DEPUTATIONS TO THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7227, 29 April 1884, Page 6

DEPUTATIONS TO THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS.

Bridge ovkr the Selwyn. , Yesterday morning a deputation, consisting of Messrs E. Ford, T. Partridge, E. Wickes, and .Storey waited on the Hon W. Kolludton, .tit the Lands office, to request him to use his influence to cause a traffic bridge to be erected across the Selwyn, near Whitecliffs. Mr Ford said that Mr Rolleston would no doubt romomberhaving about 18months ago withdrawn from sale a large tract of mountainous land in the Hororata district, south of iho Selwyn, on account of his (Mr Ford's) representations that it carried minerals of considerable value. Since that time several co-operative parties had taken out prospecting licenses in tho district, and had discovered a well-defined copper lode, running through the land that had been withdrawn from die. He was very happy to say that news was to "hand that, tunnels having been driven into the lode, ore of a payable character had been discovered.

Samples from the outcrop had been analysed, and had boon proved to bo of a payable character. A bridge to open up tho country waß much needed, and if the Government was unable to make it, ho trusted that Mr Kollcston, as Minister of Minos, would use his influonee with tho Solwyn County Council to get them to consent to the making of a bridge over tho Solwyn, near tho whitecliffs railway station, and to tho formation of a road leading from tho bndgo, in order to make the land whore the copper existod accessible. Mr Partridge trusted that tho Government would doal liberally with tho applicants for mining leases of the land in question in regard to tho rents and royalties, as tho great difficulty of access to tho land, and the other obstacles in the way of prospecting, had caused a heavy outlay to those persona who were engaged in the work, everything required having at presont to be carried across tho range on men's backs. Ho referred to tho importance of doveloping a mineral industry of the character of copper mining, which would do good, not only to Canterbury but to the Colony in general, as it would give employment to a largo number, both of men and boys. Mr Storey drew attention to tho difficulties which had obstructed tho working of Mr W. Wilson's coal mine, where tho output was considerably restricted on account of tho want of a bridge, and the fearful state of the road. He was sorry Mr Wilson was not present to speak more fully upon the matter, as it was his intention, if the bridge was constructed, to lay a tramway from the mine to the Whitecliffs station, which would greatly increase the traffic.

Mr Eolleston said that he was very glad to find that so much energy was being displayed in prospecting the land which he had withdrawn from sale, and also that success had attended the efforts of the prospectors. When the matter-mentioned by Mr Partridge in reference to the leases came before the Government, he would bear what had been said in mindj and would give all the encouragement he possibly could to enterprises of such a character. In regard to the road and bi'idge, he was sorry to say that he had no funds to devote to their construction, as that was a matter for the County Council. He would, however, see Mr M'Mill'an at once, and would draw his attention to the work, so that that gentleman could lay the subject before the Council. As it appeared that the bridge was necessary, he had no doubt that Mr M'Millan would take the matter up, and use his influence to get the work carried out. The deputation thanked Mr Eolleston for his courtesy, and withdrew. City Reserves. His Worship the Mayor and Town Clerk also interviewed the Hon W. Eolleston for the purpose of obtaining a sea frontage to a reserve already in the possession of the City Council. His Worship, as Mayor of the City, also brought under the notice 6f the Minister of Lands the fact that no answer had been received from the Hon T. Dick, as promised by him when in Christchurch, in reference to the drainage of the Hospital. The Minister promised to give both matters mentioned his best attention.