VISIT TO KAITANGATA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 18 August 1909, Page 33

VISIT TO KAITANGATA.

Mr M'Kenzie arrived at Kaitangata' at 6 o'clock. He was met at the station by the Mayor (Mr Poole), Mr Yates (ex•Mayor), Mr Clements (town clerk), Crs 'Hunter, Espie, Aitchison, and Carson. 'Mr James Allen, M.P., joined the Ministerial party at Stirling. The Mayor conducted the party to the Bridge Hotel, where, after the Minister had succeeded in divesting himself of some outward and visible signs of his visit to Catlins. there was a formal reception. Mr Poole said that on behalf of the people of Kaitangata he had great pleasure in extending a hearty welcome to Mr M'Kenzie. They were specially honoured on this occasion inasmuch as the Minister had brought his good lady with him/ and* to her also he extended a warm welcomed ' He thought it was the 'duty of Ministers and public men to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the various parts of the country,' Be had tjo special .matter to bring under the Minister^ &■ noticV'on "she present occasionHe had nb doubt that their worthy member (Mr Allen) would show, the Minister round the town and district on the following flay, " .. He hoped the Minister would enjoy this his first visit to Kaitangata.. The Minister's health was duly honoured.

The Hon. Mr M'Kenzie thanked the Mayoi*- for the warn! , welcome extended to himself and Mrs M'Kenzie. He was a representative of the mining community himself, and as Minister of Mines he had come to see Kaitangata. He agreed with the Mayor's remarks that Ministers should make themselves 1 personally ac*quainted with the' different parts of the country and- get first-hand knowledge of matters' coming before them. At 'the sam.e time there was a complaint that Ministers travelled about too much. Mr Allen was not one oi those who so complained. It was desirable that Ministers and members of Parliament should become personally acquainted with all parts of the ' country ; in . fact, as a private member, he had advocated that nev; members of Parliament should spend the first year in travelling over the country. 'He thanked them again for -their welcome.

The Mayor then entertained the party, numbering a dozen, at dinner, the host and hostess providing a spread that did credit to them, and proving that so far as the Bridge Hotel is concerned nolicenee has hatl no detrimental effect in that respect. During the evening Mr Allen introduce^ a deputation on Miners' Union business. iTfye business, was of a private character.