THE PRIME MINISTER

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 797, 21 April 1910, Page 6

THE PRIME MINISTER

\ OPENING NEW BRIDGE. PROGRESS OF THE COUNTRY. AND MONEY. (Bj Telegraph.—Special CorresDonaenU Mangaweka, April 20. Sir Joseph Ward arrived at Mangaweka at noon to-day, en route to open the now bridge at Eaiwerawera. He was met at the station by the president and members of the local Chamber of Commerce, who extended a hearty welcome to him. The Prime Minister immediately left by coach for the Euahine district, where, upon his arrival, ho was accorded a flattering reception. Settlers were present from all parts of the district, and, as the coach drew up, cheers were given by the assemblage and school children, who were formed up on either side of the road. This was Sir Joseph's first visit to this portion of tho district, and he expressed great, pleasure at the splendid settlement and great prosperity everywhere apparent. At the opening ceremony of the bridge —a new structure over the Mangawharariki Stream, and which for the occasion had been gailed decorated with flags and devices' of welcome—Sir Joseph contrasted the appearance of the country to-day with that which obtained some sixteen years ago, when he was last in the district. The very interesting ceremony of opening the bridge in question was just another evidence of the progress of the settlement. He was glad to hear the statement, made by the member for Kangitikei, with which he was in accord, that it was important that Ministers of the Crown should' go through the country. It was of importance to them, and also the people of the backblocks, as well as to others that Ministers should see for themselves the requirements of the district, and also meet settlers and ascertain their wants. They found some fastidious persons saying that Ministers were trayelling too much, but .there was nothing of greater importance to the people of New Zealand tha nthsjt Ministers, wherever they could, should travel in ithe different parts fo the country. (Applause.) It was a matter for congratulation that the bridge, which he was about to open, was, in the first place, the outcome of the effort of some nineteen settlers. They had taken the initiative steps, and agreed 'to ' tax themselves, and the Government,,, desiring to help those who showed a willingness to help themselves, provided .£6OO touards the cost. He felt that he could not allou the opportunity to pass without extending his heartiest congratulation to those settlers. (Applause.) Where settlers were willing to help themselves they should receive practical support from the Government, whoever might be in power. (Loud applause.) The Prime Minister went on to refer to the fact that, if they wanted an indication of the esteem in which New Zealand way held by outside countries, one had only to look at what had taken place during the last few weeksi The Government required a large sum of money ot carry on the requirements of the country. The other day one of the Australian State.* raised a loan and obtained ,it at 96,' while New Zealand- came along and got a loan at 98—(applause)—thus showing that New Zealand stood well in the eyes of the financial world. (Hear, hear.) Speaking of the progress of the country, he emntioned that New Zealand to-day was sending out more wool than any one of tho Australian States, and the value of our exports now reached twenty millions a year. Eighteen months. ago all .classes of people had predicted financial distress, and had tried to make the Government and others believe that the bottom ' was dropping out of New Zealand. (Laughter.) But, happily, these predictions "were not realised. He did not believe in croakers. (Applause.) Mrs. Smith, wife of the member for Eangitikei, then cut the ribbon, and Sir Joseph declared the bridge opened, and was enthusiastically cheered. The Prime Minister was afterwards entertained' at luncheon. '

. After several deputations, with regard to loca lrequirements, had been dealt with, Sir Joseph returned to Mangaweka, and was 'banquetted in the evening by the residents of the township. : It should bo added that during his speech at the opening of the bridge, Sir Joseph mentioned that, in going over the country, he was struck with its wonderful progress On all sides.there was a decided upward tendency, and it was therefore gratifying that the tightness existing a short rime ago had disappeared The deposits of the banking institutions had incteased more than four millions, as compared with 12 months back, and there was a plentiful supply of money inside the Dominion. It was important to have plenty of money, and that it should be cheap v..