MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15252, 15 March 1913, Page 8

MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS.

— ♦ , g .. ( COMING VISIT TO THE NORTH. [BT tsleobaph.—own COEKBSPOmDBNT.] Whangabei, Friday. Ok the occasion of the visit of the Minister for Public Works (the Hon. W. Fraser) to the district, .the following matters will be brought under his notice by a deputation representing the Whangarei County Council:—■ The principle of & for £ grants. In many cases grants are made for localities where, owing to Crown and native lands, there is little «r no revenue, and as a consequence, the county subsidy cannot be raised to lift the grants. (2) Pointing out that the local body can-, not finance Government grant expenditure in anticipation, and that it is only- on condition that contractors wait until grant money is actually lodged by the Treasury to the credit of the county, that the .local body can proceed with such expenditure. (3) The need of State assistance in forming and metalling the main road between Whangarei and Dargaville. (4) The need of assured finance to local bodies. (5) The desirability of the Government either assuming control of all main arterial roads or the granting of £ for £ subsidies on loans raised for such a purpose. The W&ipu-Ruakaka Railway League will also wait upon the Minister in regard to the proposed light line of railway from Waipu to One-tree Point on the southern foreshore of Whangarei Harbour. This latter subject has been before the publio for years, and it is urged that it is by a railway alone that the districts affected can obtain a satisfactory outlet.