Ministerial Visits.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLV, Issue 258, 16 December 1903, Page 4

Ministerial Visits.

THE PREMIER. Mr Seddon arrived V>y the Takapuna yesterday and proceeded South by the mail train. He was met by Jit- R. Cock (the Mayor) and other local gentlemen, with whom the Minister held short interviews on various matters. EDUCATIONAIj MATTERS.

Messrs E. G. AUsworth (chairman) A. Wade (mem'ber) and 11.I 1 . S. AV'hitcombV; (secretary) on behalf of the Education Board met Mr Seddon aind discussed several matters regarding educational affairs in Tarairaki. After the deputation had expressed regret at tile relinquishing by the Hon. W. C. Walker of Uhe charge of the Education Department, and emphasising tile friendly relations that had always existed between the Board and the ex-Minister, business was proceeded with. In a reply to a request that he should exercise the power he possessed to pay an additional 1/3 per child capitation, the Minister admitted he had t/'he power, but the necessary money had lirst to be appropriated by rjarljfament. However, he promised to give the matter his consideration, and also promised that there should be no repetition of delays that had occurred on the part of the Department in forwarding moneys for works already sanctioned an-d for which the Board had paid on completion. Regarding the Ihi tiding -grant Mr Seddon said its amount had been fixed by a committee, of the House and allocated to the different districts on an attendance basis, consider a'.tyo'rt being also shown to districts where schools were built of wood. The Government could not make any alteration, hut in special cases it might deal with them on their merits. Other matters were discussed, and the deputation, which had tjeen introduced by Mr Jennings, M.H.R., withdrew.

SIR JOSEPH WARD. Sir Joseph Ward will arrive from Auckland by the Takapuna to-mor-row morning, proceeding immediately to Waitara by train. On arrival there he will receive deputations, and then drive to Urenui, where the opening of the'now post office and an adjournment for luncheon will occupy some time. The Ministerial party will return early in the afternoon to Waitara and le-aive at once (tor Wajnjganyu:, where Sir .J«seph Wand is due in the evening. Mr R. H. Pigott and several settlers of the district, assisted by Mr Jennings, M.H.R., are making the, arrangements for the function.