HON. J. G WARD.

Waikato Argus, Volume IX, Issue 826, 10 December 1900, Page 2

HON. J. G WARD.

AT HAMILTON. Hon. J. G. Waup. Minister of Railways, arrived at Hamilton by spec ; al train on Saturday at 4 o'clock. He was accompanied by Messrs J'\ W. Lang, momber for Waikato ; Jackson Palmer, member for Ohiueniuri; Ronayne, General Manager of Railways ; Coom, En-gineer-iu-Chief; Donne, District Tra ffic Manager; Bias, District Engineer ; McDonald, Locomotive Superintendent ; Wi'son, Private Secretary and others. On arrival the Minister was met by the Mayor (Mr George Edgccumbe), and Crs. Dyer, Bright, Bond, Davey and Manning, and Messrs W. Dey (Chairman), and A. Primrose, of the Waikato Hospital Board. The Minister was introduced by Mr Laug, aud the party proceeded to the Borough Council Chambers, where deputations were received. The first was from the Waikato Hospital Board aud consisted of Messrs D?y and Primrose, in introducing whom Mr Lang said that they wished to lay before Mr Ward the position of the Hospital Board with respect to patients from the King Country and Kawhia, neither of which districts contributed towards the Board's revenue. In speaking on this matter Mr *Dey pointed out that the question was a serious one to the local Hospital Board, as the average number of patients from these districts was 35, '?of whom about five only paid for their treatment, As Mr Ward knew the Counties Act was not in operation iu either distiict,' and consequently they did not contribute towards the Board's revenue, and it was decided to ask the Government to do something in the matter, either to bring the Act into force so us to make the districts contribute in that way, or in the absence of local taxation that the Government shouldlcontribute. When the earlier railway works were, being carried out under the contract system, the contractors established a fund from which payments were made for the treatment of patients from the works, but since the co-operative system had been introduced nothing had been paid. Mr Primrose said the Board some time ago had endeavoured to get the Counties Act brought in in the Kawhia County, bo as to make them a contributing body, but had failed ; but that would not cover the case now, as the majority of the patients came from the railway works in the King Country. Mr Ward said he supposed any contribution from the Government would cover Maoris as well as Europeans. The King Country at the present time was in an unique position in many respects, and this was one of them. He would diacuss the question with the Minister in charge of the Department and see if anything could be done in the way of a contribution. For his part he thought it would be difficult to make the charitable aid rate apply to the King Country, but he thought the Hospital Board should cet some assistance, though at the moment he did not seo how it could be done. Mr Dey pointed out that the Board was in the same position in regard to patients from Rotorua, from which place they had a good many patients during the summer, mostly fever cases, which were very expensive in treatment. Mr Ward said he would lay the matter before the Minister and have it looked into, and the Minister would reply to the Board direct. Mr Dey thanked Mr Ward and withdrew. The next deputation was from the Borough Council, and in opening His Worship the Mayor (MrG. Edgecumbe) asked Mr Ward if he had received a tetter, dated November 6th, dealing with the question of the re-establishment of the railway workshops at Frankton, the erection of cattle trucking yards at Hamilton Station, and the enlargement of the latter (station as they had received no reply thereto. • ~-. Mr Ward said he had no recollection of seeing the letter mentioned, but if ho had they would not have received more than a formal acknowledgement, as the matters referred to would take considerable looking into. His Worship the Mayor said these were the matters the Council wished to bring bpfore him, and he would deal with them seriatim. As Mr Ward would recollect, workshops had been established at Frankton but they had been closed, and the Council thought that with the probable extension of the lino.to Wellington in the near future and its opening up in the goldfields, that the Government would consider their re-establishment, Frankton being the natural centre of the system. With reference to the cattle yards, he pointed out that the sales at Hamilton were growing every mouth, especially for fat stock, as with tho present train service butchers from Auckland, Thames, or Waikato centres oould attend the sale and ..return the same day, and if there were shipping yards at Hamilton they could see to the shipping of their stock and take them back with them, but having to drive them to Frankton entailed staying an extra day or leaving the shipping in other hands. He believed Mr Ward would have representations from the Waikato Fanners' Club ou the same suoject. As to the request for the enlargement of the station buildings, Mr