FINISHED AT TIMARU.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14620, 22 March 1913, Page 12

FINISHED AT TIMARU.

LOCAL MATTERS.

The Prime Minister (tho Hon. V. F. Massey) finished his tour of South Canterbury on Thursday morning, and left for Dunedin by the first express.

Before leaving Timaru several deputations concerned with local matters watted upon the Prime Minister.

The Mayor (Mr T. Hawkey) and several councilors, introduced by Mr J. Craigie, M.P., made representations with regard to the need of increased facilities at the railway station. It was pointed out that the present station was erected twelve years ago, since when the business of the town had increased threefold. The Railway Department recognised the necessity of spending some £'50.000 on a comprehensive and up-to-date scheme, hut was hampered by financial considerations.

Mr Massey thanked the deputation for outlining the position, which Mr Hemes would investigate on his official trip shortly. Ho recognised that the town was prospering, and he would be sympathetic to its claims in this connection.

Another matter mentioned was that of the gas reserve in Craigie avenue. When tho bonnigh was founded twelve acres were reserved there, but in 1871 the Provinc'al Council, without any recorded permission, took three and a half acres for a gaol. That gaol was not now used, and the town desired the land returned to permit of the bcautification of the reserve being carried out. Mr Massey promised to look' into the matter. A visit was also paid to the "Waimataitai School, which, was found to bo over-crowded. Mr Massey said he would make representations to tho Minister of Education on the matter.