The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, APRIL 1o, 1901. MINISTERIAL VISIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 79, 10 April 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, APRIL 10, 1901. MINISTERIAL VISIT.

We have pleasure in joining in the welcome to this district extended to tko Minister for Lands, the Hon. Mr Duncan. His visit was, after all, rather a surprise ; he had been expected so often that when he really did come it was rather unexpected. Still, it is satisfactory to know that he has even paid tho district a short visit, and that he is likely to return to it for a more extensive tour when there is more time to spare. All the deputationising has not drawn from Mr Duncan much in the way of promises, but of this we can be assured that whatever he lias under taken will be carried out to the letter. Though he is sparing of promises, ho has the reputation of being a man who will exert himself to carry out even an implied promise. The fact that he will not bo able, to visit the Motu will be a disappointment to tho settlers there, but tho explanation given will satisfy a 1! reasonable people, and the sending of an expert like Mr Bartholomew is just what was wanted in regard to the question of timber. In the meantime Mr Duncan has given a distinct promise that where sufficient reason is shown the conditions will be relaxed in regard to the regulations as to the destruction of timber. In regard to matters generally, though Mr Duncan has been more noted for the homely advice ho has given than for the hopes he has held out of Government assistance in the development of the country, it is pleasing that he has made even such a short visit, as it will give him a clearer idea of the position of things when the district's claims are urged upon the Government by Mr Carrol'.