GRANT OF £1500 AVAILABLE

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27373, 11 June 1954, Page 12

GRANT OF £1500 AVAILABLE

MINISTER’S ASSURANCE TO

DEPUTATION (From Our Own Reporter) GREYMOUTH, June 10. An immediate grant, up to £l5OO if necessary, would be made to repair the cattle track between Haast and Paringa, said the Minister of Works (Mr W. S. Goosman) when he met a deputation in Greymouth today. A provision of the grant was that where possible South Westland farmers should come forward to assist with the work. Mr M. Wallace, chairman of the Westland County Council and leader of the deputation, said that the route was the only outlet for stock from far South Westland. The track ex-

tended for about 35 miles through very difficult terrain. It had been maintained by the Ministry of Works, but recently there had been a sharp deterioration in its condition. On the “Slippery Face” section of the track there was an unstable section which gave a great deal of trouble. It was now almost impassable; a difficult task had faced farmers bringing stock to autumn markets. About 800 head of cattle could be expected over the track in October, said Mr Wallace. There should be no delay in making the grant and beginning repairs. The money would be found, said Mr Goosman, The only difficulty was finding labour. It might be necessary for some of the settlers to help. ,