Ward had that day seen them and he (the Mayor) thought he would admit they were not such aa the importance of the town or the business transacted warranted. At present there was no verandah, but after representations from the Council this had been promised. He, however, did not think this would meet the case, and he hoped the Department would see their way to meet the requirements of the traffic by enlarging the station. Cr. Bond pointed out that Frankton was the natural centre of the extended railway system, aud it seemed absurd to have to send all rolling-stcck to Auckland for repairs. Again, for defence purposes, it was desirable to have the important railway workshops inlaud and not at a port as at present, and the Council thought Frankton the most suitable place, and that they would be lacking in their duty if they did not draw attention to the matter. With reference to the enlargement of the Hamilton station, he understood from experts that the present Hue through the swamp near Ohaupo would not carry heavy traffic and would have to be diverted, and in doing this the station might be shifted nearer Hamilton and one station be made to do for both places. There were a number of Borough endowments in a suitable position for such a site, and he was sure the Council would meet the Government iu every way. The present tendency of the railways was to concentrate the population in the large towna, but he thought if the above proposal would help to build up large inland towna it wis worthy of every consideration. Cr. Dyer said he understood there was a shortage of accommodation at Fraukton, the traffic being very congested there every day, and soouer or later the yards would have to be enlarged, and if this were iu contemplation the question of the establishment of the workshops and the enlargement of the Hamilton station could be considered at the same time. As to the trucking yards, they were an urgent necessity. The Hamilton sales were rapidly becoming the fat sales of the district, and it was very prejudicial and inconvenient not to have suitable yards. The question was not simply a Hamilton one, but one affecting the whole district. Mr Ward said he was very pleased to hear the remarks on the three matters brought forward. With reference to the establishment of workshops at Frankton. It was the first time that it had been brought before him, but the question waa such a larae one that it would have to be considered in connection with the probable extension of the railway system

throughout the whole d'strict. At present there was ro authorisation for such a work, and there would be 110 loss of time in uiving the matter, which he would lay before his colleagues, the fullest consideration. There were demands for similar works from other places, but he could assure them that he would see that the present application was carefully considered. The matter of increased accommodation at the railway station had been brought before him by Mr Lang during the session, and the erection of a verandah had been authorised, and this would be gone on with. They would then see if this did not meet the want of accommodation, and if it were found that it did not the question of enlarging the building would then be considered. He was anxious to see that ample accommodation was everywhere provided, but at the same time he had to be as eonsei vativc as possible of the expenditure As to the erection of trucking yards, the District Traffic M.nager and Resident Engineer had been instructed to confer with the local authorities as to granting the facility, and he hoped they would arrive at a satisfactory solution. The Department were prepared to erect the yards without levying an impost, but as to the siding being within tin confines of the borough they would be in the position of a private applicant Continning, Mr Ward said he was very pleased to see that the growth of the district necessitated these improvements. He thought that the removal of the Frank ton station would be a mistake, and could only be done after the people interested had been fully consulted, and it was generally found that opposition to such a step cropped up most unexpec edly. Where there had been a stafc'on for a number of years there were vested interests to be considered, but be would get a return of the trade and traffic ac each station prepared and look carefully into the matter. His Worship drew Mr Ward's attention to the fact that the returns might give a wrong jmpression, as much of the stock now was driven instead of being trucked, owing to the want of facilities, but he thought after seeing the amount of business transacted he would admit that the accommodation was not sufficient. Cr. Bond pointed out that owing to tha train service a good dtal of the present Hamilton traffic had to go to Frankton, and the town was suffering considerable inconvenieuco on that account. At present the vested interests were not very large, and if it were found necessary to divert the line owing to its being unsafe