THE MINISTER FOR RAILWAYS ON THE COAST.

North Otago Times, 22 May 1909, Page 3

THE MINISTER FOR RAILWAYS ON THE COAST.

' — Jk —;■. i'er Press Association. fctport, May 21. Mr Millar, Minister of Railways and Marine, inspected the .Westport-Maki-liinu lino yesterday, and at Ngakawu .was entertained at diuner by the, Stockton Coal Company. Several deputations were received, the Minister stating to one from the Westport Harbor Board that if it had any surplus revenue it should reduce the haulage charges on coal, as coal must be made cheaper to successfully compete against outside. The development of the harbor, however, was the first consideration, so as,to make it possiblo to ship coal in largo vessels to foreign markets. Incidentally the Minister mentioned that local bodies must not think they were going to have unlimited borrowing powers. The Government were determined to exercise greater core in granting authorities until things were on a sounder basis. On his return to town the Minister met several deputations, one from a public meeting urged that the Harbor Board should get the advice of one of tbelbesl authorities in the Works Deponent on the possible improvement of the port before tho £22,000 loan'money was expended. The Minister stated that he would first have a report from the Engincer-in-CWef (Mr Holmes).

In the evening the Minister was entertained by a large and representative iratlierintr. The majority of the emphasised the desire for harbor improvements to make forcimi markets possible, and so lend to the development of the extensive coal bearing areas in tho vicinity of tho Wi'stport-Rcefton railway. The Minister left for Nelson this forenoon.