MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2187, 11 May 1908, Page 2

MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS

THE PRIME MINISTER. the MINISTER FOR EDUCATION. (Press Association.) Tho Prime MhiVw ’ Sfed°‘in i ccoption in tiie evening. The liner dealt with the land question* pointing out the value of tho gradul ated land tax m breaking up Jar™ estates, tile National Endowment Bill providing funds for tho increasing purpose oi education, tho old-age pensions, Die Land Bill giving opportunity to all to settle on the land, the Native Land Bill opening up vast areas of unoccupied land. lie promises a corollary civil service and railway superannuation scheme for every worker, and iie strongly .commented upon the inability of England to allow colonial produce to enter except under unfavorable circumstauiSS He stated that tlio Government intended to amend tlio Arbitration and Conciliation Act. It had done good work in the past, which could not bo thrown aside. He outlined legislation on the part of the Cabinet by which Hie minority representative would he done away with, either by an Absolute Majority Bill or by a second ballot, lie strongly criticised those who declared the Government was going to pieces on account of divergent views. Tho expression at tiie opening of the Cabinet was a concrete expression of the whole. A hearty vote of thanks and confidence was passed amidst enthusiasm.

WESTPORT, May 10. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward arrived overland from Reefton by motor-car to-day. They left the car on the other side of the river at the Nine Mile, and crossed by a small boat, and drove into Westport. They were met at tiie punt by tho Mayor and others representative of the township. NAPIER, May 10. The Hon. Geo. Fowlds arrived in Napier from Hastings on Saturday evening. On Monday the Minister j will have a number of public matters ..J: brought before him by deputations, and later he will visit the hospital and schools. He will leave Napier on Tuesday.