairs were occupied by Mr T. Buxton, Deputy-Mayor, and Mr W. H. Brown, borough banker.

The first toast proposed was that of “ The King,” by the Mayor. A verse of the National Anthem followed.

The Mayor of Timaru, Mr J. Craigie, here withdrew, as he had to catch the down express. Before leaving he extended thanks to the Borough Council for their hospitality and regretted the necessity for his departure. The Mayor apologised for the absence of the Hon. Hall-Jones, Minister of Public Works, who was in Wellington, and for Councillors Hardcy and Carr, who were unable to be present. The next toast proposed was that of “ The health of the PostmasterGeneral, Sir Joseph Ward.” In this connection the Mayor expressed the pleasure he had in doing so. Me was, however, sorry that the Borough Council had not had longer notice of Sir Joseph’s coming. Had this been the case, they would have been been able to arrange for a larger and more representative gathering. He felt on this occasion that lie" was not equal to the task before him, and that it was beyond him. (Cries of “ No, no.”) He was, however, pleased Sir Joseph was able to he present, and Temuka was pleased also. Sir Joseph was known if not personally, at least by reputation, throughout the length and breadth of the colony. The Mayor alluded to the advancement and strides the colony had made r’eccntly, and spoke of the benefits derived from the introduction of the penny postage—an innovation that was of great value if not so much to the whole community, at least to the mercantile portion of the community. Their guest was the author of its introduction in New Zealand, and besides he had interested himself in affairs at the Cape, and in the question of the cable charges, which have now been reduced. (Applause).

The Postmaster-General, on rising was received with hearty applause. He said he had to thank His Worship the Mayor lor his very flattering remarks, and those present for the spontaneous way in which they had received them. He rejoiced in the fact that Temuka had as its Mayor one who had borne his share in the efforts that had been made to cement the Empire with indissoluble tics. Major Hayhurst was rathei mistaken when he referred to the penny postage as not being so much a benefit to the community at large. Returns showed it was a pronounced benefit to all—to the general public Tradesmen and merchants in the

towns did a great deal of business by correspondence with settlers in the town, and now' that the penny postage was in vogue, where once there

was one letter written the tradesman sent two or three, and the, settler was also able to send two lor the cost of one formerly. He firmly

believed that the revenue, which was greatly on the increase, would be more than made up very shortly. The. Mayor had referred to the cable question. That was a matter of concern

to the colony at present, and he (tin

speaker) was glad the Mayor had mentioned it. Fortunately or otherwise New Zealand was situated right away from the great emporiums of the world, and it was of vital importance that we should he brought in as close a contact with them as possible. With the laying oi the Pacific cable the change that had taken place was simply marvellous. Previous to this the Eastern Extension Company,' who held a monopoly, had yielded nothing to New Zealand in the way of reduced rates, and the

cost of a cable to London was 10s 4d a word. Now the cost was hs a word ! What did this mean ? It meant greater communication, opening up fresh trade, bringing about further competition, and was advantageous both to the producer and the consumer. Even from the standpoint

of sentiment alone it would yield un

told blessings, for it brought us in nearer touch with the homeland. In expressing the opinion that every cable should be, like the telegraphic system in New Zealand, Stateowned, he believed that before long this would come about. (Applause;. When that came to pass, what worn;! be the result ? This ; A cable won ti cost a Ad a word to Australia, the present, cost of Telegraphing in New Zealand, and that we should be abie to send a cable to London at Is a word, and he affirmed that whereas only one person in one thousand, indeed in ten thousand, now used the cable, almost every one would. They would be able then to send congratulatory wires and birthday greetings and a thousand and one other things. (Applause). Sir Joseph then went on to speak of Tcmuka. He recognised it was one of the envied spots of envied New Zealand. It had a

great future before it—greater than many of its settlers thought : and it was fortunate in the representatives it sent to Wellington. It had

