PUBLIC WORKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 124, 25 May 1920, Page 9

PUBLIC WORKS.

MAIN ROADS AMD TRANSPORT,

STATEMEJJT BY MINISTER.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

BLENHEIM, Monday.

The Minister of Public Works, the Hon. J. O. Coates, in reply to a deputation, said it was'hie intention to impTess upon the Government that important work should be done and endeavour to carry out the plans in the .best and most economical way. He would not make promises about the South Island Trunk line. It was very desirable, however, that it should be completed. In accordance with the importance of the works, they would be placed on the list, and he would place the list before the Cabinet. What they aimed at was opening up the country to settlers. This •was the most important thing to consider. The South Island Main Trunk ■line would have hie most careful consideration.

The Minister emphasised the fact that the Public Works Department wanted to fee in touch with the various local bodies in the country, and wanted to have their confidence. On the other hand, the local i bodies would have the Department's j confidence. He had a scheme to settle the vexed queetion of main roads. There wore different conditions in different districts, and if they were going to encourage production they would have to give transport facilities. His scheme had in view the bringing about of a tetter -understanding in regard to these matters with the various local bodies concerned.