MINISTERIAL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 271, 13 May 1912, Page 5

MINISTERIAL

A TALK OT FAIRLIE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Timaru, Last Night. About 150 persons, including some ladies, attended the social to the Hon'. T. Buxton at I'airlie on Friday evening. The Prime Minister was present, having motored from Palmerston. Mr. F. R. Gillingham, chairman of the County Council and the South Canterbury Hospital Board, presided. Both Ministers had a most cordial reception, and the meeting was enthusiastic thro-nrliu'it. The chairman presented Mr. Buxton with an illuminated address of appreciation as a member, and congratulation as a Minister, and in his remarks praised Mr. Buxton highly for his attention to local affairs in the past. He said that he believed he would prove a capable Minister. Reference was made to the recent progress of the Fairlie district through a closer settlement policy. In his reply Mr. Buxton said that he was trying to get other local large estates dealt with. The chairman spoke of the Local Government Bill, and condemned it roundly, its centralis;;:'.- principle being a great mistake. M". Mackenzie, in his reply, said that a l' : il had long been asked for, and local bodic; were being asked to say what sort of Bill they wanted. Speaking of agriculture, the Prime Minister said that the Government were importing another first-class dairy instructor, and also a dairying chemist to instruct people how to make the best of the byproducts. Both Ministers dealt with the party question to some extent. Mr. Buxton protested against the Opposition saying that the present Ministry had no right to carry on. They had a majority and a head likely to do better work than Mr. Massey was capable of. Mr. Mackenzie complained of the Opposition's attempt to belittle him, as he had done nothing to deserve such attacks. The Cabinet was determined to do good work if given a chance. He asked to be given that chance. The alternative would not be Mr. Massey, whom he likened to Moses, who never reached the promised land. Personally, he would not care if he was relegated to private life. He might then be able to make a little money, which a Minister could not do.