THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 17 September 1910, Page 2

THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION.

A BRIEF CALL AT LEVIN,

CORDIAL WELCOME.

The boys of the Training Farm, Weraroa, assembled at the Levin station yesterday afternoon, when the Hon. G. Fowlds, Minister of Education, passed through in the Auckland express on his wot to Auckland to join the boat for South Africa, where he is going as the representative of New Zealand to. tliie opening of the first Parliament of the Union of South Africa. Major G AI. Buiilinson, Third Wellington Battalion Junior Cadets, was in command of tho parade. Captain Eggleton and Lieut. Gasquoine had charge of the junior cadet corps in connection with the Training Fairim, and Sergeant Lett was in charge of the Boys' Brass Band. The parade was formed up facing the poroli of the station, with the cadets as a guard of honour. As the train steamed in the hand played a numi a ' rs - On alighting the Minister, who was accompanied by his private secretary (Mm Crow), was met by Afajor Burlinson, the (Mayor (Air B. 11. Gardener), and a number of representative citizens.

Major Burlinson, in welcoming the Minister, offered him a cordial welcome 011 behalf of himself, the staff and the boys, and said that they were glad to have the opjx>rtunity of wishing him God-speed on Ins way to South Africa. Tliey were glad to think Mr Fowlds was going to represent New Zealand ait the opening of the Union Parliament, because they realised that he had done so much .to advance the cause of education in this country. The consolidation of Australia'and of Canada, was now about to be followed by the consolidation of .South Africa. They .hoped that the Minister and those accompanying him would have a pleasant voyage, and that at 110 distant diate they would have the pleasure of welcoming him £•£ 1,1 Vin - (Applause.) The Mayor, 011 behalf of the townspeople, wished the honouiriable gentleman a safe voyage, and said they all knew_ that he had the welfare of the district and of the dominion at heart. (Applause.) The Minister of Education replied. _ Having expressed pleasii.ro at receiving the congratulations of those present, lie referred to the oUnect of his visit to South Africa and said that he was happy to think that lie had been allotted to carry a message of goodwill and greeting from bew Zealand to our fellowcitizens in that portion of the Empire. _ It seemed almost incredible that 111 such a short time after the war the country was about to' enjoy till© blessings of representative institutions, and he was sure 'South Africa, would prove to be one bf the most_ loyal parts of the Empire, livming to the hoys, 110 expressed the hope that while lie was away they would do their host to prosecute their studies, so that when ho returned he would be able to receive a good report about them. , IVo litle boys thou presented bouquets to .Air Fowlds, and in accepting them, the Minister warmly shook their ilia wis.

Tlie Mayor called for three hea.rtty clioers for Mr T'owlds, ami tliosc were Avar inly given. As the train steamed out of tlie station the boys raised «, hearty cheer, which Mr Fowlds acknowledged from the platform of tlie train.