PUBLIC MEETING.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIX, Issue 2115, 13 November 1900, Page 5

PUBLIC MEETING.

A public meeting was held in the Town Hall on Saturday evening- to consider in what manner the opening ot road communication with Christchurch via Cheviot should be celebrated.

Mr Renner, who was voted to the chair, stated the object of the meeting and pointed out that by inviting the Premier to visit Kaikoura—the only County in the Colony, he understood, the Hon. Dr. Seddon was not personally acquainted with—the place would be brought under more notice. The intention was to ask other members ot Parliament, generally, and leading commercial men to visit Kaikoura at a time suitable to the Premier. Before asking for a proposition on the matter he moved ‘ That this meeting heartily congratulates the Hon Mr C. H. Mills. M.M.R., for Wairau, on his obtaining a portfolio in the Ministry.’ The Hon. Mr Mills had, to his knowledge, assisted in furthering Kaikoura’s welfare since he became Member for Wairau, and they could rely on it that Mr Mills would not be unmindful ot Kaikoura’s affairs, whenever opportunity offered, and that he would forward them so long as they did not clash with Colonial interests.

Mr Maxton heartily seconded the motion. There was no more deserving and no more worthy member of the House than the Representative of Wairau, and he (Mr Maxton) rejoiced to know that that gentleman’s services to the Liberal cause had at length obtained recognition. He had known Mr Mills tor a life time, and had always found him an ardent supporter ot measures calculated to benefit the people.

Mr Walter Gibson cordially supported the motion. He, too, had known the Hon. Mr Mills lor many years, more intimately from the time they sat together in the Marlborough Provincial Council. The new Al mister was a warm advocate ot Lund Settlement, and it would have been fitting bad he been appoiuteu Minister ot Lands in succession to lhe Hon. John McKenzie. Mr Gibson further eulogised the public services of the Hon. Mr Mills.

The motion was carried with prolonged applause.

Mr Gibson moved : * That this meeting respectfully requests the Premier to visit Kaikoura as soon as he conveniently cun to formally open the Kaikoura Cheviot section ot the mam trunk road.’ Mr Gibson said that the Liberals of Kaikoura desired to meet the Premier m their midst. They believed that his health would benefit by a visit to what Mr John Tmlme had very happily designated ‘The Bcarborough ol New Zealand,’ where the Right Honorable gentleman would also see some beautiful Alpine scenery, diversified with charming sea scapes, m the midst ot all ut which they had some ol the finest agricultural ana pastoral land m lhe Colony. The majority ot the people ot Kaikoura were very backwaru in utilising the natural advantages they possessed, out development would come from opening up communication and freer intercourse with those outside. -He lelt assmed that weie the Premier to visit Kaikoura a number ol Members of both Houses would also do so, bringing friends with them, leading to the advantages ot Kaikoura as a health resort being more widely known. Mr Keenan seconded the motion.

The Chairman said that it was also intended to invite other members ot the Ministry, members ot Parliament generally, and leading commercial and public men in lhe North and South.

The motion was carried amid applause. Mr Gibson moved thut the Member for Ashley be now invited, and that the invitation to the Premier be sent through Mr Meredith, beconaed by Mr Barrett and carried.

It was decided to await replies from Mr Meredith and the Premier before issuing the invitations suggested in the Chairman’s remarks.

Th» Uhairmaa moved, and Mr G<

Smith seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to Messrs Walter Gibson and John Howard, representatives of the Settlers’ Association, for their services and efforts in support of the petition to the Minister of Lands entrusted to them. Their mission had already borne some fruit, and it would ultimately result in the Waipapa country being thrown open. Mr Gibson in acknowledging the vote said that Mr Howard and he had done their best, in which Mr Meredith had kindly aided them to the utmost. It was, he admitted, pleasing to get thanks tor services rendered. His aim was the better uiilisaiion of Crown country, and emancipation of their young men from being mere ‘ hewers of wood and drawers of water,’ leading to increase ot Kaikoura’s products. When, at his instance, Mr McKeirew visited Kaikoura to inspect the Puhi and reported adversely upon its fitness for closer settlement he pointed out the absurdity ot that report and said that he hoped to live to see the day when the fallacy of it would be shown. That day bad arrived, and with it a lesson showing that local judgment was ot more value than that ol any official not competent to form a correct opinion through lack of knowledge regarding the country. Meeting closed with usual vote.

Times believes Wyndham succeeds Gerald Balfour as Becy. tor Ireland. Lord Cadogan consents to defer resignation of Lord Lieutenancy lor some months.

Further Ministerial appointments : Long, President ot Local Govt Board ; Gerald Baiiour, President ot Board of Trade; Wyndham, Chief becy. tor Irelanu ; Viscount Cranborue, Under Secy, lor Foreign Affairs; Lord Stanley, Financial Secy, to War Office; H. Arnold Foster, Financial &ecy. to War Office. Foster is a strong advocate ot naval and army reform. Wyndhams appointment is unpopular in Ireland. Fitly fishermen, forming first contingent ot Newionuolund Naval Reserve, are embarking aboard me warship Charybdis tor 6 mouth s cruise in West Indies. On occasion of inauguration of wireless telegraphy on board Ostend steamers, passengers representing the different nationalities were invited in mid-channel to send greetings to Marconi. A message on behalf of Australia was included. BERLIN, Nov 11 Two trains collided near Eranhiort, exploding gas reservoir in a carriage and firing compartment ; 8 persona burned to death, 30 others injured. CONSULTING OPTICIAN. Mr Ernest m. oaud: tern, 0.15.0. A., F. 8., M.C., who has lately returned alter six years’ special study in .England and Continent, may be consulted on all cases of defective eyesight. Daylight not necessary, artifical light being used. Doctors presciiptions prepared. Fees moderate. Consulting rooms, casuei st. W., Christchurch, over ..i. .'andsteiu, jeweller. S.bO to 1,2 to 6 daily.