MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS.

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

MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PB.KS3 ASSOCIATION.) Stratford, Saturday Night. The Hon. Mr Hall-Jones returned from Waimangamama last night. We was entertained at a banquet in the County Hotel. There were a large number of representative residents presmt. The m iyor pres'ded. The Minister received a hearty welcome. Replying to the toast of his health the Minister said that his chief, the Premier, could not have been given .a more handsome reception. The Premier had taken a large share in the formation of the scheme for a light railway. He was struck by the marked improvement in the district—buildings, the electric light and proposed water supply, etc.—and gave credit to the member for the dis'ri'ct for die work done. Re erring to the fsderation question he said he ! ooked for a greater federation than with Australia, that was of the English-speaking race 3. He said that his colleagues wished to help the settlers, bus they must help themselves; but where they saw they were ready to help it was the duty of the State to do what it could for their relief. It was a difficult route of railway, and they could make a 2ft., 2fti. 6in., or 3ft. gauge, but they wanted a little more iuformation, when the survey could be commenced and the first sod turned in three months. The Mhvster spoke at considerable length and was warmly applauded. The health of the Premier was drunk and warmly responded to. The Hon. Mr Hall-Jones is receiving a deputa ion to-day, and he also lays the foundation stone of the Presbyterian Church.