HON. R. M'KENZIE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14818, 27 April 1910, Page 5

HON. R. M'KENZIE.

VISIT TO HAWKE'S BAY. (Pia United Press Association) NAPIER, April 25. A deputation ifrom the East Coast Railway League interviewed the Hon. R M'Kenzi© (Minister of Public Works) today. In his reply the Minister said the Last Coast line must bo one of the lines which tho country would have to take in hand before.very long. He looked upon this line as one of the most important in New Zealand. The question of Native lands should be dealt with to prevent the price of land being afterwards put up against the settlers. The Napier-Gisborne section of the line would be taken in hand probably much sooner than most of t-hom anticipated. The trial survey of it would be finished as soon as a man was available to do the work. Mr M'Konzie attended a conference at Mcea-nco to-day on the question of river control. Ho said he did not think there would be any use sending a Government engineer to report unless the river boards were agreed among themselves, because tney would only disagree with any report that might be .made. It the boards could not agree on amalgamation some legislative steps might bo- neceaaiy,'because one board could not be allowed to endanger some ot the most valuable country in the

tout J J' Kenrie , wiu l«ve to-morrow for Wellington, making a short stay at Dannevirke en route. J