Social to the Minister of Lands.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 322, 25 May 1894, Page 3

Social to the Minister of Lands.

(Per Press Association.) Palmebston 8., May 24. The " Social " giyen by the lady electors of Wnihemo in honour of the Hon J. McKenzie was very largely attended, and the proceedings were of an enthusiastic character, fully 350 people were present, of whom the half were ladies. The 41 social," which was remarkably well managed by the committee of ladies, took the form of a capitable light tea with plenty of choice fruit, and for the toasts temperance beverages and light wioes. Mrs W. Bobertson occupied the chair, and on her right the Minister of Lands and his wife and daughters were seated. Mrs Muir filled the vice chair, and was supported by the Premier and Mrs Sed» don. The Hon J. O. "Ward and Mrs Hutchison, Mclntosh, Morrison, Earn* chaw and Millar, M's.H.R., were aUo present. A cordial reception was given to the Premier, who responded to the toast of the Ministry, defending the Government against the accusations of rashness and wrong-headedness. He also referred to the serious financial difficulties in which many of the farmers of the country had become in* volved owing to the payment of heavy rates of interest, and said that something should be done for their relief. Bank returns were quoted to show that previous statements regarding the conduct of financial institutions had been verified, and he intimated that the matter would have to be dealt with by the Go vernment as oae affecting public interests The Hon J. G. Ward and other members of Parliament ako spoke.