THE MINISTER FOR MINES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143764, 12 April 1912, Page 3

THE MINISTER FOR MINES.

ENTERTAINED AT- GEE YMOTJTH. Pe£ Press Association, GREVIviOOTH, ApriiiJ.l. Tli© Hon. *3 as,. Uoivin, Minister of -Milieu was euturtainect at a banquet evening. in honor of his first official yjsit to ,tho West Coast. The gathering was a - very enthusiastic one, a*d was attended by leading citizens of the town and district. The Minister was heartily congratulated on his appointment, an opinion being freely expressed that the selection of the Horn sii’. Colvin as Minister of Mines wae & very wise and happy one. to the toast of his health, thanked the large gathering for the very cordial reception accorded him. It had been said that the present Cabinet was a s t°P S a P> hut that was • not so. The •present Cabinet would remain in office and do good work. The Opposition press had attacked one of the best men in the; Dominion in the person of Sir J- C. Ward. Sir J, G. Ward was the ablest man in the Dominion, and he expressed tbe opinion that before twelve months* had passed Sir Joseph would again be at the head of affairs. The people cf the Dominion wanted Sir Joseph. He was a man of exceptional ability and had a kind heart. He strongly objected to the calumny heaped on Sir Joseph Ward by the Opposition press. Sir Joseph never ran after the Labour members. Mr, .Massey would give anything to be-in power, even for five minutes. His chief had told him not to touch on the party’s policy at present. When that policy was decided on it would be found to be a sound and good one. The Hob. T. Mackenzie" was very popular in the farming communities and would convert many when he went among them. He thanked his old West Coast friends for the splendid reception. Cheer upon cheer was given for the Minister. Mr. Colvin will leave in the morning for Kumara, to open the Teremakau ' waterworks.