one of the ‘ Lords ” of Parliament, the Hon. J. iVI. Twomey, M.1..C. He was a sturdy advocate of his part of the colonv, and was always actively engaged in getting a share of the good" things showered about the districts. In Mr Flatman, M.H.R., he (Mr Twomey) had a powerful ally, and should the latter torget anything, Mr Flatman was not likely to. This gentleman was now on to him (the speaker) about a new railway station and platform for Temuka. (Applause and laughter). It was a good thing the Temuka representatives were men that were respected and did not make unreasonable demands, for then the Government were prepared to favorably consider, and if possible meet, the "reasonable ones made. “If you want to get anyting from a man,” continued Sir Joseph, 11 give him a good feed !” (Laughter)'. He found that when he went to England the first time he could not make any headway till he learnt this wrinkle. New Zealand in (his respect were a long way behind England, but they were tumbling to it.' Thanking the Temuka residents for the hospitable way they had entertained him and those accompanying him, Sir Joseph resumed his seat amid loud applause. Mr W. G. A spina 11 proposed the

“ New Zealand Parliament," roup, ling with Hie toast the names of Mr Twomcy and Mr Flat-man. Mr Aslcinail made a few remarks introducing appropriate Latin quota!ions (hat. were applicable to the two Mouses. The Hon. J. M. Twomcy, M.L.C., in responding, made an amusing speech. He said the Mayors instructions to him in the morning were il it were necessary to fill in time he

(the speaker) was to do so. However, a moment since Major Hayhurst had whispered to him “ Thank God 1 there isn’t time for you to make a long speech ! (Laughter). He was, therefore, going to be brief Parliament was the creature of the country. If it was not composed of the proper people and complaints were made, the remedy to be .applies was at home. As far as his observa lions went the members of Parlia meat were a hard-working and diligent lot. There was, however, such

a diversity and conflict of opinion that it was a difficult task to carry out reforms, much more so than was generally conceived. For fear oi having the .Mayor dealing with him later ° , i'i ... ... '7 ,

on he won hi say no more. (Lauentu and applause). Mr F. R. Flatman, M.H.R., .-aid he was proud to be present as Gicir representative. He spoke of the la-

hours and difficulties of a member of PaiTament ; and of the number of per schemes each had, and how they all had to-wail their turn and compromise Often, too, they had to stan 1 aside. Still one and all did their best for their constituents, and he would always endeavour to do

what he could for his district, ;nd try to give every satisfaction. Mr Flatman then proposed the toast o: “ The Local Bodies,” coupling with the toast the names of Councillor

Buxton, Mr J. Talbot, and Mr J. Fraser. There was no doubt that the f| 'emuka. Borough was well served with its present mayor and councillors They were painstaking and earnest in their work. It was a question not to he discussed at that mo-

ment whether the time had arrived to extend the franchise. The local bodies were one of the mainstays of New Zealand, and in many instances Parliament has received valuable suggestions from them. Councillor Buxton replied on behalf of the Temuka Borough Council. He regretted that time' was growing short, as there were several points ho should have liked to ask Sir Joseph for information on. The Borough Council had given a deal of consideration to the different proposals for the site of the post office when the question was being discussed. Councillor Buxton drew Sir Joseph’s attention to the extent the town was improving, and the Council was turning its attention to approaching the Government re several improvements that were badly wanted. He hoped that the efforts being made by Mr Flatman and others with regard to a new railway station would be successful, for there was no doubt but that the vresent station was a miserable one.

Mr John Talbot, chairman of the County Council and the Temuka Road Board, was the next speaker. Like all other people, colonists had a duty to perform, and he had attempted to do his share of that duty. (Hear, hear). It was a great pleasure for him to meet the Borough Council's distinguished guest, ■ and this pleasure was enhanced by the fact that the occasion was the opening of the Temuka post office. Speaking of the local bodies, he thought the expeditious way in t’ : k they as well as the mercantile public, carried out their work was a pattern lor the Houses of Parliament to follow. He hoped the Government would do all they could to enable farmers to get their produce to South Africa, now that the Australian markets were closed to New Zealand.