through the swamp now was the time to consider it and make one good station. In reply to Mr Ward Mr Ronayno said that this was the first he had heard as to to the lino to Obaupo being unsafe. Crßoud: It is the opinion of experts, not my owo), and he thought it was raising a bogie. Aa to the want of accommodation at Frankton another Bidding or two would be required, but they would be provided. Mr Ward said it was the duty of the principal officers of the department to report on the state of the line, and if it was such as stated by Mr Bond he would undertake to have it looked into. His Worship the Mayor referred to the late train from Auckland to Fraukton, and pointed out that whereas the train used to leave Mercer a few minutes before the arrival of the 4.15 p.m. train from Auckland now that it had been connected with that train for the conveyance of passengers it did not leave for an hour after the arrival of the 4.15 p.m. (;rain. Mr Donne said the late train was purely a goods train with a passenger car attached for the convenience of the Waikato people, and it suited the goods traffic for the train to leave Mercer at the present time. In reality, although the passengers by the 4.15 train had to stay-an- hour in Mercer, the'goods train yvas o.Uly thereabout five mioutcs.. j Mr Ward said that sometimes there were apparent anomalies, and he was glad to have them pointed out, but they were not always so easily explainable as in the present case. ' There being no other matters to be brought forward, His Worship the Mayor thanked Mr Ward for.' the interview, but expressed regret that they had not had more notice of his visit, as he was sure if they had, other matters would have been brought before him. Mr Ward said he was very pleased to attend aud learn their wants, and do hia best to meet them. He did not yet know, but he hoped to be able to pay the district another visit on hia way to Rotorua, and he promised to give them timely, notice. The party then returned to the train, which left for Cambridge about five o'clock. AT CAMBRIDGE. Mr Ward and party arrived here about 5.30 p.m. by special train, aud were met on the platform by The Mayor and Councillors, Mr Fisher, Chairman of the Waip.V County Council, Mr Barugh, president of the Waikato Farmers' Club, and mauy others. Mr Ward on descending from the caniage, was very warmly greeted. He immediately proceeded to the Natioual Hotel for the purpose of receiving deputations. FREE CAKRIAUK OK MANURES. A deputation consisting of the Chairman of tha Waipa County Council, The Mayor of Cambridge, The President of the Waikato Farmers' Club, Mr S. Steele and Mr Forrest, which was introduced by Mr F. W. Lang, M.H.R., waited upon the Minister to urge that manures should be carried free upou the railway. Mr Barugh pointed out that the Waikato lauds required large quantities of manure io order to produce crops. Much of the land in the VVaikato, which was originally very poor, had been made fertile by that means. He also pointed out that if manures were carried free production would be much greater and the railway would be largely recouped by carrying that produce to market. He also poiuted out ..that lime was useless for Waikato lands, consequently the concession to carry that free was of no use to the farmers. The freight had to be paid at a time when farmers were uaually short of money, iu consequence they felt the impost very severely. The other members of the deputation supported the statetreut of their Chairman. Mr Ward, in reply, said that he fully recognised the importance of the question, and wished that he could at once say yes. It was his duty as Minister in charge of Railways, to do all in hia power to assist farmers. The concession asked was a very 1-irge one, and were it granted would seriously effect the railway reveuue, as the same concession would be asked all over the colony. It was a mistake to suppose that manure was not largely used in the South Island ; enormous quantities were carried over the railway. He did not believe in the principle of carrying bulky goods free, but would carefully coneider whether a reduction could be made, and would reconsider the matter at the end of the financial year, when the result of the amended tariff would be known. TAUTIBI STONE QUARRY. A deputation, headed by Mr John Fisher, with Messrs Barugh and Wells represented to the Minister r.iie importance of having the Taupiri stone quarry opened. They pointed out that there was no metal procurable for roads traversing a very large, area of country, and that if the Government would open the quarry the local bodies could draw their supplies from it. All that was required was a aiding of a few chains iu length. Mr Ward asked vvhether the Government was asked to work the quarry. He thought it would lie better that this should be undertaken by oue of the local bodies,

