HON J. G. COATES

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 November 1923, Page 2

HON J. G. COATES

WEST COAST VISIT

SERIES OF DEPUTATIONS

There can be no more hard-working member, of the Cabinet than the Hon. J. G. Coates, Minitser for Railways, Public Works, and PostmasterGeiieral, if his doings yesterday were a sample .of his usual day’s work. .— Leaving Christchurch by special train yeterday morning, he reached Otira about 1.30 p.m., and after having dim net/set off to inspect the power-house. On his return to the Otira station he heard several deputations on local matand left en route to Greymouth at 3.15 p.m. Numerous deputationists had travelled to Otira from stations along the line, and. these were accommodated on the Ministerial train. In order to save.tijne, their requests were heard on board, and the Minister gave each of them ,aj courteous hearing, answering some questions personally, and, referring others to his departiriental officersfpr investigation. A stop was made at thp Arnold River, and the members of the Qrey District Electric Power. Board, who had travelled from Greymouth by car, there met the Minister. The party proceeded through the bush to the bank of the Arndld, and"the proposed power scheme was. explained Ito Mr-. Coates by Mr J. S. Langford f (who prepared the report for ■ the Board). Mr Langford stated that he had been asked to prepare a report on thq Lake Hochstetter scheme, and (. a comparison would then be possible.' The Minister could make no official , pronouncement at that stage, of course, but renjar^ed: “It looks an awfully , attractive scheme, I must say,’’ as he made his way back to the train, After a brief stop at Stillwater, the jpurney was continued, and Greymouth Reached at 6.5 p.m., where the Mayor (Mr W. H. Parfitt) extended x ah informal, welcome. The trip throughout was made in perfect weather: Hhe Ministerial party included Mrs Coates, and Messrs R. W. McVilly (General Manager of Railways), F. W.' . Jones (Assistant Chief Engineer of Railways), F. A. Grant (Commercial Agent), F. W. Furkert (Chief * Engineer, Public Works Department), L. W. Birks (Chief Electrical Engineer,; Public Works Department), T. R. Aickin (private secretary to Minis- » ter of Public Works and PostmasterGeneral), and J. S. Hunter (private secretary to Minister of Railways), Hons. J. Grimmond, M.L.C., and H. L. Michel, M.L.C., also accompanied the Minister from Christchurch. Mr A. Watkinson (Engineer-in-Charge at Otira) was also present, and the following journeyed from Greymouth and joined the Minister at Otira :—Messrs J, O’Brien, M.P., J. D. Gillies (District Engineer, Public Works Department), R. S. Kent (District Railway Engineer), and J. L. Morgan (District Traffic Manager). ; OTIRA NEEDS.

All the deputations were introduced to the -Minister by Mr J. O’Brien, M.P. Those at Otira were heard in the station building, where Mr O’Brien, on behalf of the people of Westland, welcomed Mr Coates and his staff, and hoped that ther visit would be pleasant. Representing the Public Works employees at Otira, Mr J. McLaren requetsed that facilities be given for the removal of furniture when employees were going to other parts. It was suggested that a truck be supplied by the Department and loaded by the men , after working hours. Some of the men who were leaving had been at Otira for many years. Hhe Minister said he had no objection to furniture being picked up for einployees as suggested. • Mr McVilly stated that the Department at present had not enough trucks to shift its own goods. In answer to the Minister, Mr Watkinson said that he would provide trucks at the first opportunity. Anything the Department could do to help employees would be done, said Mr Coates. . Matters in connection with the Otira Hospital were brought forward by Mr W. Robertson (secretary of the Hospital Committee), who stated that, as a. result of the falling-off in contributions (less men being employed at Otira) and the reduction of the Government subsidy from 24/ to 20/ in the pound, the Westland Hospital Board had decided to close the hospital on November 10, unless it could be shown that it would pay its way. There were 130 subscribers to the hospital, and there were 163_children of school age arid under between Arthur’s Pass and Otira. The sum of £624 could be raised in twelve months, including Government subsidy, and the Hospital Board’s estimate of the annual expenditure was £7OO. The residents were confident that they could raise the deficiency by means of entertainments, and appealed to the Minister to continue the full subsidy. If that were - dope the services of a doctor could be secured for the hospital. At present they had only a matron and a housekeeper. The English law demanded that a doctor should be within five minutes of an electrical plant. Under existirig conditions, the nearest doctor to . Otira was 50 miles away. The presence of a doctor at Otira would often mean a saving of money to the Department. -The Minister pointed out that a similaroproposal had previously been turned down by the Department. He wduld like to have a talk with the Chairman of the Westland Hospital Board, and see whether the Board was willing to do anything. Personally, he would do all he could to assist the residents. Several requests were made on behalf of : the Otira Social and Welfare 1 Club by the secretary, Mr W. Howarth ' and Constable J. Caldwell. Mr Howarth : stressed the necessity for the erection 1 dr A social hall. The existing hall was ' a rijile , a rid a-half away from the town- ( ship, near the tunnel, and was too ‘ small. - Otira had no , sports ground j arid no place for recreation. The Welfare Club had been inaugurated, ■ but: could do.nothing without a hall. t Constable Caldwell stated that the request was simple and reasonable. He stressed the fact that a contented staff would fspiff the Department. The 1 existing hall was only 25ft x 42ft, and ; was. too 811)^11,, One 50ft x 30ft was f required, and the Welfare Club asked t that' they be consulted regarding the 6

