HON. GEO. FOWLDS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 359, 13 May 1911, Page 5

HON. GEO. FOWLDS.

VISIT TO TE KUITI. DEPUTATIONS TO MINISTER. The Hon. George Fowlds, M.P. (Minister of Education) reached Te Kuiti from Wanganui on Thursday morning, and was formally welcomed to the town by his Worship the Mayor, Mr James Buddie. Mr Fowlds said he was very pleased to avail himself of the opportunity to visit Te Kuiti, the present being his first visit since the town had begun to know itself. He thanked the Mayor for his cordial welcome. He had heard so much of the wants of the district in the matters of schools, roads and bridges, that he was almost afraid to come. It was very gratifying to him to know of the steady progress being made in that part of the country. The last time he came to the district there was only one white man living in Taumarunui. He had come thatday to take the opportunity of seeing Te Kuiti, and the following day would visit the site of the proposed new mental hospital. In the afternoon, in company with the Rev. R. Mitchell and the Mayor, Mr Fowlds inspected the school buildings and the site of the proposed extensions. Later, Mr Fowlds received two small deputations. The Mayor, representing the Borough Council, explained that since speaking to Mr Fowlds in the morning he had learned that there was no vote placed on the estimates last session for the Waiteti road so, he did not propose to trouble the Minister with the matter.

Messrs G. Elliott and Davis waited on the Minister with respect to trie building of the new school at Pio Pio.

Mr Elliott detailed the various steps leading up to the present position, and said the average attendance had dropped from 59 to 43 as a result of the difficulties in providing proper accommodation. There were 47 children within three miles of Pio Pio not attending any school. He urged the Minister to press on the making of the grant before the winter so that they could get the building erected at once.

Mr Fowlds promised there should be no undue delay, but the title to the school site must be assured. He always gave precedence to outlying schools such as this.

Messrs F. H. Sims (President of the Chamber of Commerce) and F. Darrow, were introduced to Mr Fowlds by the Mayor as desiring to speak on a matter affecting passengers' comfort at the railway station.

Mr Sims said the refreshment room was very largely patronised, more particularly at night, and it would be a great convenience if the verandah was continued right to the end of the platform especially in wet weather. If he could see hi 3 way to recommend that it would be a great convenience to the travelling public The improvements effected had been to the satisfaction of the people generally. The Mayor added that the improvements were meeting with the unanimous approval of the public, and that was the only thing needed,. Mr Fowlds promised to have a look at the site and send a communication to the Minister of Railways.