PUBLIC WORKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 38, 13 February 1920, Page 8

PUBLIC WORKS.

EAST COAST PROTESTS. ATTACK OX THE MINISTER. Strong condemnation of the administration of the Public Works Department in connection with the urgent requirements of the Bay of Plenty was voiced at a meeting of the Tanranga Chamber of Commerce, particularly with respect to delay in completion of the East Coast railway. Dissatisfaction was expressed with the attitude of the Minister of Public Works in regard to this and other public works, tlnd a resolution was carried embodying the following clause: —"After close acquaintance with the operations of the Public Works Department this council places on record its opinion that in the interests of national efficiency the railway works of this Dominion should be let in large contracts up to 100 miles in length, of cufficient magnitude to attract large constructional firms, who have at their disposal the plant for the most economical and expeditious dispatch of the work. Recognising that the continued prosperity of this Dominion depends on the opening up of great undeveloped areas most of which are situated in the North Island, this council is of the opinion that as public works arc a first essential in such development, the portfolio of Minister of Public Works should .be held by a gentleman who is thoroughly conversant with the potentialities of the Xorth." The motion was carried unanimously.