lay-out and position of the hall. The Otira people needed a tennis court and other things, but a hall was the most important. The residents were willing to assist the Department in every way possible in the erection of a hall. At present there was no place where church services could be held at Otira, and the proposed hall could be used for that purpose. Messrs Love Bros., while on the Otira contract, had erected a hall for their employees, and it had been a Godsend. The Minister said that he was quite prepared to help the residents all he possibly could, and promised to discuss the matter with Messrs McVilly and Furkett. Of course, the more money he laid, out, the less there would be at the end of the year. Mr McVilly said that the Otira people had been given a promise by the Department that a hall would be built immediately the Department had money to spare. They had not yet been able to do the work. In suggesting to Mr McVilly that Otira be placed in first position on the list, the Minister remarked that the climate there was very decent yesterday, but—(Laughter). , Stating that all the children attending the Otira school would be living near the township after Christmas, Mr Caldwell asked that the school building be removed from its present position to a site nearer the township. There were about 69 pupils. The matter would have to be arranged by the Minister of Education, said Mr Coates in reply. He promised to ascertain whether suitable arrangements could be made with the Education Department to have the school removed during the Christmas vacation. The price charged by the Departmeht for electric light at Otira (9d per unit) was referred to by Mr Howarth as “out of all reason,” and he asked that a reduction be made. The price per unit in Christchurch, was 6d. The consumers were supposed to get a reduced rate after using a certain amount of light, but they did not receive 1 that benefit in practice. He also stated that the light was not now turned on at night, and therefore could not be used. Mr Furkett stated that the water power would be in use next month, and the light would be available at night. Referring to the rates charged, Mr McVilly said that the engineer had gone into the cost pretty carefully, and to his knowledge a high rate was not being charged. The Minister promised to go into the matter with the General Manager and see if a reduction could be made. A complaint regarding deductions from the men’s pay was also made by Mr Howarth, who stated that at present, deductions were made for rent, light, and superannuation, >o that there was often not enough left to pay the storekeeper’s account and

