Parliamentary Tour.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 367, 21 May 1903, Page 5

Parliamentary Tour.

THROUGH CENTRAL OTAGO.

Sir J. G. Ward, accompanied by a number of members of Parliament, passed through Alexandra on Thursday last ioaa visit of inspection to the country through which it is proposed {o Vdce the Otago Central Railway. The* following M.H.R.'s were included in the party :—Messrs T. E. Taylor, D*vey, Laurenson, Buddo, Tanner, Witty (Canterbury members), Millar, Bedford (Dunedin), A. L. D. Fraser (Napier), and J. Rennet (Tuapeka). Messrs R Gilkison and A Stronach representing the Railway League) also accompanied the party. At about 8 o'clock on Wednesday evening of last week, the party reached Clyde, having driven in the dark from CiomwelL Later on, a deputation waited on S.r Joseph Ward, urging upon him the necessity for completing the Otago Central Railway to Clyde. Messrs Naylor, Smart, Fache, Iversen, Sheehy, and Bodkin spoke in favour of the deputation's request. Sir Joseph Ward gave a reply similar to- that given to the Alexandra deputation. He thanked the people for tiie very cordial we'come extended to himself and the members of the party. . About 10 o'clock next morning, the party left for Alexandra, via Earnscleugh, being met by the Mayor of Alexandra (MrKelman)and a number of citizens. The Earnsc!eugh No. 3 dredge was visited, and the visitors were apparently much interested in the working of tUfcelectrical plant. A halt was made atMr Iversen's orchard, and here the visitors had an opportunity of seeing the excellent quality of ftuit that can be produced here, and they also had ocular demonstration of the value of irrigation. Mr Dawson's orchard was also visited, and, judging by the remarks passed, the party were extremely pleased with what they saw. Alexandra was reached about two o'clock, and lunch was partaken of at the Bendigo Hotel. The Mayor took $e opportunity of welcoming Sir J. G. Ward and the other members, Sir Joseph acknowledging the welcome in a neat speech. -—Alter lunch, a deputation from the Alexandra Branch of the Otago Central Railway League waited on Sir Joseph. Mr J Rivers (chairman) urged upon the Minister the claims of the district for railway communication, pointing out the severe handicap inflicted on the fruit-growing, mining and agricultural industries owing to the want of the railway. With the advent of the railway, people would be encouraged to go in for irrigation, which was all that was required to make this among the most highly productive in New Zealand.

Mr Kelman said he was of opinion that the mining industry was only in its infancy, and that by the use of up todate methods a long and prosperous future was ahead. He referred to the possibilities in the way of reefing, as the surrounding hills were known to contain reefs which only wanted capital to develop them. With regard to the fruit industry, quicker communication was the only thing wanted tc bring this to a high state of development. Mr Grimstone said a further argument in favor of pushiag on the railway was the increased passenger traffic ttiat was attracted to the line the farther it proceeded. It would be an advantage if the Minister could see his way to nave the speed of the trains accelerated, Y

Sir Joseph Ward, in reply, said the Government had devoted as much xoon«y to tbe Otago Central Railway as it was possible to obtain for that particular work. It was generally admitted that the Government had treated the line fairly, and, as they recognised the possibilities of the district, they intended to push on the line as fast as it was possible to do. They had no intention of stoppin| it. He referred to irrigation, and said he was gratified to learn what private enterprise had dme in this respect. The value of irrigation was evident from what they had seen that day—the prolific growth being simply marvellous and the quality of the fruit they had seen was not surpassed in the world, much less in New Zealand, The Government could not be expected to consider a comprehensive scheme of irrigation at present, but they were prepared to help the people in any way they could. In regard to reducing the time-table, he would consider the matter, but this was a very difficult thing to do A representing the Borough Council then waited on Sir Joseph Ward. The mayor (Mr J. Kelman) explained the difficulty that the Borough Council had experienced in providing a water-scheme, and he asked it were not possible to obtain from Government a subsidy of say £ISOO to supplement the £7OOO they had borrowed for the purpose. Other mining towns bad received assistance from Government, and he thought Alexandra had claims on their consideration.