Mr J. Fraser, Temuka representative on the Timaru Harbor Board, in returning thanks, said it was really unnecessary to say much about the local bodies of New Zealand. They spoke for themselves, and spoke well. When the changes that had taken place during the past 40 years were considered, and when the part the local bodies had had in this trans formation in the way of building bridges and making roads, etc., were thought of, it was possible to appreciate their great good. Speaking of the Timaru Harbor Board Mr Fraser drew attention to the stupendous undertaking that body was rapidly bringing to a conclusion, by which the best artificial harbor in Australasia was being formed. At this stage the Mayor_stated that although there were several roasts still on the list it would be as well to forego them, as time was more than up The Mayor’s health was drunk in a bumrer glass ; and the refrain “ For he’s a jolly good fellow,” wliic'; was sung at the proposing of CcoCh toast, was again given with zest,. After this the guests stepped out on to the lawn, and a couple of photcgranhs were taken by the local photographer. Mr McGuire.

OPENING OF THE POST OFFICE. There was a very large concourse of townspeople and settlers to witness the opening coiwuony and laying of the commemoration stone in connection with the new post office. The request made by the Mayor that business people close their shops for an hour or so during the time the proceedings were being held was readily complied with, and the gathering assumed considerable dimensions. Proceeding from the Crown Hotel, the Mayor, accompanied by Sir Joseph and the other guests, started across the street to the post office. When half way there they were met by a Maori contingent, consisting of John Kahn, 11. Kokoro, Ihaia Rehu, and Nam ana W'aaka, and one or two others, who gave a war dance, accompanying their actions with the cry of “Ka mate ! ka mate ! Ka ora ! ka ora ! Ake akc !” This again was another dramatic incident, and was much appreciated by the visitors and spectators. At the post office steps Lady Ward and friends were waiting. The greater

portion of members of the party took up positions in the posting recess of the post office. The Mayor stepped forward and said that it was his duty and pleasure, as official head of the Borough, to welcome Sir Joseph Ward and his party to Temuka. When the post

office had been started it had been the intention of those interested to have had a foundation stone laid with appropriate ceremony, but for various reasons this could not be done at the time. It was now intended to place a commemoration stone in position, and the Postmas-ter-General would do this as well as formally open the building. A trowel for this purpose, and to commemorate the occasion, had been or-

dered, but the jeweller had been unable to get it ready in time. He (the Mayor) had explained this to Sir Joseph, and when the trowel came to hand it would be forwarded, on. The contractor (Mr Palliser) had asked him to explain that the reason the steps were not finished

was because it was thought better to wait till after this ceremony, in order to avoid damage being done to them. In other respects the building was finished. Major Hayhurst then called upon the Postmaster-General, who on stepping forward was greeted with cheers and applause. Pie said that before performing the ceremony of laying the commemoration stone he would

give a few details of the history sincp a post ollice was first established in Terruka in 1869. He made tumorous allusions to the battle of sites that had taken place after the Department had decided to erect a new building. If any of those present ever found themselves in the happy position of having to choose

betwien a diversity of opinions the best site for a post office, the thing to do was to sleep well, keep cool, and do tue best thing. (Here the school children, who had been given a ha'i-hol day in honour of the occasion, and some of whom were mounted in a dray, gave forth a cheer, whirl-, was extremely hearty com ng

from a host of Juvenile throats.) “ You may reckon it is all right,” continued the speaker, “ when 'he rising gertraDon give signs o£ their approval in that manner.” He was

pleased to see that the children had been given a half-holiday. He knew it was acceptable to them. Holidays had been acceptable to him when he was younger than he now was. As he stated before the first post office in Temuka was established in 1869, and Mr Julius Mendelson, storekeeper, was the first postmaster ; but rn the Ist February, 1869, a permanent officer of the Department, Mr George

Renner, took charge as postmaster and telegraphist—in the latter capacity of a guaranteed station, an evidence that the people of Temuka have always had faith in the soundness of their district. The office was a money-order office and savings bank from the same date. Indore, rhe fact that the Temuka office has almost from the beginning been on a permanent basis, is proof of the important position it has occupied and telegraphically for so many years past. Temuka’s occupying an important position on one of the principal arterial lines of ooidi cunmunnication up to the advent of the railways accounts for this fare. 1 1. th.-yeur 18(50-70 this following business, was dom-;

£ s. d. Money Orders issued ... 110 for 467 5 0 Mm.ey O-d u rs paid ... 33 for 133 IS 5 Saving Bank deposits ... 2S for 189 14 6 Savings bank withdrawals 345 2 8 elegrams dispatched ... 650 for 07 5 1 AFfce- .jit- Renner there were appointed -. Mr Win. Smith, 1 a, Pehrmiry, 1871. Mr Tims. Reid |srl; Junioirv. ISBO. Mr B. D. O’Halloran, Ist August, 1880, Mr A W. Menu. Ist July. 1885.