other claims. Mr McVilly pointed out that the existing arrangement was made jfct. the request of the employees themselves. He personally did not think it was satisfactory, and if the men desired an alterat on it could be made. No charge could be made, however, in the system of deducting ambuntjs for ■ superannuation purposes. i Mr Howarth said that it was news to him that the men had asked for the existing arrangement. He agreed to get the meh to pass a resolution stating their requirements, and forward it to the Department. Another matter referred to was the freight charged on goods. Mr Howarth stated that there was only one store at Otira, and the prices were comparatively high, while some goods could not be procured at any price. The existing freight rates made it unprofitable for employees to bring goods from Christchurch, and they asked whether the Minister could give them consideration in the matter of reduced freights. “Is it not ' a fact that men club together and get goods from Christchurch?” asked Mr McVilly. Mr Caldwell said he knew that some of the men got goods from juristchurch, and Greymouth. Mr McVilly said he understood that when orders reached a certain amount, firms in Christchurch paid the freight. This concluded the Otira requests, and the deputation thanked the Minister for the good hearing he had given them. The Minister broke the journey at Rotornanu station, and was met by a deputation headed by Mr C. Ball, who stressed the need for the completion of the Bell Hill road. The sum of £2OO appeared on the Estimates, but only £750 had been made available. The settlers desired the Department to push on the work, and construct the road from both ends simultaneously. There were 100 people in the district and 1000 cows were being milked. Proper read access was urgently required. The Minister said that he would place no obstacle in the way of the completion of the road, and agreed to inspect it if time permitted today. The formation of Hodgkinson Hoad (was also requested by Mr Ball, who stated that the timber Company had offered to give enough land for the purpose. There had previously been a vote on the Estimates, for the work, but it had been removed. Mr Hodgkinson said that a promise had been given by the Department to reinstate the vote when circumstances permitted. The previous vote had been taken for works the Department considered more urgent. Consideration was promised. Mr Ball asked that the Railway Department co-operate with the farmers in keeping blackberries in check. The nuisance rapidly spread, and he considered that a permanent staff should be employed to deal with it. A promise had also been given by the Department that a goods shed would be erected. The Minister said that the matter of the shed was now in hand. He promised to consider a request for the installation of a light near the station, in order to lessen the danger of accidents through shunting operations. OTHER DEPUTATIONS. h Representing the settlers of Inchbonnie, Messrs H. J. Topliss, E. Armstrong, P. Dyder and J. Maughan interviewed the Minister on the train, and requested that the expresses stop at Inchboipie. The depu-

tation explained that the stop was made previously, but cut out in the new time-table issued after the tunnel opened. Under existing conditions the settlers were isolated. Rotomanu was now the nearest stop for the express, seven miles by rail from Inchbonnie, and 12 g miles by road. Mr McVilly pointed out that if such stops were made, the express journey would be made longer. A promise to investigate the matter was made by the Minister. The deputation also requested that the crossing gate at Inchbonnie be shifted closer to the railway jine, m order to prevent stock getting on the line. . ~ . | The Minister, after inspecting the site, agreed to the installation fo a wire fence from the stockyard 'to the road. Other requests were for the completion of two miles of road to Mitchells ; an improved mail service; improvement of the goods service with Greymouth; and the provision of a goods shed. These were all noted by the Minister for enquiry. With regard to the road requirements, he stated that the Public Works Engineer, and the Grey County Engineer, two good men, were in the district, and advised the settlers to interveiw them. He agreed to a request for the repair and improvement of the Inchbonnie Post Office. Mr A. T. Wallis, on behalf of ■ residents at Wallis Siding, asked that slow mixed trains be allowed to stop at the Siding when required. No road access was available, and the people had to walk two miles to either Rotomanu or Poerua to join trains. The request was considered reasonable, said Mr Wallis, in view of the fact that the Railway Department secured £3OOO per year in timber freights form the Siding. Mr McVilly, in reply to the Minister, said that the stop couhl be made, but the Department would not undertake the provision of a platform or shed at the Siding.

