HON J. G. COATES

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 November 1923, Page 2

HON J. G. COATES

WEST COAST TOUR

" A STRENUOUS DAY

. '? Another extremely busy day was spent yesterday by the Minister of 'Public Works and Railways (Hon. J. G. Coates), in the course of his tour of the West Coast. _The weather condition's were glorious, and the Minister was able to see the Punakaiki district at its best. As reported in yesterday’s “Star,” Mr Coates and party visited the Seven Mile and then proceeded by motor-car to Barrytown and Punakaiki. At. the latter place horses were provided, and the journey to Biillpck Creek was accomplished by this; means, the construction of the road to link Westport with Greyinputh being inspected. /IVfr P. Olney acted as guide to the Minister during the day’s trip, and ■ gave much information concerning the district. ; .on. the journey out to Punakaiki, the, Minitserial car was held up temporarily- ait Canoe- Creek, owing to water reaching some of the plugs. A 1 deputation of settlers, for whom Mr J. Ryall' acted as; spokesman, later reqtietsed that the Creek be bridged, pointing out that at present the settlers were unable to get their cream across when the Creek rose. ■ -.ln Answer tothe Minister, Mr J. D. Gillies stated, that a bridge would probably cost from £3OOO to £3500. The - Min ister poiijted out that Canoe Cl ee 1 -could be forded, and other rivers to the north were needing attention more urgently. When money was available, the works necessary Woiild be carired out. Mr Ryall: Thapk you. We only want your promise meanwhile. We know you will keep that promise. Mr Coates: I can swear to do that; ih fact, I would take- my dying oath on it! (Laughter). But we must first get the money. A Septit-tion comprising Messrs J. Ryall, P; Olney, and J. H. Wylde requested that the Wainkon Road be completed in order to open up the country near Punakaiki. Sixty chains di the road had already been formed, y And a further 12 chains were required. The Minister promised to consider the request;when the Estimates were

prepared. ■A smart run back to Greymouth was made by Mr H. McGlashan. The partv left Punakaiki at 5.35 p.m., stopped ■ 'to ■ receive a deputation at Canoe Creek and reached the Greymouth Post Office at 6.55 p.m. Hurtle was necessary in order to enable the Minister; to keep his appointment at the Council Chamber 7.30 p-m. GREYMOUTH DEPUTATIONS. the Accommodation of the Municipal Council Chambers was fully taxed last evening, when Greymoutn deputations placed many and varied matters before the. Minister, lhe member for Westland (Mr J. O Brien) introduced the deputations, and the • Mayor (Mr W. H. Parfitt) presided until he left to fill another engagement, when the chair was taken by the Deputy-Mayor (Mr J. W. Green'Members of the E.F.C.A. and AiS.R.S. laid a grienvance before the Minister on behalf of a railway ser- ■ rant i nthe Inangahua district, a man with 13 children, whom they asked to have placed under the hardship clause. The Minister promised to see the man when at InanJunction oh Saturday, and, as. he put. it, would “review the . troops.”. (Laughter). x A deputation from the Greymouth branch of the R. 0.1., led by Mr G. Smart, asked for . consideration of a housing scheme for railway officers, or in the alternative, assistance on the basis of the 95 per cent advances to settlers. He explained that there {was a great shortage of houses in , Greymouth. The matter had b'een before the District Engineer, who had submitted the matter to the

Government. The Minister said he would be only too pleased to help the officers. ; There was a scheme under way, and Greymouth- would of course be included. , ' . Mentioning that there was a railway reserve at Karoro, Mr Sffiart asked if it could be made available . for the erection, of houses. Jf Mr Coates said it must be first con- , vetted into freehold. He was not in favour of letting any Crown lands go unless it would materially"'help in making the workers satisfied. Another aspect that had to be considered was the permanency of an officer’s position. ' Mr Smart asked if they could have the* Minister’s assurance that advances of 95 per cent would be made ?. The Minister said it was a matter for the Valuation Department, and he .would .speak to the head of the Department. Mr O’Brien said that very few advances. had been made in the Greymouth district. The Minister said that if they had a clear case of the declining of an advance, he could enquire from the Department. ' .Mr; O’Brien and Mr Smart both sa,id that they could obtain particulars of specific instances.

