Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 1906. THE PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3619, 3 March 1906, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 1906. THE PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT.

A visit from the Ministerial head to Foxton is so rare an occurrence that for the nonce, no matter of what political colour we may be, every resident in the district should pull amicably together for the purpose of instancing to the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon that we are rightfully in need of a fair share of Public money expenditure. We understand the school committee are working in the right direction, one member of which has expressed a hope that the Premier may be given an opportunity of gazing on our school children disporting themselves on the beach. For, if such were the case, there is no doubt but tV-t the Right Hon. gentleman \waul become more than favourably impressed with our beach, as a holiday resort, and possibly favour placing the mere small sum of money on the Estimates sufficient to construct the line of railway t the Heads. That such a line would be interest bearing and payable we have not the slightest doubt, and it only needs our member to keep persistently advocating its construction (for we know other district members of the legislature would lend their support) and the railway line will be an accomplished fact. There is nothing so striking as practical instances, and we therefore trust that the weather may be of the best, and the school committee successful, so that the Premier may observe for himself. It will, of course, be argued that .there are matters of much more importance to us than the Beach railway. Be that as it may, it behoves everybody to add their quota to urge requirements. Our Chamber of Commerce meet on Monday next, when they will probably draw up a list of necessary works to bring before the head of the Government. Notably amongst these, is the .want of increased wharf accommodation, which should not be lost sight of. Possibly-we may also be able to have a sum of bullion allocated to the establishment of flax-grading stores. These are also matters which the Chamber of Commerce should keep in mind, It seems to us ridiculous that such an establishment as a flax-grading store is not erected here. For millers to have to forward their product to VT'W.ington to be tested is unreasonable) and if the Premier’s visit is responsible for nothing else, we should certainly point out that fact to him. The many disadvantages of the present grading system have been clearly pointed out heretofore, and

it behoves those responsible to impress this on the mind of the Hon. Richard. We want a grading store in Foxton, and with the support of the Prime Minister we intend to have it, with resident graders to test the material. We have attended Council meetings and witnessed Borough Councillors become engulfed in a fog when attempting to glean the percentage ratio of money borrowed from Government Departments. It is quite possible the Right Hon. R. J. vSeddon will be able to supply information which will entice Councillors to adopt a borrowing policy for the purpose of carrying out much needed Borough works. Who knows ? Foxton’s wants seem to be of modest financial proportions. Still we will have to avail ourselves of the opportunity offered by the visit of the Premier, and strongly urge upon that gentleman the fact that we have been neglected. A little reasoning, a little energy, and a great deal of unity on the part of citizens will meet the case, and our advise is, “ Let all do a share ! ” The Right Hon. gentleman will be present at the banquet to be tendered to Mr J. Stevens, M.H.R., by his supporters of this end of the electorate, who were mainly responsible for the return of the Government candidate, and who wish to mark the esteem in which their member is held. May those drawing up the programme select our soundest spoken citizens to bring before the Minister bur requirements, and maw the affair not be 1 ‘ all beer and skittles,” but sound logic. Let us all pull together, and with all our might, to the ultimate advantage and progress of our _ district. We want public expenditure to further our interests, and at least we can make a concerted effort to obtain same. The fact that a rope works is to be established in our midst should also be noted. Probably some concession may be asked in connection with same. The Premier does not visit Foxton every week, and while he is here we should let him know we are alive to our own interests.