Visit of the Secretary of Works.

The Secretary for Works, Mr Green, accompanied by Mr M'Ktllar, Secretary for Lands and Railways, and Heary Ciark, Esq., M.P.C., paid a visit to this district in the end of last week. The object v?as to examine and judge for themselves as to what works for which votes were pseeed at last session of the Provincial Council were the most necessitous, m that they might be the first to be put in hands. Coming from Tokomairiro, the party rieited Wangaloa, Kaitaogata, and B*lclutha, and inspected the various works proposed to be carried out in these districts. As to ths result, we believe instructions bsve been given for the repair of the jetty at Coal Point, and the erection of a shed there for tlie storage of produce sent for shipment. Th* road through Kaitangata was seen to be in a deplorable condition and almost impassable for traffic. This matter will aleo have imsiediate attention. The Kait&ngata Lake was viVited, to ascertain as to the works necessary to prevent its periodical rising and flooding the surrounding: grounds. This, it was considered, might be obviated at a reasonably outlay, and etepa will be taken accordingly. Ths site of the proposed bridge across the Mfitau branch between Stirling and Inch Clufcha wag inspected. The great advantage to the settler* of Inch Clutha and others of a bridge at that point was at once seen and recognised by Me Green, and he assured us that the engineer would at once be instructed to examine the site srcd prepare plans and specifications for the work. Tenders would then be called for, and should it be found that tbe bridge ©an be erected for the sum voted by the Provincial Coudcil for the work, no delay would occur in proceding with it. Hasborough Road was traversed, bu: witk reference to the fencing Mr Green seemed to be of opinion that, while it was very (ksirtble that this should be done, etill that, there were other worki more pressing ia the meantime. However, we trust that ssrae action may yet shortly be taken in the matter. Upon arriving at Balclutha, Mr M'ELellsr proceeded south. Mr Green then sent for his Worship the Mayor, and with him spent a few hours in making au inspection of the township, and making himself acquainted with its financial position and requirements. Some of the works lately undertaken by the Council were inspected and remarked upon. The preeeet condition of the main road through tbe township was pointed out, and hia Worship fully explained the petition of that matter as between the Municipality and the Government. He pointed out th&t the Council wa# led to expect 1 that if they undertook to maintain the main road the Government would put it into a thorough state of repair, which had ncrer been done; th&t the amount tie Council received as license fees was altogether in adequate for the maintenance of tne main road, far less to meet the expense of formation and first putting in repair. His Worship strongly urged the claim the Municipality had upon the Government to form and put the road in repair. In this he was fully backed up by Mr Clark. Mr Green, baying heard all the arguments, frankly admitted that, judging of the facts as stated, the claim was in bis opinion a jusi a reasonable one. He suggested thai the Council ihould formally bring the matter before the Government, and assured his Worship it would have his support. If the .Executive agreed with Him, and if he could find any vote oui; of which the money could be takcD, the work might be undertaken at once. If not, the road muat be maintained some way in the meantime, and he would endeavor to get a sum placed on the Estimates to do the work thoroughly next year. ' If the provinces were abolished now, and consequently there ihould be no session of the Provincial Council, then the Municipality would have to do the best they could with the road. T.he bend of the river behind the township, where the current threatens to open up a new channel, was also visited, and the progress being made in the new direction pointed out. The Secretary for Worka did not seem to contemplate taking any steps in the matter, but merely wished to see the locality, ao that he might understand the matter when action was taken by tbe Clutha River Conservators, or whatever other body whose duty it would be to attend to it. ' Mr Green, we may add, left Balclutha entertaining the most cordial sympathies towards the Municipality,. and freely expressing his desire to do whatever was reasonable and ley within hia power to , to enhance its future progress and pros* I perity. How would the matter stand wefe^ we left to the tendar mercies of the Government in Wellington I The/Mtter 4 C;|the; Waitepeka railway deviation doiiis not say much for local interests being consulted in the carrying, out of: .the schemes "'bivthe' General Government. , Neither; does^-j&k^ refusal; of the General Goveran?enft to ailbw the ManicinaUty ; 'tq .get ;of f ;ithe] 80 acre reserve, upon money has been expended. That Gjoyern^ raent ;*leo , objejßt^to"^ Board of Conservators getting poeseaaion of ■ the land "set j a]par,t iforJit^- *f£"»n endo^-.; ment by tie FjroTino^ -to the CJlutha Agric^tur^ and t; Pastoral ■. four^acret - of ;» ; ' . res^ye/Mts.apajrtlb'sCth^; ProvincM G^yer^ liberality ;t mamfeatodrfLby-." 4h«}'^?/o^!n^ial^ : Government in the fatter "of^w^^xeqmre.*: ments of local diatricta. Leithe inli§bifaiita l^ink'ofit.^; ;" ': ■•• — ■^•^f*-.