The Minister promised to give all the assistance in his power. NATIVE RESERVES. ■'My, W. R. Kettle (President of the .Grelymouth Chamber of Commerce), speaking of the Native Reserves, reviewed the agitation for the right to acquire the freehold or improved leases. “We don’t wish to take advantage of‘/the.Natives, ” said Mr Kettle. . “That’s your trouble,” said Mr Coates. Asked what was wrong with the Bill presented last year, Mr Kettle said that the. land could have been sold outside the leaseholder. They wanted the- right to purchase, and have the improvements made by the pakeha taken into. consideration. He cited the, : case'of the Arahura Natives, who were' receiving only £5OO, while the owners ;of the Greymouth land were getting ;£5OOO. Who made those improvements—the Maoris or the patella? It was certainly the pakeha. , in supporting Mr Kettle, said t that there was no bargain fair to both parties could be rbaCh'ed. The present system of leases was keeping the town back. Every distinguished visitor ‘’slated” the appearance of the town. vThe Minister: “Oli, but he’s come

from New York! (Laughter.) The last Bill seemed to me to be quite fair. The Native Trustee was given power to make all arrangements at his discretion.” Mr Coates added that as Native Minister he drafted the Bill. It was a pity that the Bill did not go through. It could have been amended if necessary. His sympathies were with the Native, and he wanted to see the position made fair and open to all parties. It would be the Trustee’s business to see, in the event of a Bill, that he was not unfair to any lessee. If they could suggest another Bill that was more satisfactory than the last, he would be pleased to consider it. Mr Kitchingham suggested that the Native Trustee (Judge Rawson) again come to ,the Coast. Mr Coates said that he would be only too pleased to arrange that. “Would the present Bill be available for promotion again should the lessees desire it?” asked Mr Kitchingham. The Minister said that he thought it would. Mr Kettle again asked that an officer be appointed at Greymouth to collect the rents, instead of the lessees having to send the money to Wellington. Mr Coates said'that the system was investigated recently, and he thought it was satisfactory. However, he would ask Judge Rawson to visit the Coast and discuss the whole matter. MIDLAND FREIGHTS. . Mr J. McLean said that while appreciating any reduction in railway freights, he thought that if Canterbury obtained back-loading rates, the Coast was entitled to the same consideration. There were many industries on the Coast, and not the same population to' support them. They had also a port which had cost the Government a good deal of money. The deputationists were present as West Coasters, and did not wish to see the West Coast lose its individuality. Mr D.\ Tennent said thta the Chamber had taken the opportunity of entering o protest against the. preferen-

tial treatment given to Canterbury. The Coast did nbt want any special concessions, but desired fair treatment. From the traffic figures, it could be proved that Greymouth was the terminus, and not Hokitika; Greymouth should remain the terminus. The service to Hokitika was at present good, considering the number of passengers. He paid a tribute to the work of the Railway staff on the Coast. He asked that the Minister give the matter of freights favourable consideration. The Minitser, in reply, said he was glad to have the opinion of the Chamber and glad they were expressed. At Christchurch he was assured that the West Coast was unanimous that there should be a special back-loading rate. He informed the Christchurch deputation that any business-like proposal that would help the line to pay, was certainly entitled to consideration. He recognised that the West Coast was entitled to its voice in the matter, and it would be given an opportunity to speak and would be kept informed of the negotiations. ROAD REQUIREMENTS. Mr. Kettle qrged the completion of the Kumara-Awatuna road, which would save much time between Greymouth and Hokitika. ’ The Minister said that there we?e people in the country who had not even a pack track They should be attended to first. There was both a road and a railway to Hokitika. “Give the cockie a chance!” said Mr. Coates, pleadingly. Mr. Kettle said that only six miles of road remained to be done. It was

like building a house and leaving the roof off. “I will not give you an answer,” said the Minister; “but I will tell you what I intend to tell the Hokitika people—that the completion of the road will be deferred.” The Minister assured Mr. Kettle that the Department would persevere with the road from Greymouth to Westport. In regard to the request for a loading bank at Moana, Mr. T. E. Coates spoke on behalf of the people of Kopara. There was considerable demand for a loading bank. The Minister said that. Mr. McViliy was agreeable to put the work in hand. “Thank you!” said Mr. T. E. Coates. TAINUI STREET CROSSING. On behalf of the Borough Council the Mayor (Mr. W. H. Parfitt) urged on the Minister the need for provision of alarm facilities at the Tainui Street railway crossing, which was extremely dangerous. Mr. O’Brien supported the Mayor’s remarks, and said that the additional lines being put down made the danger

