Visit of the Parliamentary Party

Cromwell Argus, Volume XLIII, Issue 2337, 27 January 1913, Page 5

Visit of the Parliamentary Party

The visit of the Parliamentary Party to Central Otago, as it a fleets this portion of the district, opened with the arrival in Cromwell on Friday morning. Down the line the visitors were met by Crs Weaver (chairman) and Spain, of the V incent County Council, who with Crs Ritchie and Heaney, who joined the party at Cromwell, accompanied the visitors on the tour through the district. On Thursday the visitors journeyed to Alexandra by the Otago Central train, and in the evening were entertained by the residents of that town, deputations on various questions of local interest being received by the Minister accompanying the party, Hon. W. Fraser. Leaving Alexandra at Ha.m on Friday morning by motors, the journey to the Upper Clutha was continued. Several of the cars arrived in Cromwell at 9.15 a.m, but the reception was only of a minor nature, the Mayor, several councillors, and a small gathering of citizens being present. An accident to one of the cars a short distance below Cromwell delayed four of the cars, but after effecting repairs these reached Cromwell shortly before 1 1 a.m and joined the others of the party further on. Only a short stay was made in Cromwell, and the party proceeded to Mr J. Mackenzie’s orchard. After an inspection of the property several of the visitors expressed great surprise at the potentialities of the soil and the splendid results obtained by irrigation, and signified their intention to support any scheme lor the benefit of the back country.

The journey was continued via Lowbuvn to Mount Pisa station, where the visitors were the guests of Mr W. A. Scaife junr, and Miss Scaife at dinner. .Before departing the visitors were shown over the property. In the course of a few remarks from various members of the party Mr Mandet said that since they had come to this part of the country they had seen .a great deal to satisfy them that there was a very great future for the district. Mr Escott said he was amazed at the fertility of the soil. The greatest needs were irrigation and afforestation. With irrigation the possibilities of the district were boundless. He hoped if the opportunity were ever allowed him to again visit the district he would see many now unoccupied Hats carrying smiling or--1 •1! H TF* 1 Travelling on over the immense area of fine fiat land in the valley tt.-.. visitors commented on the vast possibilities of agriculture with water applied to the land.

AT PEMBROKE.

By Telegraph. Saturday, January 25th. The Parliamentary Party arrived here yesterday afternoon and proceeded on to Glendhu and Matukituki, looking over Mr Scaifc’s and Mr Russell’s properties. On their return in the evening a smoke concert was tendered the delegates, Mr AV. Kingan occupying the chair.

Mr Sargood, in proposing the toast of “Parliament,” advocated cheap transportation facilities, a forward immigration policy, and irrigation. He contended that it would he a wise move on the part of the Government to secure American or Italian experts to come to New' Zealand, and give them technical education in irrigation. He considered there was room in the district in the course of time tor 1000 families.

The Hon. Mr Fraser, while being sympathetic with the extension of the Otago Central railway, made it clear that the extension depended on the prospective loan. As to the question of irrigation, lie said that if a scheme could he devised to laise water 50 feet, at a reasonable outlay, and would prove satisfactory, it would bo used, It might he done by generating electricity from their flowing rivers and using that power to pump

up water. Several speakers urged the necessity of a railway in preference to irrigation, but the Minister said, in reply, that railway and irrigation should go hand in hand. One critic maintained that the residents could supply irrigation themselves, but he knew hotter than that and recognised the Government ought to help. It was nonsense to say the Government, had blocked private enterprise, and he instanced the granting of water lights in the Cromwell district to a syndicate. As regarded the railway extension to Hawea, he had instructed the engineer to make a fresh survey, and hoped soon to get information which would enable him to publicly state when Parliament met what could be done. He emphatically emphasised the value of constructing light railways, and pointed out that it was a matter ot extreme difficulty to get standard railways constructed, which would cost up to .£15,000 per mile. Ho attached no importance to the arguments against a light railway. He concluded with counselling the residents and others not to press their claims at inopportune times.

Summarising the opinions expressed hy the northern delegates they are much surprised at the country seen and in future they feel they must conscientiously advocate the line. Mr Burnett was conspicuous in his advocacy of the work, as was Mr P. McCarthy, of iiuwca plat.

The delegates expressed the greatest appreciation ui the kindness shown and the information placed at their disposal, and from all said (if yon can believe human nature), the harrier of antagonism is broken down.

The delegates at present (Saturday) arc visiting the Forks and llawea and this afternoon a garden party is to be given by Mr Sargood. Air I larvey catered for last nights function in first-class style. ]’resent indications are that all members arc in sympathy with the railway provided the loan is arranged.

(From ofr Hawka Corrrsronhknt.) llawea, This Day.

On Sal ui day the party j >urne\ed through llawea to Timarn station, ami afterwards went fora trip hallway iiji the lake in Taylor Bros, launch. The innnlie's of the pirty were very impress'd '■ iih the agricultural land ami the heavy crops observed at and around llawea.

Tim piincipal function of the day was the garden party given by Mr and Mrs Sargood at Wanaka Station. A good deal of time was occupied in inspecting the experimental farming being carried on by Mr Sargood. There was a large attendance of local people at’ the gatden party and addre.-ses wee given by the Minister of Public Works and North Island members. Tito addresses were of a 1 ope fit! nature, and the visit is likely to result in much benefit to the dist ne.t.

Tito vi.>ifc (o Mil Inti ora yesterday, although marred by the inclemency of the weather, was thoroughly enjoyed.

THE RAILWAY.

The “ Star’d ” special reporter accompanying 11 1 e party wire*! on Ftidav : “ Though s>me attempt will ho made at Pembroke to draw the Minister of Works as to the policy of the Govei nmei.t with respect to the Otago Central railway, it is not likely to prove successful. The Hon. W. Fraser will probably say that future railway construction is a question of ways and meins, and that the intentions of the Government will he disclosed in the Public Works Statement.

The party returns to Cromwell this evening about G p.m. To-night there is a banquet in the hall.