The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1912. A MINISTERIAL VISIT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 85, 9 April 1912, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1912. A MINISTERIAL VISIT.

The big social gathering in the Stratford Town Hall last night in honour of Mr. Joseph McCluggage, who at last election' stood in the Liberal interest for the, Stratford seat against Mr. J. 13. Hine, was an evidence of Mr. MeCluggage's high place in the Party's regard, and proof, also, that the good Liberals of the district are not to be outdone (even by the side to which victory in the battlefield went) in

their generosity and their acknowledgment of a good fight put up. Mr. McCluggage wa/3 also honoured greatly in the fact that the Premier and two other members of the new Cabinet found time to be present at the function, and to say many nice things regarding Mr. McCluggage. Even political opponents will allow that Mr. McCluggage deserves well, for he has been for many years a sterling settler and one who'has ever endeavoured to assist his fellow-man, and to extend the helpful hand whenever the opportunity came to him. Such opportunity comes often to such a man as Mr. McCluggage, and his personal kindness lias won him many staunch friends. He has ever been an unswerving supporter of Liberalism, and has voiced his faith freely and with no uncertain sound. That he, an untried man, put up a big fight is well known, and that he was defeated by so strong a sitting member as Mr. J. B. Hine was no disgrace. Therefore, it was meet that he should be honoured as he was last evening, and we congratulate him and those who arranged the function. Stratford, too, must hold to have been honoured in the fact that the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie made his first platform utterance since he was chosen as Premier in this town. Mr. Mackenzie's delivery was a good lighting speech, and he was well supported by his colleagues, the Hon. George Laurenson and the Hon. G. W. Russell. All are excellent platform speakers, arid we hope to find the promise fulfilled of an early visit from at least some of them, and an exposition of politics given; last night's function was frankly admitted to be more social than political, and policy was not put forth, except in very general terms. Taranaki is always glad to welcome the Hon. Mr. Mackenzie, and it must not be forgotten that he is not only Premier,, hut also that he is the Member for Egmont—Stratford's nearest neighbour, and the first Minister to hold a Taranaki seat since another Premier—Sir Harry Atkinson—represented Egmont some' twenty-two years ago.