THE HON. J. COLVIN.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1412, 12 April 1912, Page 6

THE HON. J. COLVIN.

ENTERTAINED AT A BANQUET. IBy Telegraph — Press Association.) Greytnouth, April 11. The Hon. Jas. Colvin, Minister for Minos 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 leading citizens of the town and district.- The Minister was heartily congratulated on his appointment, the opinion beins freely expressed that the selection of Mr. Colvin as Minister for Mines was a very wise and happy one. Mr. Colvin. in responding to the toast of his health, thanked the large gathering for the very cordial recepti in accorded him. It* had been said that the present Cabinet was a stop-nap. 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 J. G. Ward, who was'the ablest man in- the Dominion, and ho cs.-ni-ssed the opinion that before twelve months had passed Sir Joseph Ward would again be at the head of Affairs. The neople of the Dominion wanted Sir Joseph Ward. He was a man of cx-'ipnennl ability, and had a kind heart. Mr. Colvin said he strongly objected, to the calumny heaped on Sir Joseph Ward by the Opposition press. Sir Joseph Ward never ran after tho Labour memoirs, although Mr. Mnssey would give anything to be in nower even for five minutes. Fis chief had told him not to 'ouch on the party's policy at present. When that policy was decided it would be found to l-"> a sound and good one. The Hon. T. Mackenzie was very popular in -Hie farming communities, and would convH many when he went among them. He thanked his old West Coast friends for tho splendid reception. _ Cheer upon cheer was given for the Minister. " The Minister leaves in tho morning for

Kumara, to open, the Teremakau waterworks.