Mr P. P White. Ist Deeembo-, 1892. And Mr White ig still in Am-go. ( beers and voices : *• A good man too.” He was ■lad to hear them say Mr White was a good man, and he o e.ui tel! them, as head of the Postal D p-i>-tmerit, luifc he had always found him so. ; \i. phi.,.-e )

Comparing the business at the beginning and the end of the ten last years we find a steady improvement

In 1 893 letters posted and de

livered were ... ... ... 110,811 In is 92 the books posted and delivered were ... ... ... 41,911 In 1991, the letters posted and delivered wore ... ... 221,884 In 1902, the books posted and delivered were ... 4G.605 There is a slight fulling in the posted and delivered newspapers. The decrease in the revenue is accounted for by tho introduction of IVaoy i’o.-tago as well as a falling oil in the number o' lexers posted. In 1892, Money Orders issued numbered ... 531, amount £1737 In 1901, Money Orders issued numbered ... 147-1., amount .£5255 Increase ... 923, amount £3517 In 1892, Money Orders paid numbered ... 261, amount £968 In 1991, Money Orders paid numbered ... 512, amount £2Oll Increase ... 251, amount AlloS In 1892 the Savings Bank accounts opened numbered ... ■■■ 78 In 1901 the Savings Bank account; opened numbered ... ... Bin Increase ... ... 57 lu 1802 the Savings Bank accounts dosed numbered ... 38 In 1901 the Savings Bank accounts closed numbered ... ... 1-8 Increase 10 in 1892 flu* umilder of Savings Bauk deposits were ... 404 Iu 1901 the number of Savings Bank deposits were ... ... 769 Increase ... ... 365 In 1592 the numherof withdrawals were ... ... ... 135 In 19m 1 the number of withdrawals were 286 Increase 116 In 1892 the amount of deposits was £3769 In 1901 tile amount of deposits whs SAIiiMJ Increase ... £5817 1n.1892 the amount of withdrawals , was ... ... ... »185-1 Iu 1901 the amount of withdrawals was £5321 Increase ... ••• ~ 3-158 In 1892 total number of telegrams tie dt with, all Cades ... 3452, value -3125 In 19ul total number of telegrams dealt wuh, ali codes ... 8198, value £393 Increase ... 5016, v.-uue .£7B The history given in these returns were interesting. 'There was no better evidence oi the state oi a community than the post office returns. The railway returns were a good indication, but they did not go so thoroughly into details as those of the post office and the savings name. Sir Joseph spoke of the prosperity of the district, and the great future beiore it, and as time went on they would be commemorating anotner Postmaster-General's visit to Temuka, when he came to mark the extension of the bunding on the occasion of a couple of additional storeys being put ou to it. The experience of the Department had teen that where they thought they had made provision when building for 15 or 20 years they had in the course of a year or two been compelled to go in lor additions and extensions ; such war, the growth of the traffic. In New Zealand the post oflices were used in many directions, and lor many purpores that was not the custom in other countries. The speaker took opportunity to refer io the hearty Maori welcome that had been extended. The Maoris were a great race, and a noble specimen of manhood. They had never been beaten in warfare in their own country. It was not so long ago that they had signed the treaty of Waitangi, when they gave up many of tneir old ideas and customs to mingle with their Pakcha friends. He thanked those present for their demonstrations. Some of their race were with the Right Hon. the Premier, from whom he had just received a cable in wiuen Mr Seddon stated that he had arrived at London and had been met by members of the Imperial Cabinet and had had a splendid reception. (Applause). Sir Joseph then expressed the satisfaction given the Government by the manner in which Mr Palliser had carried out his contract, and

He proceeded to lay the commemoration si one First a bottle was placer in a receptacle prepared for it. This was cemented over, and lac stone lowered ou to it. The contents of the bcttle were :—A number of coins placed in it by the mayor These consisted of id, id, 3d, fid, Is, 2s ?s 6d Stumps were also end i-»oo and were id, Id, ltd, 2id, 3d, Id, sd, fid, Bd, 9d, and Is. The other contents were :—A public service envelope, a tuegraph form and envelope. a conv of Saturday’s “ Temuka Leader,” * ana a parchment hearing the wording and signatures attached: TEMUKA POST OFFICE. Memorial Stone. Laid 16th June, 1902.

