THE HON. J. MCGOWAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12239, 7 April 1903, Page 5

THE HON. J. MCGOWAN.

VISIT TO TAURANGA. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN COEBESPOStDEKT.] Tat/ranga, Monday. The Hon. J. McGowan, Minister for Mines," accompanied by his secretary and Captain A. C. Turner, of Rotorua, reached here yesterday evening. The Minister said a full meeting of the Cabinet is to be held before the Easter holidays to settle certain matters of policy that are urgent, and a lot of Departmental business, from the various offices, will also be brought before the Cabinet. The Minister is paying special attention to the roads of the district and the authorised expenditure, and especially the road between Tauranga and Waihi, and the establishment of a port at Waihi beach. He was especially interested in the mining developments at Te Puke, which he had visited some years ago, and always thought would ultimately turn out a valuable asset to the colony. He intends to return and a pay a prolonged visit to Te Puke, and has the most sanguine hopes of its future potentiality. The Minister left at nine o'clock, and will thoroughly inspect the roads between here and Waihi, with the view of getting a substantial grant from Parliament next session. Mr. McGowan was especially interested in the old cemetery of the military heroes, and will do all he can to have it kept ir suitable order. He was much interested in the grave of Te Hepu, the old native who carried a bowl of water to the leading officer at the Gate Pa, after the night of the fight, and thinks that a suitable colonial memorial should be erected, and to this he would be the first to subscribe. * The County Council authorities waited on the Minister with respect to local matters of urgency that were brought before him. and he promised to bring all matters referred to before the Cabinet, and do his best to get suitable grants for the district. The Minister's visit created a favourable impression.