Messrs Spencer and Ryan also spoke on the subject. Sir Joseph Ward said they would require to consult the Minister cf Mines, whose department would have to deal with the question. He would, however, consult his colleague, and if it could be shown that the circumstances justified a subsidy, no doubt the matter would receive favourable consideration. Mr James Rivers brought up the question regarding a request that had been made to Government to make the lower railway bridge over the Manuherikia so that it could be used for ordinary traffic Sir Joseph said this matter iequired very caieful consideration, as it would k ft tot? **t*U tbteg totuqrMli

He would, however, consult the Minister for Public Works, and see what could be done. Mr Kelman pointed out that the streets of the town were being much cut up owing to the heavy coal traffic that went over them from the neighbouring coalpits. He asked if .there would be any likelihood of Government granting a portion of the coal royalty for the maintenance of the streets. Sir Joseph s*id this matter should be brought before the Minister of Mines. He could not, however, hold out any hope of such a request being granted, as Government had never voted any money for the maintenance of streets. In reply to Mr Rivers, Sir Joseph said the rates on the Otago Central line were the same as on other lines in the Colony, except where competitive lines existed. The railway rates in New Zealand were among the cheapest in the world. Mr L. Ryan asked the Minister if the Government would consider the question of acquiring the Alexandra Bonanza Co.'e water-race, should the propexty become available. There was a considerable area of payablyauriferous ground which the race would command, and there would be also a considerable demand for the water for irrigation purposes. In reply, Sir Joseph said he would refer the matter to the Minister of Mines. Mr Bennet, M.H.R., who had introduced the deputations, thanked Sir Joseph for his courteous reception of the deputationists, who then withdrew.

A start for Ophir was made about four o'clock, hearty cheers being given as the party moved away. Messrs Howden and MoncriefFs nursery was visited, and here further evidence of the productiveness of the soil was forthcoming. Ophir was reached about 8 o'clock, after an uneventful drive in the dark, and dinner was partaken of at Mrs Donnelly's Hotel. AT OPHIR. After dinner, a meeting was held in the schoolhouse for the purpose ot presenting Sir Joseph Ward with an address of welcome. There was a crowded attendance,, and Mr B Flannery occupied the chair. The chairman expressed the pleasure he felt at seeing Sir Joseph among them, and he went on to refer to the legislation and reforms that had been introduced by him, and to the beneficial effect the operation of these had on the country generally. Dr M'llroy then read the following address:— "Sir Joseph G. Ward, K.CIM.G.—Dear Sir,—On behalf of the residents of Ophir, we, th« undeisigned, tender yon a haarty welcome on this the occasion of yonr first risit amongst us: In welcoming yon we beg also of your acceptance of our sincere congratulations on the honor, well-deserved, conferred on you by his Gracious Majesty Edward VII. We wish you also to accept our sincerest thanks for the benefits which we have derived as the outcome of your energetic efforts in the matters of postal, railway, and financial reforms. We can assure you that in these respects you have conferred a great boon upon us and people similarly situated, especially in the reduction of postal and railway rates. We efferyou this address as an indication of our sentiments towards you, and trust that your future will be one grand series of successes.— We are, yours respectfully,—B Flannery, C Gallagher, A J M'llroy, W Laidlaw. T Donnelly (Matakanui). W H'Breen, J Reilly (Ida Valley), J Wilson (Lauder), A Kinney (Chatto Creek)."

Sir Joseph, in replying, said he acknowledged very cordially indeed the kindly nature of the remarks in the address, the receipt of which to him had been an entirely unexpected pleasure. He thanked them for the kindly references made to the State departments, but in referring to these he did not intend to give anything in the way of a political address, as the time was inopportune. The speaker went on to refer to the progress made by the colony during the past ten years—the people of this country were indeed the most progressive in tbe world, and the democracy of New Zealand was the beet educated in the world. Let them look back over the past ten years and try to find out what difficulties had faced the Government in formulating the legislation whieh time had justified —it was easy now for those who were hypercritical to look back over the previously untrodden track and find fault. As a matter of fact every prediction that had been made by the opponents of the Government regarding the disastrous results that were to follow the reduction in the postal and telegraph charges, and in connection with the Advances to Settlers Scheme, had been falsified. When the postal returns were presented to Parliament next session they would show a year of progress such as had not been seen since New Zealand was New Zealand; while the revenue from stamps would be greater than had ever been the case before. And in regard to the Advances to Settlers Scheme, it was admitted, even by those who first opposed it, that the result had been a reduction in interest, the consequence of which was that the people had been assisted in opening up and developing the country. In connection with the railways, Sir Joseph stated that the extension of railways was the first plank in the Government's policy of developing the country, and that cheap fares and cheap freights were an essential thereto. He mentioned, evidently with much satisfaction, that the railway trafiic in New Zealand was carried at a lower rate than in any other colony south of the line, and he promised that when the Otago Central was completed to Opbir facilities would be afforded residents to visit the seaboard at as reasonable a rate as possible. New Zealand, with a population of only 800,000 people, provided conveniences «t n* a plfeiatfefi twv tfei a4alf

