THE HON. J. G. COATES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19405, 14 February 1925, Page 7

THE HON. J. G. COATES.

TOUR OF CENTRAL OTAGO. NUMEROUS DEPUTATIONS. RAILWAY AND IRRIGATION MATTERS DISCUSSED. The Hon. J. G. Coates and party left Alexandra about 8,30 on Thursday morning (or Clyde, where he was waited upon by Ipumerous residents of the district, who wished to bring various matters before him. Mr J. Ritchie (chairman of the Vincent County Council) said that ho waa pleased to extend a welcome to Mr Coates. Ho was sure Mr Ooates had the interest of the district at heart, and that every visit they had from him produced something for the benefit of Central Otago Tho first matter which iie wanted to bring before tho Minister related to bridges in the county. At the last meeting of ttie Vincent County Council a oomrounication had been received to the effect that the Minister had put a grant of £ISOO on the Estimates on a pound tor pound basis for a main traffic bridge across the Lindis River. Tho council had considered that it would be better to hold a special meeting to consider the whole question of bridging. The Alexandra bridge was in a very bad state of repair, arid really wanted to bo renewed, while the Clyde bridge was in the game condition. These bridges would have to be renewed in tho very near future. The council had obtained an estimate of the cost of tho Clydo bridge. Owing to its finances, the council could not take up tho grant put on tho Estimates. If they could get a vote of £2 for £1 for the reconstruction of the Clyde bridge they would probably take up the vote for the bridge across tho Lindis River. In connection with the Lindis bridge, he would like to mention that a little while ago tho residents of the Upper Glut ha Valley wore very earnest in their desire to see tho railway extended from Cromwell, *.nd they were prepared to put up with the goads as they were at present if there v aa a possibility of getting the railway extended from Cromwell to Hawea or Lugcate within tho next two or three years. He understood that the Minister was not y ot in a position to make a statement regarding the railway, but they wore prepared to wait a little longer in the hope that the railway would be extended from Cromwolh The speaker went on to say that the Minister of Mines had promised a straight-out vote of £IOO for tho Nevis Valley road, and had put £SO on the Estimates on a pound for pound basis. This road, which went over the Carriok Range, was practically the same now as it was 60 years ago, being merely a bullock track There were numerous miners in the Nervis Valley, but the rates from the four runs there totalled only about £l2O per annum. Tho road from Bannockburn to the county boundary at Upper Nevis waa 28 miles long. The revenue from the miners was y«y small, and as the County Council h ac * keep the road in decent order he thought the Mines Deportment should do something more than had been done. A bridge .over the river was now required replariking. The whole of the money available would bo required for that, and even more would bo wanted. During the last 15 years the council had been making deviations and improving tho road, but it still required a. lot of improvement. ... ... Mr .Tas. Horn, S.M, said he could endorse every word uttered by Mr Ritchie. He thought this was the first year that they had not received a straight-out vote for the Nevis road. In the past the votj Fad always come from-the Mines Department. At present the Nevis district was producing about ns much gold as any other district In the South Is’aml. There was a coal pit there, and the rend was very much used for carrying coal to the miners and the one dredge working there. The road from Bannockburn to Nevis was 13 miles long, and It cost £3 10s per ton for the transport of goods. That would f ive an indication of what the rend was like. It took seven and a-half hours ts cover the 13 miles, so he thought Mr Coates would understand tho difficulties. Of all the traffic roads he had been on tho Nevis road took the cake. The -miners had only a short season, nnd the residents were practically Isolated, being frozen in for about three months In the year. So he thought they deserved a little consideration. There were really only three runholders, and he did not think that the (.mount which the county council received In rates would pay the wages of the roadmen. Ha did not see why the usual grant thorld be stopped at present, tnd ha hoped Mr Coates would be able to do something. . . Mr Coates said he would telegraph to the Minister of Mines and ask him if ho was prepared to make- a straight-out gran-, of £IOO this year. Mr Horn said the bridges were Just as Mr Ritchie had stated. There was a vote of £IOOO for the Alexandra bridge, and a similar vote for tho Clyde bridge on the Estimates on account of £IO,OOO for the two bridges. The Clyde bridge was originally a wooden bridge, and the county council started to replace the wooden girders with steel girders. He thought that n little more than half of the bridge had been done It was distinctly understood when he retired from the county council that part of the vote of £IO.OOO would be available each year until the Clyde bridge was reconstructed of steel. That being so he thought Mr Coates might carry out in some measure the arrangement made some 13 years ago. Mr Coates: Whas about the Lindis bridge? , ~ Mr Rltchlo said the county council hardly felt prepared to construct new bridges when there were old bridges that required reconstructing .... ~ Mr Coates- What do you think It will cost to get these bridges? What will the Alexandra bridge cost? Mr Ritchie said tho total cost of tho two bridges would bo lr. tho vicinity of £IO,OOO. Ho thought the people would laise a loan to pay part of the cost if tho Minister could give them £2 for fL Mr Coates said the question was whether the Government should do better Than pound for pound. He would make investigations and see what ho could do for them'. „ , , Mr Horn said tho Cromwell, Clydo, and Alexandra bridges were practically the largest in the South Island, and it was out of the question for the council to maintain them. It was not the fault of the County Council that they had a largo river there, and he hoped the Minister would take into consideration tho large sum required to build a bridge and the large amount required for maintenance. Matters in connection with irrigation pere brought before the Minister by Mr C. Weaver, who said that while the question was a very contentious one it was of extraordinary importance to the Earnscleugh settlers. Mr M'Guinnesa said that some time ago a protest had been made against the diversion of water into the Blackman’s area. The attitude which the settlers took up was there was not sufficient water in the Fraser River to provide for the land in the watershed of that river. If tho water was taken from the Fraser River into the other area acme of the poor land in the Fraser area would bo cut out, especially tho smaller holdings. If the water was extended tp 2400 acres, as intended by the department it would work out at one head for every 300 acres, according to tho 'minimum flow in the dry period. That would be no good to Earnsclcugh. One head to 350 acres was no good, and one head to ICC acres of second-class land was no good. If the water was spread over 240 acres the results would bo disastrous. If the department considered that it would lie a waste of water to use it on poor land the only thing was to cut out the poor land, compensate the owners, and use the water on the good land. About 1260 acres were being irrigated at present, and the total flow in tho Fraser River to-day was about one head to 120 acres. There was not sufficient water for the poor land at present. At Earnsoleugh Flat there were some 1820 acres, including the ground already irrigated. Except in two cases that land wns held in areas of 63 acres or 53 acres. Apart from that there were the Fraser water users, holding 348 acres, Walcott’s extension (120 acres), and about, 200 acres of poor land on the south side of the Fraser River, making a total of about 2488 acres in that area. There was no hope of developing 1820 acres under present conditions. and it was a question whether it was worth while wasting water on it. As far as Earnscleugh was concerned ho was prepared to admit that there was a shortage all round, but ho contended that undel present conditions the users of Blackman’s water were ns well off as any who came under the Eraser Ri'-er -chemo except tho free users. When Blackman's water was purchased about 1200 acres were taken into the scheme, but not. more than 900 acres had boon _ developed. M- Coat(v« said tho department was comto tho Fraser River scheme, ami tha qpMiioa vu to know how it could be

