MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 324, 25 January 1908, Page 2

MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS.

Per Press Association. Wellington, Last Js'ight. The Premier left at midnight in the Tutanekai for the West Const, which lias given rise to speculation as to the cause. It is generally understood the visit is in connection with mining troubles at YVestport, Init the nature of his intentions have not been disclosed. The lion. Mctiowan, when interviewed oil the subject, could give no infonuatio.i. and said lie did not know of liis own knowledge that Sir Joseph had gone to enquire into affairs at IJemiislon mines. Personally, he did not think the men were being badly treated. Ihey were dissatisfied, but in some eases did not appear to know exactly what tliey were dissatisfied about. [Yesterday it was announced Unit the Hon. .Mr -Millar had at the Premier's request, left Duncdin on short notice for the west Coast.] Wcstport, Last .Night. Although the oiijeet of the hurried visit of the Premier and the .Minister of Labor to YVestport has not been disclosed, it is understood to have reference to the Dennislon coaliniuers' dispute over the bank-to-bauk clause. The l>eiinjston .Millers' Union have been ill leguiar 'communication with the lion. .Mr. Millar regarding the dispute between the union and the YVestport Coal Company, aim it is to be presumed the company also has been in communication with > him. The union are preparing to bring ! their case before the law courts, and will commence proceedings in the "Warden's Court at Wcstport a fortniglit « hence, ill'. Curl is, branch manager ol the W cstport Coal Company, id unaware of any special reason wliy Ministe's should come to wcstport so hurriedly. So far as he kinows, the work is proceeding steadily. At Dewiiston, Mr. Foster, president ol the union, knows nothing of the particular Object of the Ministerial trip, although the committee has been advised ol the visit. H is suggested that any pressure that may have arisen comes from the directors >1 the company at Diuiedin. Oreyinouth, Last Night. The Hon. Mr. Millar arrived from Christchurch by special train last evening. The journey from Christchurch was accomplished under twelve hours, lae Premier is expected to. arrive at 2 o'clock in the morning by the Tutanekai, and the Minister o£ Marine will join him, and the party proceed to Wcstport. The reason for the hurried visit to the Coast is said to be in connection with the coalminers' dispute at Denniston, and an interview with the Miners' Union will be held at Westport to-morrow. The Hon. Mr. .Millar returns to Greyiuoutlf on Monday, and will inquire into Harbor .Board matters and inspect works now | under construction.