MINISTERIAL VISIT.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 November 1917, Page 5

MINISTERIAL VISIT.

IN AND ABOUT NEW PLYMOUTH. The Minister of Defence, Sir James Allen, and party, spent a busy day yesterday visiting various institutions and places of interest. In the morning Sir James Allen, accompanied by Messrs H. J. Okey, M.P., | D. Hutchen (chairman of the High School Board), 10. P. Webster and D'Arcv Robertson paid a visit to the Girls'* fiigh School, arriving at 9.30. The various rooms and classes and the grounds of the nchool were inspected, and the Minister pongratulated the principal (Miss Barr, M.A.), on the high efficiency attained. A. visit was later paid lo the girls' ■boai'ding establishment at Strandon, and the party then left for the defence office in the Coronation Hall, when the Minister discussed matters relating to the routine work of the district with Llou-tenant-Colonel McDonald and Lieutenant Crutch. At 10,30 the Minister and party, accompanied by Messrs M. Eraser (chairman), E. Holden (secretary) arid members of the board, proceeded to tho hospital and were conducted over the institution by tho medical superintendent (Dr. Walker) and the matron (Miss Campbell). H e chatted with the returned soldiers, and attended to small matters relating to pensions, etc. Dr. Leatham, radiologist, exhibited interesting X-ray plates allowing w%at had been accomplished in the treatment of soldiers and patients of the hospital. ; The Minister expressed pleasure at the work done in the interests of the returned men and the public generally. The party then visited the Old People's Home and spent a pleasant half hour chatting with the inmates and explaining difficulties, chiefly in regard to old age and veteran pensions that had cropped up. The Minister was very favorably impressed with the successful management of the metron. Mrs. Bayly. At the conclusion of the ceremony at the High School, the party proceeded to Mr. J. S. Connett'-? farm at Bell Block, arriving in opportune time to see the milking operations in full swing.