THE MINISTER FOR LANDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2124, 25 February 1908, Page 2

THE MINISTER FOR LANDS.

VISITING THE WEST COAST. Press Association. HOKITIKA, Feu. 24. The Minister of Lauds concluded his visit to Westland this morning, having returned from South' Westland last night. .In the course of an interview the -Minister stated that his expectations of the possibilities of the country were considerably exceeded, bis visit having proved that the resources of ftlio district were very satisfactory, and there was every prospect as the railway communication was bettered that the district would prove highly succssiTil for agricultural purposes. The election of a bridge over the Big Wanganui river lie considered the most urgent work at tlio present time. Until completed, any dairying industry on the large Wanganui flat could not succeed without a proper bridging of the rivers. Tliik- settlement should prove a highly .successful one. The proposal for an experimental station would be favorably considered. The district should prove a very substantial feeder to the railway when through communication to Canterbury -was made. The pastures in the various settlements he found in splendid condition, in marked contrast to the area of the North island recently inspected' by the Minister. With railway communication completed, and the low values of land in comparison with other parts of the Dominion ,tlie Minister asserts that a large number of settlers will pour into the district, its future as an agricultural centre being assured. The Minister expressed the opinion that to secure a wide range of railway feeders for tlio East and West Coast railways, it would be necessary to extend the railway below Ross, connecting up large agricultural centres and the splendid timber areas there. The Minister left for Greymouth this morning. Tho weather has been gloriously fine during his whole stay.

ARRIVAL IN GREYMOUTH. Press Association. ■GREYMOUTH, Feb. 24. The Hon. Air. McNab arrived from ■Westland this morning, ’and visited the State Coal Mines, and Point Elizabeth, at'State Mine-township. The Minister was entertained at a complimentary dinner, and in responding to the toast of his health said that ho was -delighted -at the prospects_ of the coast from an -agricultural point of view. He received a deputation from the -Miners’ Union, -who advocated State-owned steamers for carrying State coal from Greymouth. The Minister said that he would place their representations before his -colleagues. Other matters of local importance were -dealt with. On arrival in Greymouth the Minister was entertained at afternoon tea by the W.-C.T. Union at the Sailors’ Rest. The Minister leaves for Reef ton in the morning.