The request that mixed trains stop when required was agreed to. On behalf of the Te Kinga settlers, Messrs A. Robinson, E. Becker, and F. Becker presented the case for the Ruru-Te Kinga road, which was estimated to cost £2500. • The Minister promised to consider the' matter when the Estimates were being prepared. Extension of the road from Moana. io Ruru was asked by a deputation comprising Messrs G. Gillanders and A. Birchfield. It was stated that 70 chains were required, at a cost of about £lOOO. Access to the Ruru railway station was also required. Consideration was promised by the Minister. Another* suggested stop for the express—at Kokiri —caused Mr Coates to exclaim that if many more stops were made there would be no express left. The request was made on behalf of the people of Kaimata to to Stillwater district by Messrs P. James, A. Hill, and G. McKenzie. The deputation also asked that the railway be fenced in order to keep stock off the line. Mr James stated that about' a dozen cattle had been killed by trains since the opening of (he Otira tunnel. The line was on the down grade and the driver of the engine had no chance of stopping in time, even if he saw stock on the line. The Minister referred the matter of the proposed stopping of the express to the General Manager, and gave a favourable reply to the request for a fence. “Mr McKenzie complained regarding alleged delays in the transit of goods between Vreymouth and Kokiri stating that the journey sometimes occupied a week. He asked that an effort be made to speed up the service. The complaint was referred to the District Traffic Manager for attention. A brief stop was made at Moana where Messrs H. G. Carter and Noel Peat asked for the installation of a loading bank. Mr McVilly slated that if sufficient business were offering to warrant the expenditure, a loading bank would be installed. Another point of view was taken by Mr Carter, who said that until better loading facilities were offered the Department could not expect increased business. The matter was left in the hands of the General Manager.

TO-DAY’S PROCEEDINGS. At the Municipal Chambers this morning, the Minister met a deputation from the Grey County Council. The Mayor (Mr W. H. Parfitt) presided, and in welcoming Mr Coates to Greymouth, congratulated him on his previous work, particularly in connection with the road to Barrytown. Mr J. O’Brien, M.P., also extended a welcome. Mr Coates had always given due consideration to outlying districts such as Westland, and would no doubt appreciate its needs.

Returning thanks, Air Coates said he was glad they were satisfied with his work. Personally, he was not i bit pleased with it, but ho did his best. He believed that personal inspection of the district and consultation with departmental officers was more satisfactory than the giving of grants in a promiscuous manner. He was inquiring particularly with reference to railway and road matters, and would give attention to the proposed development of the Coast railways. Air J. W. Hannan, chairman of the Grey County Council, extended a welcome to the Alinister. Air Hannan remarked that Air Coates had always given the district good treatment, for which they were duly thankful. The following requests were then placed before the Alinister by the deputation : —

Ahaura Bride on Alain South Road. —£3,500 wanted to complete—would the Alinister make provision on next year’s estimates for this work as a “Green” item instead of charging it to the County’s quota as hitherto? Ten Alile Creek Bridge on Greymouth to Westport Coast Road.— County pays £3OO towards cost of construction—but the whole cost has been provided for in this year’s appropriations. County’s quota has been loaded with the full amount of £l9OO, but as only £l6OO is required Council requests the Alinister to authorise the other £3OO for expenditure on other bridges on the same road. Air Furkert said there would be no objection to that course being adopted.

Bridges over Canoe Creek and Punakaiki River on Greymouth to Westport Coast Road.—Canoe Creek ,is in Grey County. Punakaiki River is the boundary between the Grey and Buller Counties. No estimate has been prepared for’ these bridges. Council requests the Alinister to provide for both on next year’s Estimates as “Green” items.

The Alinister said it was just a question of how much work could be done with the available money. He agreed to look into the matter . Moonlight Creek Bridge.—Estimate £5OOO. This matter has been brought before the Alinister several times, but the amount has been too much to charge against Council’s quota. Would

the Minister consider providing for it as a “Green” item on next year s Estimates ? The Minister; You can ask for it, Mr Hannan. There is no harm in doing that! (Laughter.) Continuing, he said it was a “pretty hefty job.” A bridge was desirable, but he understood that the Creek could be forded. There were many urgent matters requiring attention. Mr J. Irvine, said that the creek could not be crossed when it rose. Mr Coates said he understood the difficulties of the settlers, but the matter was regulated by the means availableHe would see what could be done. Moana to Ru Ru Road.—With a view to diverting pedestrian traffic from the railway by providing road communication, as well as for the general use of the residents, Council requests that a sum sufficient to complete the road be placed on next year’s Estimates. The length is about a mile and the probable cost £l2OO. The Minister : Of course, that does not quite suit the Minister of Railways, does it? (Laughter.) He considered that sawmillers could not expect more than the railway. They were jolly lucky. Of course, settlers were in a different position. Messrs Hannan and Parfitt stressed the danger of fatalities owing to the use of the railway by pedestrians. The Minister said he admitted that a road was desirable. Mr Gillies said that the road would eventually form part of the road between Rotomanu, Greymouth, and Teremakau. Baker’s Creek Bridge on Greymouth to Westport Coast Road.—£Boo appears on this year’s appropriations, but this item has been squeezed out of the list for immediate authorisation. Would the Minister arrange to have ths work authorised immediately after March 31, 1924? Mr Gillies said that authority had been arrangedThe Minister stated that it would bo all right to go ahead with the work.

