WESTLAND ELECTORATE

Grey River Argus, 17 May 1946, Page 2

WESTLAND ELECTORATE

PUBLIC WORKS Ministerial Statement (Special to Argus) WELLINGTON,-May 16. Information concerning a list of works which have been urged by the Hon. J. O’Brien, Member for Westland, has been received by him from the Minister of Works as follows: — "Dear Mr O’Brien—ln reply to your letter of the 23rd. April, representing the need for several public works in Hokitika and Greymouth, I have enquired into the matters to which you referred. Dealing seriatim with the items, the position is as follows: — HOUSING, HOKITIKA. “Some difficulty is being experienced in acquiring land sufficiently dry and generally suitable for building purposes. Further investigations into this matter are actively proceeding. In the meantime a building contract for three house units is in course of prenaration and will be made available to the District Housing Supervisor as soon as possible for the calling of tenders. POST OFFICE. HOKITIKA.

"The need for this building is appreciated. both by my colleague, the Postmaster-General, and the Ministry of Works, and provision has been made in the programme for 1946-47 for expenditure of part of the estimated cost of the building. Sketch plans have been prepared by my Department and approved by the Post and Telegraph Department, work is proceeding on' preparation of the necessary working drawings and specifications which are necessary before public tenders may be invited for the erection of this building. The building planned is one of two storeys in reinforced concrete designed to meet the present and future needs of Hokitika.

POLICE STATION, GREYMOUTH “Similarly with the Hokitika Post Office, sketch plans have been prepared by my Department and approved by the Commissioner of Police. On the assumption that the existing site was to be utilised the Commissioner of Police and the Ministry of Works made provision for the expenditure of part of the estimated cost within the programme for the year 1946-47. However, the question of an alternative site has arisen and the possibility of its acquisition for this purpose is now being investigated.

COMBINED ROAD AND RAIL BRIDGE, HOKITIKA.

"The question of installing a warning device is being investigated and a further report has been called for. I shall advise you later of rhe results of the enquiries now being made.” (Signed) R. SEMPLE, Minister of Works.