This stone was laid to commemorate the erection of the new post ollice at Temuka on the 16th day of June, 1902, in the presence of a large number of residents, including the undersigned, who have subscribed to the cost of the same :

P. P. White, postmaster ; W. W. Bateman, letter-carrier ; W. Drake, cadet; J. M. Gray, messenger ; J. E. Ackroyd, farmer ; W. G. Aspinall, solicitor ; G-. Davcy, carrier ; J. Petrie, carpenter ; W. Petrie, carpenter ; F. Palliser, contractor ; 1. C. Palliser, plasterer ; E. Palliser, plasterer; D. Seaton, labourer ;_G. Levens, veterinary surgeon; W. Hopkinson, agent ; Major Hayhurst, mayor; Hon. J. M. Twomey, ivI.L.G.; L. E. Johnson, journalist ; J. Barnbridge, printer ; W. H. Brown, banker • J. Nash, hotelkeeper ; P. Loixa hotelkeeper ; T. Buxton, merchant ; W. Hillier, statioumaster ; W. Ghestermau, porter ; A. Story, stablekceper ; W. Kennedy, farmer ; Job Brown, merchant ; K. Edgar, farmer ; J - Bly th, timber merchant , D. Henry, blacksmith ; P. Lyons, hotelkeeper; Jas. Hay, solicitor; D. Taylor, senr., merchant; G. Freddy, machine owner ; T. G. Farnie, solicitor ; C. Bates, painter , J Sim, jeweller ; J. A. McGaskill, baker ; J. L. Potter, clerk of works; Dan McGaskill, wool scourer ; M. .Gaffaney, farmer ; W. H. Carl, chemist ;DrJ. S. Hayes, M.D. ; Gillespie, constable ; Mrs J. h.Mer, hoarding-house keeper ; W. G. Koui.ston, draper ; E. Guttcn, town clerk; M. McLeod, head teacher ; H. M. Allies, draper ; J . H. Andersen, baker ; W. Jeffries, accountant ; J bHardey, grocer ; C. Story, iatnmr , F. R :Zlatman, M.H.R. ; Rees 1 nomas, farmer ; J. Talbot, J-P-, chairman of County Council ; O. A. wraj, S.M. ; James Palliser, builder ; l . Cassidy, constable ; J. Petrie, carpenter.

At the conclusion of this ceremony Sir Josepa made a few more remarks He spok a highly of the service ■:eudered Temuka by Messrs Hatman and Twomey, who worked snoul ler to shoulder for the advancement <-i the district. -If any of the girls m boys present,’' the speaker went on to ScV “ remove this stone and ia. ;e away that which has been placed under it, I will have to send them >.p to Wellington as representatives or Temuka." f 1 aughter.) Sir I'sepn then declared the stone v.tli -yCI truly laid, and added and firmey, too. Nothing will move it short 'A an earthquake, which would have to .shake the whole blessed place to glory first. (Laughter, applause, and cheers).

Mr Twomey was the next person called on to address the assemblage. He said it was his intention to say two or three words only, and he intended to confine himself to the conflict of opinion that had raged as to the most suitable site for the post office, and explain his action in the matter. He thought there was none who would now say the building was not in the right place. Visitors by road from Timaru on arriving at Temuka had to pass the handsome edifice, and this gave them a good impression of the place. Then again, those leaving for that town had to pass the post office the last thing leaving Temuka, and therefore they, too, would carry away a good impression of the township, and after all good impressions accounted for a great deal. But in addition to this the site chosen was by far the best in many other respects. (Hear, hear). He could not help thinking when Sir Joseph was reading the statistics dealing with the past, what great possibilities and hopes there were in the future for the district. (Applause).