of accident greater at the crossing. Mr. R. W. McViliy (General Manager of Railways) said that frequent representations had been made regarding the crossing, but there was no special danger at the crossing. Everyone was supposed to take reasonable precautions. The train drivers took every precaution, and if the public would co-operate, there should be no danger. Trains from Greymouth were just starting when the crossing was reached, and when coming from Hokitika, the trains were obliged to slow down to six miles per hour, and give a prolonged whistle. This regulation was strictly adhered to. Most of the accidents at crossings were due to the carelessness of the . drivers of motor-cars. He had checks taken at the crossings in all the principal towns of New Zealand and from this he learned that out of 15,000 motorists, 5 per cent, went right ahead without looking at the signals or for the approach of a train. About ten per cent, slackened speed and looked one way only. About five per cent stopped. Trains were run in the service of the public, and motor drivers had absolutely no right to endanger the safety of the public. In South Africa gjates were erected across intersections, and accidents happened there through motor drivers running into them. No railway crossing was any more dangerous

than the intersection of a street and the experience of the Department was that signals and bells did not prevent accidents. People did not realise the tension which was placed on the engine-driver and his mate. Some motorists raced aloiig beside the 6fi= gine and when they reached ail intersection rushed in front of the engine, sometimes missing by a yard. Having crossed the intersection, they laughedv Where the number could be taken the driver did sd f but it was not always possible. Mr. McViliy said he did not see the necessity of placing a crossing-keeper at the Tainui Street intersection at a cost of £234 a year, and that was what it would $ cost. Mr. A. Naylor said that the people did not expect the Department to do that. They only Wanted a signal when the train was approaching. “I know that,” said Mr. McViliy. “‘But that is what it would mean.” The Mayor said that 4999 out of 5000 people in Greymouth were satisfied that the Tainui Street crossing was dangerous. The Minister said that there were dozens of applications for crossingkeepers at more dangerous places, such as crossings in cities. For the past half-year the Railway Department was £248,000 to the bad. If the railways did not pay, the taxes would be increased or fares raised. The Department had no real wish to ‘“crab” such requests, but if one application were granted the Department would be overwhelmed with others. He did not want in his first year of administration to dictate to the General Manager. As soon as railway finances were more satisfactory such matters could be considered. To attend to all the railway crossings in New Zealand would cost £9,000,000. Next session legislation would be proposed to tax the people who used the roads, and that might improve the financial position. Mr. O’Brien said that the Greymouth. crossing had been promised some form of alarm. “The Prime Minister promised us that,” said the Mayor. Mr. O’Brien said that there were records in the office showing that the Tainui Street crossing was due to have an alarm installed at any time. Now they were told that they were not to get it at all!” (Laughter). Mr. Coates said that the trouble was that if an alarm were installed at the crossing, it would mean that it would be ringing all the time, and no one would take any notice of it. However, if the Prime Minister had promised it, he would have to look into the Prime Minister’s promise If the Prime Minister of the country committed the Department in that way, his wish must be complied with. “You must do as you are told!” said Mr. Kettle. “Oh well, he is a colleague, and I must not overstep him,” said Mr. Coates. “You can only have, one boss, you know, and he is my boss —our boss!” (Laughter). Mr G. R. Harker, representing the Automobile Association called attention to the Teremakau railway bridge, which he described as a “death trap” to motorists. A bell or other form of signal was required. At present the gates were attended only at certain hours by a keeper, and the system was misleading. He detailed several narrow escapes from accident, the result of motors-meeting trains on the bridge. The Minister promised to inspect the bridge while on his way to Hokitika. RIVER PROTECTION WORKS. The first matter mentioned by the Borough deputation was the long-de-sired refund of the cost of the protective works on the Grey River. Mr H. F. Doogan asked lor the Minister’s attention to be given to the matter. He outlined the previous efforts to secure a refund, and said that the position had been “killed by certain people.” The Minister: But is it not a matter that should be killed?” Mr Doogan: “That is : : what we want you to investigate.” The Prime Minister had admitted that the prootective works had saved the railway. The Minister : You had to save your water pipes. Do you expect to get paid for what you do for others ? There must be two parties to a ‘ contract.

Mr Doogan said that it was only a fair thing that the Department should share the cost. It would be only ordinary every-day justice. The total cost of the work was about £llOO Uie Minister said there was nothing in the Railway or Public Works Acts to allow such a refund’. n compassionate allowance would be about the only way to make such a. refund. Mi- Jones, one of the Departmental engineers, said that he knew all aboiff, the “pipe business.” When he was District Engineer, he gave permission for the pipe-lines to be taken through the railway reserve. The groynes were not now working an-1 were of no use to the Department. The water seldom came near the railway lines, and if it did the Department would protect them. “The Groynes did their work” said Mr Doogan. Mr Jones said that in his opinion the works were of no use to the Department and he saw no reason why the Department should pay for them. Mr Doogan said that some Ministers, officials, and M’s.P. were undoubtedly personally in favour of the claim, but one man was against the Council. The Minister: Who is against you i Mr Doogan refused to give any names. Mr Coates said he hoped to have five minutes to spare this morning and he would have “another” look at the site. Mr Doogan said that the people of Greiymouth believed that Mr Coates had a mind of his own, and therefore the Council wished him to see the place for himself, believing that when he came to a decision he would carry it out.

