["Ministers on Tour", The West Australian, Saturday 24 April 1909, page 9]
MINISTERS ON TOUR.
VISIT TO THE NOR'-WEST.
WELCOME AT CARNARVON.
Carnarvon, April 23.
On the arrival of the steamer Koombana at the jetty last night the Premier was welcomed by Mr. von Bibra, the Acting-Mayor, and councillors, and invited to a smoke social. The invitation was accepted on the understanding that the function would be brief, a promise being given by the Premier, that on his return journey the town would be inspected in the daytime, and its needs personally investigated. After a journey in a tram truck to the town the visitors were conducted to the Carnarvon Hotel, where an enjoyable hour was spent.
After the loyal toasts, the toast of "The State Ministry," coupled with the names of the Premier and the Minister for Works, was proposed.
The Premier, in response, said that the object of their visit was to make themselves acquainted with the necessities of the great northern portion of what had been called the big end of Australia. Unfotunately, as the new Governor was to arrive about the end of May the visit must be curtailed. Although they were not able on this trip north to go inland they were meeting with gentlemen who knew the country intimately, and would learn from them about the land behind the ports at which they were touching. The Government were learning of late years the value of Ministers gaining a personal knowledge of every part of the State they administered. He was pleased to be able to inform them that a locomotive to replace the horses on the Carnarvon tramway was now being fitted at the Midland Junction Workshops, and that it would be ready in a few weeks' time. (Applause.)
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