Prime Minister's Visit.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 460, 27 April 1912, Page 5

Prime Minister's Visit.

[ OPENS CORONATION LIBRARY. The Hon. T. Mackenzie, Prime Minister, arrived at Te Kuiti at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. The Ministerial party was met at the railway station by the Mayor (Mr J. Boddie) and Councillors of Te Kuiti Borough Council, and proceeded at once to the Municipal Chamber. A large crowd assembled to witness the opening ceremony of the Coronation Library, despite the fact that the weather was anything but favourable. Mr Boddie, in introducing the Prime Minister, referred to th« fact that this was the second occasion upon which Mr Mackenzie had visited Te Kuiti. On behalf of the Borough and the citizens he extended the heartiest welcome.

Mr Mackenzie, who was received with applause, said he would take the hint and be brief. He congratulated the people upon the progress which was indicated on every hand, and was pleased to see "an iniquitous" Government was sometimes of use, as was shown by the assistance given towards the Coronation Library. He wished it every success and sincerely hoped it would prove of inestimable benefit to the people. Before proceeding to open the building he wished tu mention the fact that it was recognised Miss Melling had been a great influence in the library from its inception. He congratulated Miss Melling heartily on seeing such a successful issue to her labours.

Mr Boddie eulogised the work Miss Melling had perfurmed in the interests of the library and moved that a hparty vote of thanks be accorded her. Major Lusk, chairman of the Library Committee, seconded the motion and called for cheers, which were heartily given.

The Hon. W. D. S. Macdonald made a congratulatory sneech. He said he had always been a backblocker himself, and he was a member of a Government which would always do its share towards assisting the new districts.

The silver key was then handed to the Prime Minister by the Mayor, and the building was declared open.