HON. G. FOWLDS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8175, 7 August 1906, Page 2

HON. G. FOWLDS.

MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND PUBLIC HEALTH.

Mr G. I-owlds lias just reached his majority as a New Zealandcr, for he came to Auckland in ISKS. H e was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, forty six K'ais ago, and before lie was very old—twenty two-he decided to exchange his native heath for the bouth African vedlt. H e landed at the Cape in i!>S:>, but three years here satisfied him - that he could better lus fortunes in a younger anc. He selected Auckland as his hunting ground, and found life there so happy that lie has remained there, ever since, lie developed a business •is a "clothier and outfitter." jJe took office as a school committeeman at Point Chevalier, and studied the needs of the Mount Albert district as a member of the road board. While he was attentive to his duties a layman, he did not neglect his chuich. lie was so strenuous in Ins devotion to the spiritual side of things that he was elected chairman of the Congregational Union. Indeed, he is at nutdi at home in a pulpit as 011 a platform.

Just oyer seven years ago, prior to - '" st l"s uninterrupted successes at the polls, the "Auckland •u gave the following- summary of his platform" "He advocated iclorm in electoral machinery; 'eduction of the breakfast table tax by an increased tax of ul in the. £ on land values; a central school in each of the large centres, where liffeient classes of study could be up; t,clmical education; un " in,mu,l '''ation by rail with Uellngton ; colonial scale of "aymcnt for teachers and civil so vams; popular decision of the licensing- question at the ballot box. He hoped »to see the orinciple uf tlio

referendum extended to all groat questions, and the Upper House abolishd. If elected, without being slave to any party, he would give a general support to the Liberal ■

Government. He had given no'' ' pledge to any party, lie would stand or fall by Liberal principles, ,'ted follow the party which would bring those principles into legislator" Those who have watched the career of Mr Eowlds consider that he has been scrupulously faithful to his pledges. He is an ardent single taxer, and needs little provocation to launch out on his pet theme. He loves the leasehold with an abiding love. One of his most memorable exploits was a mission with two other apostles, Messrs T. E. Tavlor and . G. Laurenson preaching leasehold through the length and breadth of the country.

CONGRATULATIONS TO 'HON Ml* McNAB. V

(rer Press Association.) DUNEDIN, August 6. At a meeting of the University Uuincil, 011 the motion of Mr T K s>>dey, A1.11.R., it was resolved that C t °" n^ u , tenders to th 0 Hon. iobert McNab its hearty congratulations on his being the first graduate of Otago University to attain Ministerial honours. At the Otago University he took the degree of M.A and LL.D, and took senior scholarship in mathematics of the University 0 f New Zealand.

ALLOTMENT OF DEPART- ' MENTS. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 6. The allocation of departments to" )e controlled by members, in addin ?. thoso embraced by their portfolios has been made as follows; land irnl • ' ase Pensions, Settlers pTr m< V aK) Advances * 2KS" T '"' '°™< -

Government Shig A£a2! ! UfC ' ***•* , i Cook