times as large. He for one believed that nothing could more readily help to develop the country than a policy of railway development, and that it would be suicidal and would hamper all the colony's industries to suddenly stop the public works policy. Keferring to the Otago Central Railway construction, Sir Joseph mentioned that the public appropriation for the past three years had been at the rate of £IOO,OOO per annum. There was nothing of a political nature associated with his present visit of inspection, and it was a matter of regret that an innuendo had been thrown out from Christchurch that banqueting and speechifying haa oeen associated with the trip, and that two or three wiseacres who had remained behind might feel called on to pay a visit later to get the enlightenment that would not result from the present trip. He wished to state that the sole object of those Canterbury members now with him was to get a practical insight into the land in Central Otago which the line would open up. .In conclusion, Sir Joseph said that, while the country passed through during the last forty-eight hours was not of the same richness as the agricultural land which existed in more favored parts of the colony, he was satisfied that with irrigation it would produce cereals and fruit second to no other part of the colony, and that with the change which generally followed after the mining industry had been driven out, settlement of a fixed character would result.

Sir Joseph resumed his seat amidst a storm of applause. Called upon by Sir J G Ward, Mr G Laurenson, M.H.R., expressed his pleasure at having met during his trip so many old pioneers, and when he realised the difficulties and dangers they had overcome he was filled with admiration at their pluck. After what he had seen, he quite believed it was a right and a proper thing that the people in this part of the Colony should have a railway. And now that the Otago Central railway had been carried so far it was the duty of Parliament to carry it to a paying point. In his opinion that paying point had not yet been reached. He had previously heard stories of what Central Otago could produce, but after what he had seen that day he could only say, in the words of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, " that the half hath not been told."—(Applause). Mr H D Bedford, M.H.R.,said that as an Otago member he had the interests of this district at heart; and the prosperity of Dunedin depended to a great extent on the prosperity of this district. The trip had been an eye-opener to him, and with a system of irrigation he believed that —to. quote Scripture—the district could be made a veritable Garden of Eden.

Mr A L D Fraser, M.H.R., in a happy speech, said that he was very grateful for the courtesy that had been extended to the party during their tiip, which was a distinctly business one, the object being to spy out the country and look into the requirements of the people. He had seen much that had impressed him, but it would be rank impertinence on his part to at present express an opinion as to what shouldbe done in the best interests of the country. He would assure them, however, that when he took his place in the House, and any question arose concerning the residents of Central Otago their interests would be his.— (Loud applause). Mr Buddo, M.HR., saM he had heard a good deal about the garden wall; but instead of coming in by the front gate they had come in by the back entrance —just to see how things looked. He drew humorous comparisons between potatoes he had seen at Clyde—"about the diameter of this table " —and those grown in Canterbury ; and concluded by saying that in the efforts of the people of Central Otago to better themselves, they would have his sympathy as far as he could do so.

Mr Davey, M.H.R., in the course of bis remarks, said that anything he had to say about the Otago Central Railway would be said in Parliament. He referred to the fact that certain Otago members had adversely critised the Midland Railway, and he was understood to say that in this respect less antagonism should be shown between the members of respective provincial districts.