Mr Fisher said the quarry was in the Waikuto County, and that the Council if asked would probably assume control. Mr Vickerman, who was present, said that the .Railway Department had found the metal useless for railway purposes, and he did not think it would be of much use on the roads. It was too friable. In reply to this it was pointed out by the deputation that a pieco of road near Taupiri, which was made many years ago, was now in good order. Mr Ward said he would consent to have the siding made, provided the Waikato County Council or some other body would undertake the management of tho quarry. HAUTAI'U DRAINAGE BOARD. ■ The Chairman and Secretary of this Board asked that this hody should be gazetted out of existence. A petition had been sent in asking that this should be done. Mr Ward promised to represeut the matter to the Minister for Lands. RAILWAY PARCEL LIMITS. The Mayor of Cambridge, Mr W. F. BnckUud, asked tho Minister to modify the regulations with regard to the charges for the carriage of parcels. Cambridge was JOO miles and a few chains distant from Auckland, consequently all parcels were charged the 200 mile rate. Mr Ward promised to consider the matter and reply shortly. Mr Ward and party, after the deputations had been disposed of, adjourned to dinner. Host Smith, of the National Hotel, put quite a recherche repast upon, the table, more so than could have been rejsonably oxpected at the short notice given. THE SMOKE CONCERT. At the invitation of Messrs Souter and Co., Mr Ward and his party and about 100 representative settlers adjourned to the Oddfellows' Hall, where suitable arrangements of tables, covered with light refreshments, had been made. On the motion of Mr Souter, the Mayor (Mr W. F. Buckland) occupied the chair. Amongst those present we noticed Messrs Lang, Hemes and Jackson Palmer, M.H.'R.s ; Crs. T. Wells, 0. E. Clark, J. Howe, C. Boyce ; Messrs W. G. Park, P. J. Brooks, R. Reynolds, J. Forrest, J. Barugh, H. Gillett, S. Steele, E. Allen, R. and J. Fisher, T. Walker, G. Runciman, W. Vo?per, H. J Greenslade, C. Hunter, T. W. Hicks, J. Anderson, M, Laurie, J. Teddy, J. Allwill, W. Wallace, H. Hicks, G. Watt, J. Ferguson, and J. Keeley. The Mayor, in taking the chair, said that the meeting was not a political one. They were assembled to accord a suitable welcome to a Minister of the Crown. He then called upon the company to charge their glasses, and proposed " The Queen." This was heartily responded \So and followed hy the Nutional Authem. The Mayor then rose to propose " The Ministry." He said they had done much good work and the country was undoubtedly in a prosperous conditiou, which there was reason to hope would continue. He knew Mr Ward to be an able man, and felt confident that he would conduct the two important Departments, of which he is the political head, with ability an,d advantage to the colony. He had already given them the penny post and beneficial railway concessions. He called upon the company .to drink to the Ministry, coupled with the name of the Hon. Mr Ward. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm, and followed by "He's a Jolly Good Fellow." The Hon. Mr Ward on rising to respond was received with hearty and prolonged applause. He said it afforded him great pleasure to be preeent and hear the kindly references of Mr Buckland to himself. He congratulated the Borough of Cambridge on having so able a man in the Mayoral chair, and hoped that if he ever re-entered the political arena, he would be found on the same side as himself. (Laughter): PROSPERITY. He had been warned by the Chairman that this was not a political meeting. Apart from politics, however, there was cause to congratulate themselves on the prosperous state of the colony. That was evidenced by the fact that; with a population of 800,000, there was twenty millions'of money in the riavings Bank. Never before had they been able to point to such an impregnable fact. It was difficult to realise how much the country was growing. It was now second to no country in the world. It is not many years since it was not wise when in Australia or any other country to say that you came from New Zealand. Now to say that you are a New is of the nature of a passport. The sons of the sons of the pioneer settlers had brought this about by their efforts. TUE HOUR OF DANGER. There were not many people who could have predicted when danger to the Empire arose What stand the young men of the country would take. We are indebted to Mr Kruger for the solution of this question. He had done good service to the colony aud the Empire. Our young men arc now recognised as equal to the best soldiers in the world, and the assistance eagerly given by them to the Empire in its need has made New Zealand more safe. It the young men had not gone to South Africa, the young women would have gone in their place. (Laughter). THE NEW ROAD. We are now started on a new road, wo fully recoguise our responsibility to assist where danger threatens. As certain as he stood there difficulties would arise, and now that the colonies are prepared to give their assistance it is only right that they should have a vote in the policy of the