THE PRIME MINISTER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9914, 1 August 1910, Page 1

THE PRIME MINISTER.

[Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, July 31. Sir Joseph Ward arrived here this morning to attend tho funeral of the late Mr F. E.'Baume. He will receive a deputation from racing and trotting clubs to-morrow *with reference to the totalisator. In an interview he said that tho progress of the session was most satisfactory. He expected that tlie Financial debate would conclude before the end of this week and then the way will be clear for other important business. He said that it was too soon yet to forecast the duration of the session, but the House was expected to sit till at least the endi of October. Regarding advances to local bodies, he stated that since the new scheme oa-me into operation, in February last, barely six montli3 ago, between £850,000 and £1,000.000 had beon granted in. loans. There was, be said, ample money for all requirements, provided the security offered was satisfactory. Under the old system the total amount available for all local bodies in the country did not exceed about £IBO,OOO a year. Sir Joseph Ward will lay the foundation stone of the mew post office tomorrow and, return to Wellington, "by to-morrow evening's express.