Other items on present year's appropriations which are not on the list for immediate authorisation are: — Big River to Craigieburn, £500; Blackball Creek Bridge (strengthening), £375 (£ for £) ; Brown Creek Bridge, £500; Carew Road, £2so} Lake Brunner to Inchbonnie, £5OO ; Payne’s Gully Road, £5OO ; Shaffrey Road, £5O; Taramakau Settlement Roads, £350; The Council requested the authorisation of these works immediately after March 31, 1924. The Minister said he did not think there would be any difficulty about the matter. A general authority of 85 per cent, of the total votes had been given, and it was left to local bodies to select the most urgent works. If the Department found everything satisfactory at March 31 the balance of the authority would be issued. The system was an experiment and was considered more satisfactory than local bodies constantly writing to Wellington and each “pushing its own barrow.” The full authority was not issued at once by way of a precaution in case any difficulty arose. Bridge over Soutar Creek on Grey Valley-Tar.amakau Road. Probable cost £3oo.—This creek even in fine weather is an obstacle to motor traffic on account of the depth of the water. The Council asks that it be provided for on next year’s Estimates. In reply to the Minister, Mr Gillies said that the total vote for the Grey County this year was £16,000, of which £14,392 had been authorised. The cash expenditure had been £9990. The Minister said that appeared to be satisfactory. Mr Hannan asked that the construction of the road to Westport be expedited. Although it was not in the Grey County, its importance was recognised. This concluded the public business at the Council Chambers. After taking some private deputations, the Minister left to inspect the Tainui Street railway crossing. The Minister and party, accompanied by local representatives, are visiting Barrytown and Punakaiki to-day, and will' hear further deputations at the Council Chambers this evening.

TRIP TO PUNAKAIKI. The party left by special train at 10.45, proceeding to the James Mine at Rapahoe. The Runanga station /was inspected en route, and a visit was also made by the Minister to the Seven Mile Bridge. The party then went on to the James Aline, where two cars were in waiting for the purpose of conveying them to Punakaiki. On reaching the Ten Alile, the Alinister inspected the bridge now under course of construction there, and on the road to Barrytown, opportunity was taken to demonstrate the handicaps under which the settlers laboured, owing to the incomplete state of the bridging over Baker’s Creek and Fagan’s Creek. Barrytown /was teadlied lat noon, and the Alinister received several private deputations there, and after lunch the party motored on to Punakaiki. The Minister and some of his staff later journeyed over the incompleted portion of the GreymouthWestport road on horseback, riding as far as Buller Creek.

To-morrow Air Coates (viH visit Hokitika, and on Saturday will go through from Hokitika to Westport. Alembers of the Chamber of Commerce will meet at the Town Hall this evening at 7 o’clock for the purpose of considering matters to be brought under the notice of the Alinister** of Public Works. OTIRA TUNNEL. An announcement on the question of the control of the Otira Tunnel may be made by the Alinister shortly. Today he was asked when the transfer of the control of the tunnel from the Public'Work Department to the Railway Department would take place. The 'Minister’s reply was that although he could not as yet make any definite announcement, the matter was being very fully considered, and he might have time to-night to go into the matter with the chief departmental officers. Until he had done so he would not be in a position to make any statement of a definite character. When the Railway Department took over the Tunnel, it meant that the contractors were immediately freed of any responsibility, and the Department was obliged, under the circumstances, to first see that all the conditions of the contract had been fully complied with before the question of control was considered.