HON. W. NASH

Grey River Argus, 17 January 1941, Page 9

HON. W. NASH

IN SOUTH WESTLAND Reception at Settlements Hon. W. Nash, accompanied byMrs. Nash, and Hon. P. C. Webb, and bv Mr. H. Aicken (Private Secretary) and Mrs. Aicken, proceeded yesterday from Hokitika to Waiho, being accorded public receptions en route at Ross, Harihari and Wataroa. Mr. J. O’Brien, M.P., and Mr. J. A. Murdoch, M.C.C., were also members of the party. .

At Ross the Deputy Mayor, Mr. A. Upjohn, extended the Minister of Finance a cordial welcome, and mentioned a number of matters of local interest which it was decided to bring under the notice of the Government. Hon. Mr. Nash, in returning thanks, promised to look into the matters mentioned. At Harihari, there was a numerous gathering, and Mr. Geo. Rowley, Member of the Westland County Council, extended the Ministers and party a hearty welcome. He said the Government’s guarantee of a stable price for dairy produce had been the salvation of farming m South Westland and, indeed, in New Zealand generally, and they would be sorry to see it disappear. He said that in view of the many millions of feet of white and red pine forest in the district it was desired that the railway should be extended as far as Wataroa. The district had a' good future, and they were thankful to the Member for Westland for keeping before the Government the necessity for assistance, which had proven a great help to the community. Mr. O’Brien said they expected to have closer settlement in South Westland, the problems being simply one of roading and of financing the clearing of the land, for which machinery was needed. With an access of population and roading, the district would be one of the finest in the Dominion. Mr. Wyatt, Chairman of the Harihari branch of the Farmers’ Union, extended a welcome to the Ministers, as did Mr. P. J. McLean, M.C.C.. who urged the necessity of providing adequate lime for the land and of investigating the mineral resources of South Westland.

Hon. W. Nash expressed his thanks for the hearty welcome given. He was interested in meeting the farmers and in seeing their holdings. He trustee! that the guaranteed price would continue, and recognised that the development of the local resources would be of national advantage.

At Wataroa, the County Chairman of Westland, Mr. J. Donovan in the presence of a large assemblage, tendered a cordial welcome to Mr. Nash and party. The Government money laid out in South Westland was being wisely spent. They had one difficulty, that of maintaining a medical service locally, as their Doctor was shortly (Imparting, and the speaker suggested that the Government should afford an increase in the subsidy for the medical officer of the district. He referred to the menace to farm lands through the erosion of the approaches to Waitangi River bridge, including one block of sixteen thousand acres there being six or seven settlers affected, including five returned soldiers.

Mr. Thos. Mcßride, Chairman of the Wataroa Farmers’ Union, also extended a welcome. Having come into contact with Hon. W. Nash, they felt he would give their district duo consideration. The extension of the railway to Wataroa was most advisable, (hough they appreciated the fact that at this time money was needed more for the war effort, but afl er the war they trusted that the line might be carried forward. The area needed adequate medical provision and the Doctor should be retained. They had too few visits from the Inspector of Stock, whose area extended from Karamea to Jackson Bay, and was so large that, he could not’ give each locality dueattention.

Mr. Murdoch spoke in support of the requests made by the previous speakers. In reply, Mr. Nash thanked the residents for their kind reception. He recognised the advantage of having a doctor, the same question having been raised at Ross. He would see what could be done in the matter of retaining the Doctor. Regarding the railway, he did not know if the extension urged would be an economical one. especially now that thev were at war, and required all available material for that purpose. When men were returning r rom the war, however, they would require to be placed in productive occupations, and the matter could be reviewed in the light of that fact. He could not promise anything meantime, as he would like to examine the subject on his return to Wellington. After the Waitangi bridge had been inspected, the Ministerial party proceeded to Waiho arriving there at 6.30 p.m.

BARRYTOWN VISIT. Mr. Nash’s visit to the district provided a most enjoyable outing for many of the residents who were privileged to meet him. Though the late arrival of the oflicial party at the hall prevented many farmers and their wives from being present, the gathering was quite satisfactory and representative of the district. Following a very acceptable afternoon tea, during which all present were introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Nash and Mr. and Mrs. Aicken, Mr. Webb needing no introduction. Hon. J'ohn Ryall, M.L.C., extended a hearty and sincere welcome to the guests and trusted that at some future date Mr. Nash would be able to again ‘visit the district and spend more time with the people. On behalf of the women members of the Labour Party Branch, Mrs. PWafer wife of the Branch President, welcomed Mrs. Nash, and presented her with a bouquet. Mr. Nash spoke for a short time on the aims and aspirations of the Government during the war times, and in the peaceful times to follow, and was keenly followed and applauded at the conclusion. He thanlced Mr. Ryall for his kindly welcome, and the people for coming along to meet Mrs. Nash and himself. Mr. Webb added his appreciations and this concluded the very enjoyable gathering. > AT STOCKTON. The Hon. W. Nash, Minister of

Finance and Customs, Hon. P. C. Webb, Minister of Mines, Hon. W. H. Mclntyre, Mr. C. Schadick, Mr. D. Archer, and Mr. T. Parfitt arrived in the township on Monday. The Ngakawau Miners’ Union was represented by Mr. F. Connew (President), Mr. W. Battershall (secretary) and Mr. H. Campbell, Senr. A visit was paid to the swimming baths and it is expected that, with the help of the Stockton residents, the cubicles and fencing will be completed at the earliest possible date.

The road to the mine was a matter brought to the notice of the Ministers and party. Another matter of urgency to the employees of the Stockton Coal Company is that of being unable to obtain the benefits under the Social Security Act. Because the members of the Ngakawau Miners’ Union contribute to a sick fund (which up to the moment has' not been registered under the ’ Friendly Societies Act) they are debarred from receiving any benefits. An endeavour was made some time ago to register the sick fund, but the constitution forwarded to the registrar has been returned for further revision. .Mr. and Mrs. Nash and Mr. P. C. Webb paid a visit to Mrs. S. Clarke, the oldest resident of Stockton, and congratulated Mrs. Clarke on looking so well in spite of her advanced years. AT BLACKBALL. The Hon. W. Nash, Minister of Fi-

nance, and the Hon. P. C. Webb, Minister of Labour and Mines, a’ccompanied by Mrs. Nash and Mr. R. Aicken, the Finance Minister’s private secretary, and Mrs. Aicken, and Mrs. Smith, Greymouth, were visitors to Blackball on Wednesday in furtherance of Mr. Nash's tour of the West Coast. They mot various deputations mostly of a private nature, at the Miners’ Union office. The party were entertained by Mrs. H. J. Campbell, Dominion Hotel, to morning tea and left for Greymouth at 1.30 p.m. The weather was ideal for the visit, and all expressed pleasure at visiting Blackball.