AT PIO PIO.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 562, 26 April 1913, Page 5

AT PIO PIO.

The party left Aria at 3 o'clock, and arrived at Pio Pio about half-past four. As the coach drew up to the township it became apparent that the Prime Minister's visit was not to be neglected by our Maori friends. A strenuous Maori haka greeted the party, and when the strains of "Kamate" had died away they were superseeded by a ringing three times three by the crowd. The party immediately adjourned to the hall where an assemblage of about four hundred settlers from ali the surrounding districts had congregated. Mr J. Wall introduced Mr Massey, who was received with cheers, as was Mr G. K. Wilson, member for the district. Mr Massey's speech was on similar lines to his addresses at Ohura and Aria. He affirmed the principle of the Government constructing and metalling the main arterial roads, and promised the Government would do all that Was possible in that direction. He announced, as he had done at Aria, that the surplus for the year was £709,000, and this meant over £600,000 for the Public Works Fund. Mr Wilson thanked Mr Massey on behalf of the settlers for the address.

Messrs O'Dwyer and Berry, members of the Waitomo County Council, waited on the Prime Minister with respect to the main road, and received a favourable hearing.

Messrs OD'wyer and Elliott brought before Mr Ma?sey the matter of the Marioahuiao-Aria road, and received the reply that had been made by the Prime Minister at Aria. The journey was continued in Messrs Free and Go's, coach, and a halt for refreshments was made at Reigate farm, where Mr Wooderson entertained the party. Mr Wooderson brought before the Premier's notice the necessity for a school site in the neighbourhood, and Mr Ma3sey promised to interview the chairman of the Education Board concerning the matter, and enJeavour to meet the settlera' wishes.