MINISTER'S VISIT

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1940, Page 4

MINISTER'S VISIT

welcome at stratford Although it was not the first visit that the Minister of Railways, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, had paid to Stratford, the ' town's welcome to him was none the less warm, said the Mayor, Mr. P. Thomson, in formally welcoming the Minister prior to his meeting the Taranaki Chambers of Commerce delegation in the borough council chambers yesterday morning. As Mayor he was pleased to see Ministerial visits made to the town, said Mr. Thomson, as they meant that the members of the Government were "au fait with the charms and values of the district. Mr. Thomson congratulated the_ Minister on the improvement shown in the railways working account, which suggested that his department was working in harmony. It was the first time that Mr. E. Casey had been welcomed to the town as general manager of the Railways Department. he said, though he had previously visited the town as assistant manager. He congratulated Mr. ^ Casey on attaining the important position he now held. Prior to the war Stratford had looked forward to being in a paramount position in railway business, but now realised that the original scheme of improvement envisaged could not be hoped for under the present circumstances. After the war, however, it was hoped that the whole scheme would be completed. "Mr. Sullivan cuts a swathe in this country, being Minister of Industries and Commerce, a ;iob which is bigger and more highly important than ever, and on top of that he is Minister of Railways — many people do not realise what enormous responsibilities these posts involve." said Mr. W. J. Polson, in adding his tribute. The Chamber of Commerce speakers also prefaced their remarks with words of welcome. Replying, the Minister and Mr. Casey both expressed gratitude at_ the sentiments expressed by the various speakers.