THE HON. J. G. COATES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19020, 16 November 1923, Page 6

THE HON. J. G. COATES.

MARLBOROUGH'S CLAIMS. A TOUR OF INSPECTION. (Pee United Pp.kss Association.) BLENHEIM, November 15. The Hon. J, G. Coates (Minister of Railways and Public Works) visited the Clarence bridge yesterday and received there a large deputation of settlers on the question of provision for transport of stock across the river. The Minister unci the chief engineer (Mr iMirkert) agreed to a suggestion that immediately the punt now being constructed is completed a light suspension bridge for sheep traffic be installed, so that the river may bo crossable under almost any conditions. It is understood that the tenders for the reconstruction of the traffic bridge were unsatisfactory, and the department will do the work by day labour, taking about six montns. At Ward the Minister informed a bi(? deputation that if sufficient data to justify earnest prosecution of the main trunk line were placed before hirn the work would be gone on with; but he made it plain that on the present information in th" hands of the department, the prosecution of the work could not be justified at present lliere was no question, he said, that eventuthe line would be completed, and the only question was to get (hi various works injo their proper order of urgency. The Minister is visiting other part* of the district this morning, and leaves by the Wainui for Wellington this afternoon.