THE MINISTERIAL VISIT

Kumara Times, Issue 2634, 14 February 1885, Page 2

THE MINISTERIAL VISIT

The Ministerial party left Ross yesterday morning for Hokitika, The Minister of Mines visited the Rimu workings en route. In the evening the Hon. Mr Stout, Premier, addressed a crowded audience at the Theatre, his subject being “ A Plea for the Study of Politics;” it was received with the greatest attention and applause. The Hon. W. J. M. Larnacb, Minister of Mines, at the request of the Mayor, then briefly addressed the meeting, chiefly on matters connected with mining. He spoke in high terms of the energy and industry of the miners, and promised us as far as he could, to give the mining industry fair play. At the conclusion a vote of thanks and confidence in the Ministry, moved by the County Chairman and seconded bv C. Malfroy, was carried with acclamation. A banquet was held at 10 p.m., in the Town Hall, Hokitika, at which about 120 gentlemen were present. The Ministers were enthusiastically received, and the proceedings were highly successful.

The Hon, the Premier is expected to arrive at the Kumara Borough boundary at six o’clock this afternoon. He will be met by members of the Borough Council and Reception Committee, and the Brass Band will play some lively airs on the march into town, _ The Minister of Mines, we und. rsliind, will not arrive till to-mor-row nr Monday morning. This evening the Premier will deliver a lecture at the Theatre Royal. On Monday the Ministers will visit the Hospital, schools, aud other public buildings, and the goldfields. In the afternoon the various deputations will be received. And in the evening the ball and banquet will be held. With regard to these it may be stated that it is not required that either ladies or gentlemen shall appear in full ball costume; we are given to understand that Ministers will be just as well pleased if ladies and gentlemen appear in evening dress, as plain and homely as possible.

The Premier of New South Wales and party had a narrow escape from a serious buggy accident during their trip to Wakitipu. Mr, Mrs, and Miss Stuart, with Mr Forrester, from New •tiouth Wales, were driving down a mountain gorge when one horse kicked, and both horses bolted down the road, which was narrow and dangerous. The vehicle swerved within 12 inches of the precipice. The driver lost his presence of mind and control of the horses, when Mr Forrester seized the reins and succeeded in guiding tin' horses to the bottom of the hill and stopping them. All the party returned to Queenstown on foot.