Empire. They are liable to ba drawn into war over matters which do not directly interest them. They must therefore if thoy are to share the responsibilities of the Empire have a voice in the council of the Empire. They must be represented .in the Lords and Commons, and should have members on u, Council of Adviec. He spoke on this subject because public opinion has to be formed. During the coming years troubles of a commercial character- are certain to arise, the nations of the world are complaining that there is a want of markets for their manufactures and produce. To South Africa we must look to lessen this difficulty. When the colonising scheme in that country develops a demand for the produce of this country willarise. The country is capable of carrying more people that the United Kingdom. Those who own or hold a piece of land in New Zealand will value it very highly in years to come,'the opening of such an enormous market must enhance its value. It is manifest that a country cannot be prosperous unless the farming industry is in a flourishing state, and this means markets. LARGE ESTATES. The breaking up of the large estates was unquestionably a good thing, it has afforded opportunities to the people to acquire small holdings. The railway* must be worked so as to allow of the occupation of their holdings with advantage. Increased settlement will enable this to be done, and in addition will enable a portion of the profit from the workings of the railways to be paid back to the State. Nothing had struck him more forcibly since he. had become the political head cf the great railway department than the great good which is to be effteted by the liberal administration of Miat department. He predicted that the 7000 men employed on the railways would in 20 years be -10,000. ASSETS AND DEBT. The railways had cost £lb',COO,ooo to build, it had been suggested at one time that we should dispose of that asset and pay off some of our debt of foity mil-

lima. This would have been a most foolish step, in face ofourenormousassets he did not hesitate to eay that the debt is a mere flea bite. The railways are our best asset and as settlement spreads th<ur value increases aud in a few years they would reach the value of the whole of the indebtedness of the colony. nicabagua canal. In a few years the .Nicaragua Canal will be open, this will lessen this disadvantage which we labour under at present consequent on our great distance from the European markets, aud place us in this respect on a more level footing with other countries. THE CIVIL SERVICE. The officers iu some of the Government Departments are inadequately paid, this was a matter which should be remedied, it was important that all officers in the Government service should received sufficient pay to raise them above ti mptation, and when they have served for some years they should be in a financial position to allow them to marry with prudence. The men and women in the set - vice should receive a fair day's pay tor a fair day's work. A well paid and well trained Civil Service is one of the factors of prosperity. The officers of the Kailway Department are not adequately paid. It was his duty to see .that this was altered. RESOURCES OF SHE COLONY. He wished to impress upon the people the great resources of the colony and their rapid expansion. The exports for the present year would total £13,000,000. This was no fictitious value as the Customs Officers were instructed not to allow the practice which prevailed some years back of overvaluing exports. As evidence of the progress of the colony concessions had been made to the extent of £46,000 yet there had been no loss of revenue. POSTAL DEPARTMENT. The Chairman had alluded to the penny postage. He considered that the young men and women of the colony ought to present him with a leather medal; he looked forward to an increase in the marriage rate owing to the cheapness of communication. The officers of the Post-offico were doing great work and doing it in a way that reflects the highest credit upon them. They had innumerable duties to perform and they carried them out without friction or complaint from the public. OUR SCENERY. It waj the duty of the Government to make the natural scenery of the country as available to tourists as possible. Every country that attracts tourists enjoys a large source of revenue, as every tourist who comes to the country leaves money behind him. SOUTH AFRICA. He hoped soon to have a steamer service organised with South Africa. The steamers to call at the principal ports of the colony as required, This should provide a profitable outlet for our produce. CONCLUSION. In conclusion, he thanked Messrs Souter for the opportunity they had afforded him to address so large aud representative an assemblj',and thanked the meeting for the patient hearing they had given him. On resuming his seat the lion, gentleman was heartily cheered. Messrs Wallace, Howe and Laurie then favoured the company with songs. Mr John Fisher then in apt terms proposed " The Army, Navy and Volunteers." The toast was of course drunk with enthusiasm, and " Rule Britannia " sung. Mr T, Wells responded. The toast of the " Parliament of New Zealand," coupled wich the names of Messrs Lang, Herries and Jackson Palmer, was proposed by Mr Greenslade and duly honoured. r All three gentlemen briefly responded. FARMING INTERESTS. Mr Ward then proposed the "Farming Interests." He said nobody could do justice to such a toast in the time at his disposal. He thought the New Zealand farmers were not behind any meu in the world. They could compete with other countries which were nearer to the markets and paid lower wages. Iu the matter of machinery they were far before the Old Country. Farmers were naturally interested in the federation question. It is difficult to form ah opinion as to what the effect of the formation of the Commonwealth may have. The dealing with this matter entails great responsibility. The necessity to New Zealand of a reciprocal treaty is apparent. This could be much more easily brought about if it had not to be done by New Zealand alone. The interests of the Australian colonies are ideutical, and it was to him very questionable whether New Zealand would be wise to hand over the control of her customs and railways to a Parliament in which the would be in a hopeless minority. New Zealand would at most have but 15 members. A Royal Commission is tD be set up to report upon the matter. It is of the utmost importance that all the pros and cours should be carefully weighed before New Zealaud allows any restrictions on her freedom of action. His impression was that under existing conditions it would be imprudent to join the Commonwealth. He regretted that his visit was so short, but he would return about January, and he proposed to visit Mr Herries' district at an early date. Messrs Fisher and Barugh responded. The Chairman, in proposing the toast of Messrs tiouter and Co., said all must appreciate the efforts they had made to bring the settlers together, and the success that bad attended their efforts. The invitations were uot confined to any political party, so that all had been able to hear Mr Word's speech. There was nothing more foolish than refusing to hear both side's. He thought everybody felt that good would result. Mr Souter briefly responded. He thought Mr Buckland had been too particular in excluding party questions as there were many subjects on which the company wouln have liked to hear Mr Ward's opiuions. He returned thanks for the cordial manner in which the toast of the firm had teen received. Mr Ward theu gave a song receiving a vociferous encore, which he responded to by singing another. The toasts of "the ladies" and "Press" were duly honoured and responded to. The company then dispersed. Mr Ward and his party proceeded straight to the railway station and left some time afterwards for town. Opinion was unanimous that a most pleasant and instructive evening had been spent. The catering was entrusted by Messrs Souter aud Co. to Mr Cornega, of the Masouic Hotel, and the manner in which he carried out hit instructions reflects the greatest credit upon him aud his employees. We have been requested to intimate that letters of apology were received froiii Mr Foster, of the Assets Board, Mr W. W. McCardle. AT HUNTLY. (by tblggraph—own correspondent). Huxtly, This Day. A deputation consisting of Messrs E. S. Wight (manager of the local miuing company), K. Grundy (President of the Waikato Ooalminers Union), and J. K. Wallace (Secretary), waited on the Minister ou Saturday at the railway station. The deputation wa3 introduced by MiLang, M.H.R., and invited to accumpany the Ministerial pxrty to Taupiri, so that the ordinary railway traffic should uot be delayed or interrupted. Mr Wight eaid the object of the deputaticu was to bring before Mr Ward the hardships experienced by the miners and by the company consequent uoon the shortage of railway w&ggotas, such

shortage compelling the men to lose time by workiug a half instead of a whole day. The minors preferred a whole day to a succession of half days, and had iuformcd him (the manager) that uole3s this state of affairs was remedied they would rather not work at all. On the other Ihdil, the expenses entailed by his company were as great,for a half as for a whole day In reply the Hon. Mr Ward stated that as the new carriages were expected in Auckland at the eud of the prfßent month the pressure occasioned by the absence of sufficient rolling stock would be relieved, since there would then be no occasion to ntili e the wagons for passenger traffic. He (Mr Ward) also recognised the importance of pushing on the "railway extention to Waibi, an cxtenion which would be to the interest's of the Waikato coal industry as well a-) to that of the surrounding districts. In conclusion, the lion, gentleman promised to do a'l he could to accede to the wishes of the deputation. The deputation, having thanked Mr W ard for his courteous treatment, left the special at Taupiri.