Mr "Witty, M.H.R., began by saying that the fruit and hospitality of Central Otago were unequalled in New Zealand. Regarding what he had seen, he fancied the country had been made in a hurry. But it could be improved; all they wanted to do was to mix water with the soil. Some of the gardens he had seen that day would be a credit to —even Christchurch. Regarding the prevalence of tbe rabbit pest he said he had not seen a rabbit—well, for the last three hours (it was then about 10 p.m.). Concluding, he said, in reference to the railway, that he advised them to agitate. If they did not get it then, agitate some more; and, if not then successful, to keep on agitating. Mr Bennet, M.H.R., said that he was sure that the members of the party had seen enough to warrant them in supporting the claims of the railway. He compared the present prosperous state of the country through which the railway now passed with what it was 30 years ago, and he believed that when the railway was completed it would be one of the best paying in the Colony. He believed it was the intention of the Government to carry the railway on to Clyde with the least possible delay. Mr J Ewing proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Sir Joseph Ward »nd the other members of the party. The vote was carried by acclamation, and Sir Joseph Ward returned thanks in a chftti&ttetfiticalty happy speech.

SOCIAL TO MR BENNET.

After the meeting in the schoolhouse, an adjournment was made to Donnelly's Hotel, where a social was held in honor of Mr James Bennet. Mr B Flannery presided. After the usual loyal toast had been duly honored, the toast of "The Visitors" was enthusiastically responded to. The toast was replied to by Sir Joseph Ward, and Messrs Buddo, Laurenson, Witty, Fraser, Millar, Davey, and Bedford. Sir Joseph and all the old members of the House paid a righ tribute to Mr Bonnet's sincerity, energy, and usefulness as a member, and to his popularity in the House.

The toast of "The Guest of the Evening" was proposed by Mr John Wilson, who said the pleasing duty devolved upon him of asking Mr Bennet's acceptance of an illuminated address and a suitably-inscribed gold-mounted walking stick, as a slight recognition of the valuable services rendered by Mr Bennet while he had represented that portion of the district in Parliament. The speaker explained that it had been intended to present the address before the recent election, but Mr Bennet had been unable to visit Ophir at that time. The address read asfollcws:— ' To Jas. Bennet, M H.R.

Dear Sir,—We, the undersigned, on behalf of the residents of Ophir, Ida Valley and Matakanui, on the occasion of the severance of your connection with this part of the electorate, which is now merged in that of Mt Ida, most respectfully tender you our sincere thanks for the many services rendered by you to the district during the time you represented Tuapeka. We hope that you may again be returned as a member of the House of Representatives at the coming general election, and that you may be long spared to assist in legislating for the Colony. We hope you will accept the accompanying souvenir as a slight mark of the esteem in which you are held by the residents of the above districts.—We remain, very respectfully yours.—B Flannery, J Wilson (Ophir), A Kinney (Chatto Oreek), Will Laidlaw, W Wall (Matakanui), John Noone (Ida Valley)." Mr Bennet, in reply, thanked them for their very handsome gifts, which would be handed down as heirlooms in his family. He regretted not Having visited them sooner, but he explained that the reason of the delay was principally owing to the fact that he wanted to get Sir Joseph Ward to visit the district at the same time as himself. This, as they would see, he had succeeded in doing. Referring to the visit of the other members, Mr Bennet said he felt sure that after what they had seen, they would assist the people of Central Otago to get their legitimate requirements. During the time he had represented that portion of the district, he had endeavored to do the best he could for his constituents, and he believed he had been fairly successful ; and, although not now representing them, he assured them that anything their present member (Mr Herdman) brought down for the good of the district or the welfare of the Colony, would have his hearty support.—(Applause). Regarding the railway, he assured them that the Minister of Public Works had no intention of stopping" it, and when the line was finished he (the speaker) believed it would be one of the best-paying in the Colony. He believed that the road through Thomson's Gorge should be completed, as this roal would be of much benefit to settlers in the Hawea district. The toast of the "New Zealand Parliament" was proposed by Mr John Ewing, who referred to the beneficial legislation passed by the present Government.

In the course of his reply, Sir Joseph Ward said that New Zealand was in the unique position of being the one colony south of the line that had a balance of £300,000 on the right side of the ledger at the end of the financial year.

A song by Sir J 6 Ward brought to a close a most enthusiastic and enjoyable function.

Early next morning, the party left for Dunedin, via the Otago Central Railway.