Mr Greenslade supported Mr Doogan’s remarks, saying that the question was not so much one of money as of principle. “J. see,” said Mr Coates. “It’s a. grievance—a bone, that you can turn back and worry from time to time!” (Laughter). Continuing, said that the strict ethics of the matter seemed to be that no doubt the work was carried out in good faith, at the time, to protect the pipe-line, and incidentally allegedly io protect the railways. He was not however prepared to spend more money than possible out of the railway account. He wanted to show to the people of New Zealand a balance-sheet this year, which would be more satisfactory. It did not seem very satisfactory for the Department never to show a credit balance on the large amount of capital invested in the railways. He would look into the matter .with an entirely unprejudiced mind, but they had board the advice of lhe engineer, and no one could deny that Mr Jones was a. fair-minded man. RAILWAY EXTENSIONS. The proposed narrowing of Chapel

Street by railway extensions was pro>tested against by Messrs O’Brien and R. J. Williams, oil behalf of the Council. The Minister said that the land »e--lono-ed to the Department. "Yon arc” pretty good in Greymouth,” he remarked, humorously. Part of the street was at present all grass, and did not appear to be used. The Deparement’s ’ plans would bring the fence only three feet nearer the street. , Mr Jones said that the street would not be interfered with to any great extent. The Minister: Would you buy the land? . Mr O’Brien : Yes, if you Will sell

Mr R. J. Williams said that the Council would be satisfied if the street near the gas works was left a reasonable .width. _ Referring to Badger's Lane, Mr Kettle said that it had been used tor the past 50 years, and therefore the residents were entitled to consideration. The lane had now been dosed as a result of railway extensions, and they asked that a subway or an overhead bridge be constructed. Mr Greenslade, on behalf of the Council, stressed the inconvenience caused to residents by the closing of the lane. The Minister: It is a pity that the railway was put here at all! It is interfering with everything. When shown the plan, Mr Coates said he was not in favour of any level crossings. If the deputationists had to sit in his chair and receive two telegrams a week saying that people had been killed, they would think uw same. He thought the Borough Council should put a bridge over the crossing, if it was so important. Mr O’Brien said on behalf of the Council that for over 50 years the right-of-way had been used by the people as a public thoroughfare. The Department recognised their right and allowed the lane to remain open until recently, when a fence was put across. The request of the Council for a bridge or a sub-way would not entail much expense.

Mr Jones said that a sub-way was not practicable owing to the presence of water. “That means a bridge,” said Mr Coates. “I think we will have to ask local bodies to do more of this sort of work.” Personally he did not think the lane wa sindispensable by any means. In other towns local bodies were helping by providing such facilities themselves. He agreed to inspect the lane this morning.

BLAKETOWN GAS. A request that the Minister express liis opinion on the subject of allowing goods to be purchased by deferred payment extended over more than one financial year by the Borough Council was asked on behalf of the Council by Crs Greenslade and Doogan. Cr Greenslade instanced the fact that gas material for Blaketown was authorised to be purchased prior to the passing of the Antecedent Liability Act. The position was that the order could not be completed as it could not be paid out of ordinary revenue, under the Act, unless by deferred payments to the firm. They did not wish to increase their public debt by raising a further loan. The Minister said that the decision of the iAuditor-General was Ihigher than that of the Minister and the Government in certain respects. He would be glad however to go into the matter with the Minister of Finance. MISCELLA?NEOUS ITEMS.

In view of the fact that an area of municipal reserve had been set aside for the Technical School Grounds, Cr Kitchingham made a request, on behalf of the Council, for an area of land in lieu of the ground given to the Education Department. Additional recreation ground was needed, and he suggested that one of the unused education reserves be granted. “That’s a pretty tall order,” said Mr Coates. He promised to look into the matter. Requests for the erection of a new railway station and a new police station were made on behalf of the Borough Council by Cr Doogan, who asked that the Minister make an announcement as to when the work was likely to eventuate. Mr Coates said he had heard that the police sttaion was in a very bad condition. Mr F. W. Furkert said regarding the police station that it was really a matter for the Minister in charge of Police, who had not asked for the provision of any money for the erection of a station. Mr Coates promised to consult the Minister of Justice and the member for Westland on the matter of the police station. “All we can say about the Railway Station,” said Mr Coates, “is that it is really one of the chief reasons why we came to the Coast • -we are examining the site, trying to determine what action should be taken.” It was no .small work, he said —it was to cost about £60,000. When he saw all the works that would be required on the Coast, and had decided which were the most urgent, he would be able to announce which should be carried out first. Urgency and finance were the two considerations that they had to be guided by. Afterwards they would be able to announce whether the station would be started in a year or two years, or in whatever period it was posible to arrange it. ‘ ‘ln the meantime,” said the Minister, “I must ask you to possess your .souls in patience.”

