MINISTERIAL BANQUETING.

West Coast Times, 12 April 1912, Page 3

MINISTERIAL BANQUETING.

MR. COLVIN DENIES BELONGING TO STOP-GAP MINISTRY. '.PER PBESS ASSOCIATION.—COPY HIGH I GREYMOUTH, April .11. The Hon. James Colvin, Minister of Mines, was entertained at a banquet this evening in honour of his first official visit to the West Coast. The gathering was a very enthusiastic one, and was attended by the loading citizens of town and district.

Tlio Minister was heartily oongratlated on his appointment, opinion being freely expressed that tlio selection of the Hon. Mr. Colvin, ns Minister of ister of Mines, was a very wise and happy one. The Minister was heartily congratulated on his appointment, opinion being freely expressed that tlio selection of the Hon. Mr. Colvin, as Minister of Mines, was a very wise and happy. The Hon. James Colvin, in responding to the toast of his health, thanked the largo gathering for the very cordial reception accorded him. It had been said that the present Cabinet was a. “Stop-gap,” but 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 Joseph Ward. Mr. Cplviu expressed opinion that Sir Joseph was the ablest man in the Dominion and that before twelve months had passed, Sir Joseph would again he at the head of affairs. The people of the Dominion wanted Sir Joseph. He was a man of exceptional ability and had a kind heart. Mr. Colvin strongly objected to the calumny heaped on Sir Joseph Ward by the Opposition press. Sir Joseph never ran after the Labour Members, although 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 ho found to he a sound and good one. The Hon. T. McKenzie was very popular with the farming community and would convert many when he went among them. Mr. Colvin thanked his old West Coast friends for the splendid reception. Cheer upon cheer was given for the Minister. The Hon. James Colvin leaves Greymouth in the morning for Knmara, to open the Taramakau water works.