MINISTER IN NORTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18102, 29 May 1922, Page 8

MINISTER IN NORTH.

MR. COATES AT PAPAROA. THE RAILWAYS POLICY. EXTENSION OF TELEPHONES. [bt tulbgbath.—-own correspondent.] PAPAROA. Saturday. The Hon. J. G. Coatea, Minister for Public Works, delivered a speech in the Garrison Hall to-night. The attendance was moderate, owing to tho stormy weather. The Minister's speech was on the lines of his speech at Dargavillo. In the Post and Telegraph Department, he said the Government had faced unpopularity, and hud carried out retrenchment with due consideration to the efficiency of tho service. In regard to railways, his policy of concentration on main lines had been somewhat departed from. Several minor lines had been prosecuted to provide relief works, owing to acute unemployment. As to grants for hydro-electric power schemes in the North Island, the Cabinet was aiming at tapping the main sources of power so as to make current generally available in the country as well as in the towns. He forecasted improvements and extensions of tho telephone system and the wide use of automatic telephones, including wireless connections. Rural mail services would also be developed for assisting remote settlers. The Otira tunnel he considered the most important work in New Zealand, and it only awaited the electric installation. The North Auckland railway, linking the city with the Far North, he anticipated would be completed and Public Works trains connecting the railheads in seven or eight months. He contended the Government had inaugurated better conditions for the workers than previous Liberal administrations. The Public Trust Office figures were quoted as showing the increased business entrusted to the department, showing the confidence of tha people in tho office.