MINISTERIAL VISIT.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 January 1921, Page 4

MINISTERIAL VISIT.

HON. J. G. COATES IN TARANAKI. A TRIP TO THE MOUNTAIN. The Hon. J. G. Coates, Mijrster for Public Works, spent Saturday in New Plymouth. Early in the morning he visited the Post Office and Government buildings, and then proceeded, in company with thi member for the district (Mr. S. G. Smith), the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson), the Borough Manager (Mr. F. T. Bellringer), and his secretary'(Mr, Aicken), to Pukekura Park, through which the party walked to ‘“Brooklands,” Mr. Newton King’s beautiful grounds, and thence to “Maranui,” adjoining. The party returhed to town at 11 o’clock, and deputations took up the next hour and a half, after which the Minister was taken by Mr. Newton King, chairman of the Harbor Board, to inspect the harbor and the works in progress there. After luncheon the Minister was the guest of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce on a trip to the mountain. A halt was made on the way at “Hapurunui,” Mr. C. H. Burgess’ picturesque summer retreat, and the mountain house was reached at 3.40, where, after an inspection of the houses and the commemorative obelisk, afternoon tea, daintily served, was partaken of. At its conclusion, the deputy-President of the Chamber (Mr. T. C. List) expressed the pleasure the visit of the Minister had given to the Chamber, and regret that it was so brief. Mr. Coates replied in appropriate and cordial terms, saying he was much impressed by what he had seen in Taranaki, which unquestionably was one of’the most fruitful and prosperous parts of the Dominion, and he hoped that later on he would have the opportunity of seeing more of it. The return was made via Egmont Road, the party arriving in New Plymouth at 6.30. Early yesterday morning the Minister, in company with Mr. W. T. Jennings, M.P. for Waitomo, journeyed to Awakino, meeting settlers at various points, and hearing their wants and grievances. The Minister stayed at Awakino last night, and goes on to Te Kuiti this evening, where he connects with the mail train for Auckland.