VISIT TO WAIHI.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 6, 8 January 1902, Page 3

VISIT TO WAIHI.

DEPUTATION EE THE BOEOUGH.

WAIHI, this day,

Mr McGowan, his secretary, Mr Matthews, and Mr Jackson Palmer arrived at Waihi at 4.30 yesterday after noon. A deputation waited from the Waihi Borough Association, Mr Palmer introducing the same. Mr J. E. Taylor, president, in opening his remarks, said that the only objection they knew of was that re

the borough not contributing- to the maintenance of the main road. This objection, said the speaker, "was easily answered, provision being already made, and it would only be to their own Interests, to keep the road in repair.

Mr N. F. Haszard spoke as to the urgency of the water supply. Mr McGregor pointed out that Waihi was absolutely devoid of any sanitation whatever, not even possessing one single drain. Mr Katz spoke of the necessity of a fire brigade being 'governed by the local body and consequently strengthened. He also stated, as sescretary of the Oddfellows' Lodge, that the state of sickness was now positively alarming1. Mr King referred to the absence of by-laws in Waihi whereby no unlawful act, especially affecting public health, could be brought home to the culprit.

Mr A. Y. Ross spoke as to the counter petition against the borough by the Council. He understood that only 40 such sig-natures were local, and that 3SG were subscribed in favour of the borough. He submitted that according to the Act none of the signatures outside the borough area were legal, nor could hold any weight. ; Mr McGowan, in reply, was glad to have met the deputation, lie agreed that it was absolutely necessary to have pure water. It was a most important factor in such a community. Referring to rates of insurance he thought that would always be the case under present conditions, because insurance companies looked upon such transactions from a business point of view. The question of representation lay with the people themselves to rectify. Referring to the counter petition against the borough, Mr McGowan said that the objectors were quite within their rights in signing such a petition, but local residents should fight the matter in the best possible manner, lie further thought that a drainage system was needed, and it was fortunate that no epidemic had broken out. Referring to the question of water supply the hon. gentleman pointed out that Mr Palmer had introduced a Bill so that local bodies could borrow. In conclusion, Mr McGowan said his opinion was that such a growing township should have some form of local Government. He would represent the matter fully to the Colonial Secretary, and represent the various views of members of the deputation, lie was very happy to have met them, and wished Waihi a prosperous future. Mr J. E. Taylor pi'oposed a vote of thanks, which, was carried.

RIFLE BANGE. Mr N. F. Hazard, on behalf of Capt. Walmsley and volunteers, asked for Ministers' consideration re a rifle range at Waihi and help from the Government. In reply Mr McGowan said he would represent the matter to the Minister for Defence. THE ARBITRATION AWARD.

A deputation from the Miners' Union pointed out that thougfT they were not in sympathy with the Ar 1 bitration Court's award they did not concur with the remarks made by President O'Keefe re Judge Cooper, and that such sentiments had not emanated from the Union.

Ml- McGowan said he was glad to hear such views from Waihi representatives. UNEMPLOYED AT WAIHI. Mr A. Kafz, referring to the congested state of the unemployed in Waihi, said that the working population would be extremely grateful if the Government could open work ou the Waihi end of the Paeroa-Waihi railway.

Mr McGowan, in reply, said that owing- to excess in the expenditure, of which he was willing to bear a part of the blame, it was found that the vote would not last till the end of the'financial year. He had urged upon Mr Hall-Jones the necessity of putting on more hands. One of the special objects for which he had taken the present trip was to induce the County Council to let their votes out in smaller contracts so as to benefit a larger number of men. Mr G. Morgan spoke at length on the Act as affecting contractors in mines, and "thought :certirtn alterations should be made.

Mr McGowan askcu the speaker to put his request in writing, when he would present the matter before Labour Ministers. Mr Morgati also spoke as to the hardships meted out to locked out men by the Waihi Company. They would be willing to take any work j)rovided by the Government. Other matters in connection with the Union Avere discussed. Mr McGowan requested the Miners' Union to furnish him with the names of manned men requiring" assistance. He would then endeavour to procure them work from contracts let by the county. The deputation then withdrew. The Minister was engaged up till 7.30 with the deputation. Mr Saunders entertains a party at dinner to-night.