Mr Flatman, .M.H.R., said he was pleased f.. suon a number had turned out to wivnesc tho opening ceremony, and the Postmaster <3-moral and -Acting Premier mus: be pleased at the reception accorded, whidi was of a hearty nature The speaker had been looki g forward for some tme to this visit of the Postmaster General’s, and had mapped out a scheme by which he (Mr Platmnu). hid hoped to h.avo lioku enabled to take Sir .To-oob all round the district ibis, m.never, in the present install ■■■ was impossible ; but tan speaker hoped to be able to do it yet. Already Sir Joseph Ward had .-a...gesied Eimt he shoal 1 b* asked to visit tho di.-trict ig.iu If Tenroka went in for tre ding all Uimsters as well as they did their present visitor there was a likelihood ot tneir having a Minister every mouth to see them. Mr Flagman expressed himself as pleased with tho handsome post, office. It iv is a monument of useluluess He was delighted with the immense strides thy dist.r cfc had ma le iu respect to pi ogress This was encouraging, and gave reason tor great hopes. He thanked Sir Joseph for his kind utterances, and trusted they worn deserved. With regard to the T-unika railway station Mr Flatumn said on this matter ho was jolly well sure no was not going to keep cool. It was a standing disgrace to tne township, if anyone, entered the. train at t he Bluff and .v anted to ,alight at Temuka, the only : ii.-t ruction nece-saty to he given them was iiiat rhov should get out at the shabbiest siation along the iine. They would u-d miss IViiimUu. with those dir■crions. Book j rue sial.ion on . Saturday morning, when j ; horn perliapo jOi* {.MScUfJIf *>»r j tim ; .min 'There was absolutely nmuioro j fi.r them to go out of the ram. If some- j tliin g substantial was nut give”, to ! eumka ; ’he speaker was afraid than* would b> j neither steep or re t for 'dr Joseph Ward. (Laughter ami applau-c). In' espeet l.o’rhe grievance given e'-oiv-s.-doii to V,y Mr Flatman -S.r Joseph s bid he, as Minister for Railways, bad. a .vi.rd or two to say. Do you know, lie a-ked. wlmt the re im-a i ‘ that til! now I'euiuka has br.ea neglected as ro a suitable , ,u. way station ? It is this: Until _ tool • ovei'iiuieti! reduce) tho fares tew of the ( i'emura residents travelled by th” railway -nice the redact.on, however, the people h oi -patronised the railway in misomely, and iiu'.v u wa-: fo-.nd tiiat the station which o t long ago Was ample for ivquiremell: s iod become all 'u.o Sui.'iU ’A litio he did not wish in any way to anticipate t he answer ic won i I give to 1 he depot aliou which be 0 lieved: was to wait on him later ou j 01 the day. still he Imped ro bn id do soon to j visit. !Vtuu M to lay tin* touini.iftmi .stone ot j a new railway station (Applause.) feince i -he reduction ‘■ ‘ railway trues represent a- 1 lions Hud b-eii made ail ov.-r tie; ■ o'Oljy for I new and eniarged niilw-iy stations This j was a. happy pose nm t”i* tl , Government | to be in, and it was just wh was wanted, j It sp i e columns as to til prosperity id i me couutay, and me success i cheap lares. | Sir Joseph teen said be anted Di sc prescot io e erci-B their lung , »ad be first c dic i for t U'l e i ’ll g «g cht't.l j for the New Zealand men iu Join h Africa I hose were . HstUv given ; an i s i were nh-.cy for the Mayor anil Cuimoidors.

The mayor cal Uni for thn,o cnoars for ir Ji.fi-jjfi : at mu’ winch uuve more for Lads’ Ward * and yet ago in tnwi) more for no" “ Young Ward.-.” A voice iu the omd c.il e-i lorche-us for the .Right Hon. i{, ,i. yeild.jU. iJi'O. 1 ::? were aiso given ;or ue ido l.l rir, aod .dessi's i woiuoy .-..1U i. * - uan, ami the gM.luring riiilia up with three cho-rs for Killy; Edward.

At the luvitiiUMti ot 2:r .1 >s :;>’i Ward. i,u; public wen? invite I to inspect the new •-likbugs, and for a couple o; hours the invitation "’.'l.- t • loo.i ‘nil :j lv.ini:.lgu oil.