DEPUTATION TO THE SECRETARY OF PUBLIC WORKS.

Grey River Argus, Volume III, Issue 180, 7 March 1867, Page 3

DEPUTATION TO THE SECRETARY OF PUBLIC WORKS.

i Yesterday afternoon a deputation of "the Improvement Committee, consisting of. Messrs Da\ies, Kilgour, Kennck, Masters, Kennedy, and Hughes, had an interview -v\ith Mr Beswick, tlie Secretary for Public Works. Messis Revell and Bain were also present. The object of- the "deputation was to bring uudei the notice of the Secietary for Public ' Works seveial matters demanding the immediate attention of the Governi^ent. Mr Davies introduced the business of< the interview by explaining to Mr Beswick that the Committee desired to press upon the Government, the urgent necessity, of at once taking steps for the expenditure of the money -v oted by the Council for the Grey district He especially mentioned the purchase and throwing open of the Arney street budge, for which the sum of LCOO had 'been* voted. The Hollb were felt as a serious ta\, both upon the residents beyond the bridge and the miners generally Mr Kennck assured Mr Beswick that the tolls were severely felt by the inhabitants Mr Beswick said that although it might possibly be supposed that the Go; eminent had forgotton the w ants of the Giey district, such was rectify not the case. ' The visit of the Governor had necessarily somewhat interfered with the routine of Goa eminent, but ( no t wjbhe Governments was anxious to cany put the vaiious matteis sanctioned by the Council. He was here for the purpose of making himself acquainted with the wants of the dis-j tiict , and the Supeiniteudent intended 1 * making a lengthened stay here for the 'same 'purpose. *'NAs > /to jheVbridgei Jiti would say that immediately on his return to Christ chinch, steps would betaken toextmguish Mr Kuhlman's title A* to the other works, it was liofc to be supposed that the Goa eminent could do eveiythmg at once " "As" tlic" ie\ eniie ~acciiied~ the" various works would be commenced,- and, he« hoped that before the close of the financial year the vauons \ otes would be duly expended. Ho "would leport to the Executive tho wishes of the Committee, aud no time w oukl be lost 111 giving effect to them Mr Kilgour diew attention to the subject of protecting the river, and pointed out its urgent necessity. Mr Beswick asked if the bank was, piled, w ould pn\ a+e enterprise provide t jefctic a ? Mr Kilgour explained that offers ( for the ci ection of private jetties had on former occasions been made to the Government, but that the conditions laid down by 'the Government were not such as to induce private lndmdnals 1 to erect jetties.' Mr Davies reminded Mr Besw ick that L3OO0 1 had been \ oted for piling the river. Mr Beswick asked what would bo the eftect of building landing stages along the bank, , Mr Kilgour was of opinion that they woidd not stand the floods and freshets. j He thought it would answer all purposes if the ombaukment was earned, further out than the piesont limits of the bank, so that vessels could discharge by ]>lanl>s on the level of the street.', ,Mr Dayua commented stiongly on ' the erection of tho wliaif in ib> piesent position, and said that if the inhabitants had been consulted on t ie subject, the money would nat,ha\e been wasted in the manner it had been. He also referred to the additional folly of electing the transit shed, and ur^ed that the Government should listen to tho wishes of tho inhabitants in' such matters MrJMoore pointed out the necessity of continuing the piling of the bank to the extremity of the Go\ eminent township, ii older to obviate the floods which frequently occurred, Mr Beswick .ouite 1 coincided with the opinions cxpiesscU regaidmg the protection of. the river bank It was a matter of necessity, and as such would ha\e immediate attention. Mr Kennedy mentioned the formation of Mackay street as a matter requiring the immediate notice of the Government. The public had been led to believe that art agreement existed between the Government and the .Commissioner of Native Reserves, by which the Government was to form Mackay street hi retunii for certain lands given, to the Government He added that a strong feeling existed on this subject, and it was oue chvit reason why someof the inhabitants objected to a municipality, that the Government hail, not clone this work, which it ,was feared might be thrown upon the inhabitants Mr Davies confirmed Mr iKennedy's rcmaiks as to Mr Mackay hayju*g , stated that such au agreement existe'et Mr' RevcU explaiued fiat the only agreement was to the effect that the Native Trust should not be called upon to- form *Mackay 3 and Taiuui streets. The Government had recchod no giants of land, they, merely held it a reduced rental. Messrs Kennck, Kilgour and Kennedy made further remarks on the subject, and Mr Beswick replied that although he; " was* unaware of any siich agreement as that, mentioned, he would make enquiries, and if he found' that any such 'arrangement had ! been ' made, the Government would ouw it out Sonic questions were put to Mr TBeswick regarding, the objections that have been raised' against? a municipality, and he I replied that it was a mistake to suppose 'i tfjat the existence of a municipality would in any wii|j|linterfere with the expen- ( diture of tramiioriey voted for public woiks. It wascSso en.on.eous to suppose ihat the Council would not vote grants of money to municipalities Such votes had been made eveiy session, and would still be mode Of course a municipality would have to do many local works which the Government would not undertake, but he did not see that, the Government would make any "diffeience between a municipality and an Improvement Committee. He would however sidvise them not' to rush precipitately into municipal responsibilities, and would recommend them to take the opinion of the Superintendent 011 the matter. „ He would add that he* felt some doubtf as to the power of including the Maori township in the municipality, but it was only his opiriion. He fancied they would have to go to the General Assembly on the matter. Mr Kenrick another subject which,' although not coming strictly within the business of the Committee, was one of great importance to the -whole district, the road to Maori Gully. At present that district had virtually no means of communication, but the river, and the consequence was that the richest part of the inland country was almost closed against uiineis 3liv Kennedy pointed out the mgent necessity of ti

good rtiad to Maori Gully. Goods which now cost LlOOper ton for 'carriage could then be taken for Lls to L2O per ton. Mr Beswick assured the -deputation that 'the Executive would do their utmost to give eftect to the wishes of the inhabitants, but they would be better able to ascertain from his Honor the . Superintendent what works would absolutely be undertaken. After thanking" Mi» Beswick, the deputation withdrew