RUNANGA DEPUTATIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 March 1929, Page 8

RUNANGA DEPUTATIONS

THE MINISTER’S DECISIONS. WESTPORT, March 15. I Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., has received the following communications from the Minister of Mines relating to ‘fbjjiiests ‘of ‘the various deputations which waited upon him at Runanga on January 30 last: — Water Supply.—Ro proposed water

supply, it was stated at the interview (with 'the Borough Council) that the late Government had promised to find ; half the cost, and that the residents were to raise ! a losih to provide the remainder. This statement I find is not correct, as the late Government did hot promise to find half the cost. As r to the previous decision of the State Advances Department that it ’could not entertain the idea of loaning the money, I have to state that, as I already advised the Council at the interview, conditions have been altered as regards the finances of the Department since the application was lodged, and it Would be advisable for the Council to renew its application to the State Advances Department. An endeavour would then be made to see that finality was reached thereon at as early a date as possible.” Street Maintenances. —“As regard the Runanga Borough Council’s request for an annual grant of £3OO for street maintenance, I have to advise that this matter will have to stand over for the present; but in the meantime the amount of £lOO a year will be paid as heretofore. The Council’s request will again be reviewed later.” Lighting.—“ Regarding the Council’s request'for a permanent grant of £BO a year towards the cost of lighting the toWnship, I regret to state I am unable to agree to the payment of a permanent annual grant as requested. The payment of a grant of £BO for a further year will, however, be made in due course; and thereafter the matter can be reviewed from year to, year as found necessary.” Domain. —“Regarding the matter of a grant of £5O to enable the Borough Council to meet its debts incurred in connection with the improvement of the Domain, I regret I am unable to agree to the Council’s request, but the matter of providing ati amount of £5O on next year’s State Coal Mines Estimates for further improving the ground will be given favourable consideration when the Estimates are under review.” Twist’s Hill. —“With reference to the representations made by the Borough Council regarding Twist’s Hill, on the Seven Mile Road at the end of the Borough, I have to advise that since my return to Wellington the matter has been taken up with the Main Highways Board as promised. The matter of improvements to Twist’s

Hill was considered by the Board recently; and I am now in receipt of advice from the chairman stating that the only application before the Board was for a sum of money on a free basis to carry out improvements, but the Board regrets it is unable to make anything available except on a £1 for £1 basis.”

Gymnasium.—“ Regarding the representations made by the Mayor of Runanga with reference to the amount of £33 owing to the Department for timber supplied for the Gymnasium building: I have to advise that I have decided to place an item on next year’s State Coal Mines Estimates for the amount, the proceeds to be applied to payment of the debt. As regards the matter of renovating the building and making it habitable, I am obtaining an estimate of the cost thereof, and will let you know later as to the decision arrived at.” Bowling Green.—“ With reference to

the representations made by Messrs Halliday and Leach on behalf of the Runanga Bowling Club; I have to advise that I am prepared to make provision on next year’s State Coal Mine’s Estimates for payment of a subsidy amounting to £3O towards the expense involved in keeping the bowl-

ing green in repair. Out of that amount, however, the Club will be required to furnish two sets, of secondhand bowls for the use of those members who cannot afford to purchase them.”

Swimming Baths.—“ With reference to the representations made by the Runanga Borough Council regarding the swimming baths and the financial position of the Swimming Club: I have now to confirm my promise to grant the Swimming Club the sum of £5O towards the cost of improvements; and an item for this amount will be provided on next year’s Estimates.”

Tennis and Croquet.—“l have now to confirm the promise made by me to the Borough Council deputation to grant the sum of £25 to the Tennis Club to improve the existing Tennis Courts. An item of £25 will accordingly be provided on next year’s Estimates.”

“Referring to the application made by the president and members of the Ladies’ Croquet Club at Runanga for a grant from the Mines Department to assist the Club in top-dressing the ground, improving the Club building, providing a new mower, and sundry ■'Other items, estimated to cost £BO, I have to advise that I am prepared to provide an item for £4O on next year’s State Coal Mines Estimates towards the cost of the work, but it must be understood that this is subject to the condition that details of the work are submitted to the Superintendent of State Coal Mines for his approval. I may add that in addition to the £4O referred to above, the sum of £3l will also be provided on the Estimates to meet the Club’s liability to th© State Coal Mines for stores supplies—making a total of £7l to be provided under the item.”

In every case where a promise is given that the sum to be provided will be placed on next year’s Estimates, the Minister stresses the point that it must be understood that no payment can be made until the amount has actually been appropriated by Parliament.