HON. J. G. COATES

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 November 1923, Page 2

HON. J. G. COATES

VISIT TO GREYMOUTH. Travelling from Christchurch by special train, the Minister of Public Works (Hon. J. G. Coates) arrived in Greymouth this afternoon, accompanied by his private secretary, Mr. Aicken, the Chief Electrical Engineer (Mr. Lawrence Birks) and other departmental officers. He received deputations at Otira and at districts along the line. This afternoon the members of the Grey Elecric Power Board led by the Chairman (Mr. H. F. Doogan) journeyed by motor to the site on the Arnold River where it is proposed to erect the power house. The special train stopped near the spot and the Ministerial party conferred with. the Board members respecting the proposed power scheme.

The Minister will not receive any deputations this evening, as originally intended. A long list awaits him, and he will commence work at nine o’clock to-morrow morning in the Town Hall. Further deputations will be received in the evening at 7.30, also at the Town Hall. Deputations additional to those enumerated in yesterday’s “Star” are from the Grey County Council, and and Barrytown Settlers’ Association. The matters to be discussed by the County deputation will be requests for a bridge over the Ahaura river on the Greymouth-Reefton Road, which requires £3,500 to complete; a grant for the Ten Mile Creek bridge, the provision of bridges over Canoe Creek and Punakaiki River, on the Greymouth-Westport Coastal Road, and over Moonlight Creek. The Barrytown Settlers’ Association’s deputation proposes to ask for a private telephone line from Barrytown to Punakaiki, the completion of the Baker’s Creek bridge, a vote on the Estimates for bridges over Canoe Creek and the Punakaiki River, and a metallic circuit between Greymouth and Barrytown. Persons wishing to see the Minister are asked to first communicate with the Mayor (Mr. W. H. Parfitt) so that their names may bo included in the order paper.