THE MAYORAL DINNER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2502, 15 May 1909, Page 4

THE MAYORAL DINNER.

It is unfortunate that there are not more functions in Gisborne of the kind that was held at the Mayor’s residence last evening, for such gatherings appear to provide an ODDortunity, not merely for excellent social intercourse, but also for the discussion of subjects that, somehow or other, do not receive attention at any other time. This was certainly the case at the Mayoral dinner —which, it may be mentioned, was capitally conceived and admirably carried out. The guest of honor was, of course, t tho Hon. Roderick McKenzie, who, as Minister of Public W T orks, now occupies a most important part m tho public affairs of the Dominion. Following a characteristically graceful speech by liis gifted colleague, the Hon. J‘. Carroll, the new Minister,was naturally at a disadvantage, but the clear, concise, and definite manner in which ho outlined the .facts he desired to place before those present was nevertheless exceedingly effective. He spoke as a man who realises to the full the responsibilities of office, aud, with a practical knowledge of the country’s - requirements, is determined to give effect to them to the, best of his ability. No, one who listened to the honorable gentleman with his rugged personality —strongly reminiscent of his groat namesake, the late Sir John MpKcnzie, Minister of Lands—could fail to be impressed with the genuineness of his utterance, and with his ability to good work for the country. Under the circumstances his assurance that tho Gisborne railway will be pushed on to tho Motu.with all possible expedition, and that lie will give all reasonable assistance towards other needs of the district can be given more weight than the evasive replies and half promises that have often, in the past, constituted the sole result of local deputations to Ministers. Mr. C. A. deLautour in a short response to ‘‘Commercial Interests,” pointed out very clearly to the Minister and others tho remarkable potentialities of the district. Before the railway reaches the Motu, the export of sheep and lambs \yill have reached a million carcases per annum, and, with other branches of production in a similar ratio, it is obvous that an enormous development of trade all round is to be expected. To cope with this, existing companies must enlarge their scope of operations'; and Mr. dcLautour hinted that the action of the Harbor Board in deciding to obtain an up-to-date dredge was a deciding factor in assisting local commercial institutions to make the necessary extensions for the further development of trade. This is only natural, for unless arrangements had been made to improve the present condition of the port, it is difficult to conceive how the increased production that is looked for could have been handled. The same speaker did well to remind those present that the district could very profitably devote attention to lines of industry that, at present are neglected. His statement that the people of Povery Bay have apparently come to the conclusion that insect pests* and climatic vagaries prohibit successful irui| growing, unfortunately seems to he justified by results, for the industry is almost entirely neglected. Yet Mr.

deLautour was able to point out- that iri Tasmania growers have so Far.con-

tho co dlin moth and other p«»t« I (I ,„.ad the export 05 por as to be au comparison, is th „ frn.t doLauUr’s roinstructive, anJ * mty of ostab.'ishmarks upon inft a trade in lavender d It ' IX2a * likewise bo care y /c f a n such is only by tekme adva"tagr. ct opportunities that the natural tain the position ' d from the tetm ?- tlmt Ibo spoocl,te wore disforegoing that the P ingtruc _ tinctly interesting yf ging tho toa st tive. Mr. Ki f k, a keynote of tho Legislator > ut t i ao evthat was obßorvod / emng; and all W Jlayor urged mirable in necessity upon tho district; and the of having ll OTlo that can bo heartily common with many other en^y/Meals that were voiced at the gating.