The track to the Coal Creek Falls was referred to by Cr Greenslade, who stressed the beautiful nature of the Falls, and asked that the track be put into repair. The Minister .said that the matter was one for the Tourist Deuartment, and he would see what could be done. On behalf of the Power Board, Mr Doogan asked that the Minister would facilitate the carrying out of the Board’s work. The report and plans of the Arnold River scheme had gone forward, but they asked that it be held over until the Lake Hochstetler scheme was reported upon. The Arnold River scheme was very satisfactory, but if the Lake Hochstetler scheme was more so, it would be adopted.* In any case, the Board wanted to get to work or retire. They wanted to have electricity in the district in two years’ time. Mr Coates said he could quite safely say that he would not be responsible for any delay, if the papers were approved by his officers. “But for heaven’s sake don’t talk about quitting if I don’t sign the papers tomorrow. ’ ’

M r Doogan stated that the Board did not think of that. He had used the term in order to outline the position tersely. Mr O’Brien thanked Mr Coates for the patient and attentive hearing he had given to the long list of deputations, and on behalf of the electors in the district over which he had travelled, lie also thanked him. Ho was satisfied that Mr Coates would give a fair hearing to all the matters brought before him. (Applause). The Deputy-Mayor added the thanks

of the citizens of Greymouth for the impartial hearing the Minister had given the delegations. He had heard that Mr Coates was a very fair-minded man, and it was indeed a great pleasuse to deal with him.

In reply, Mr Coates said he was greatly touched! (Laughter.) He congratulated the deputations—they certainly knew what they wanted. He did not use any political feeling in the allocation of public money. Any public man who did .such a thing should be sacked. The visit to Punakaiki was the finest he had ever had in New Zealand. It was unique, and was worth anyone’s while to make it. (Applause). The country was also o'f a very useful nature indeed. He felt mote than ever satisfied now that the road to Westport was being made. He was astonished and delighted with his trip. On behalf of himself and staff, he thanked the Coasters for their hospitality. (Applause). Mr Furkert added his tribute to the Punakaiki scenic wonderland, and said that he had never seen a greater attraction, not'“even in America. A number of private deputations were then received by the Minister. The Minister and staff were later informally entertained at the Council Chambers, a lengthy toast-list being honoured.

TO-DAY’S ACTIVITIES. Early this morning, the Minister was again at work, apd he accomplishea a surprisingly large amount of business before his departure at 9.55 in the special train to Hokitika and Ross. After completing Departmental business, the Minister faccompamec by the Assistant Railway Engineer, Mr Jones, and Cr H« F. Ddo^ an , P lo ' ceeded to the site of the railway PriJtection works at Omoto, for which tht>. Greymouth Borough Council is dawning £5OO in view of the fact that the works, while affording protection tp municipal property, -also protected the railway line from erosion by the river. The visit was made in fulfilment of the Minister’s promise last evening to personally inspect the site and note the effect the works Lad in saving the railway line. The site was very closely inspected by the Minister and the grounds on which the council based its claim carefully demonstrated by Cr Doogan. The Minister agreed to give further conisderation to the request. Mr Coates also fulfilled his-promise to inspect Badger’s Lane, which the Railway Department closed up on account of the railway extensions, after the lane had been in use as a. public thoroughfare for 50 years. He agreed to give the matter his fullest consideration. The special train to Hokitika consisted of an engine and two carriages. It left the station at 9.55. Accompanying the Minister were his private secretary (Mr Aitken) and staff, Mr J. O’Brien M.P.. the Hon. J. Grimmond, M.L.C., the General Manager of Railways (Mr R. AV. McViliy), Messrs F. W. Furkett and Jones, the D'strict Traffic Manager (Mr J. L. Morgan) and District Railway Engineer (Mr R. S. Kent), and the Engineer of the Public Works Department (Mr J. D. Gillies). The Minister will proceed to Ross where he will hear deputations, and return to Hokitika, this evening to hear .the deputations of the Hokitika district. He proceeds to-morrow to Reefton, where further deputations will be heard, and then he goes to Westport.