augmented. What the deputation had to show was that one head to 300 acres was not practicable. Mr M‘Guinness said they had to develop on the minimum flow during the dry period. For about three months in the year there was an all-round shortage. Mr Ooates: Would there be sufficient up till the end of January to irrigate the Blackman’s area? Mr M'Guinness: I should say so. The dry period extends from the end of January til! the middle of March. It will aifeot all the ground in pasture, and in some cases stone fruit will be affected.—(Voices: All kinds of fruit.) The trees must be irrigated to keep them right. Mr Marks (district engineer of the Public works Department) said that before the water was purchased it was understood that it would be available for all the settlers. Mr Ritchie said it seemed to him that there was not sufficient water for the whole area, but by constructing a dam in an ideal place in the Fraser basin ha thought there would be sufficient if it were stored. Thera was an ideal place for a darn in the Fraser River, and if the department could construct a dam the whole problem would bo solved. Mr Ooates: Wo have other problems than that. Mr M'Guinness: One head to 150 acres is no good. Mr G. M. Marshall: It is quite enough for fruit. Mr M'Guinness: It is probably enough for fruit, but it is not enough for pasture. When the Sandy Point water was purchased, said the speaker, the settlers thoroughly understood that it would not be sufficient for 1200 acres, but they understood that more water would be available later on. Now, however, the right was spread over another 1200 acres. Mr Marks: Wo gave you the right to take a double supply before wo took it on. Mir M‘Guinness; Tho double supply would give only one head to 150 acres, which would develop only half the holdings. The settlers would have had to sign two more agreements before they could get enough water for the poor land. Mr Marks: That would mean 14s for three supplies. Mr M'Guinnoss said he was paying on SOO acres, and ho would never develop 100 acres. It would ho a cheap scheme if the water was there and they could develop tho whole area, but at present it was not a cheap scheme for those on a poor class of land. If the department was not prepared to give sufficient water the Lands Department should not throw the land open for settlement. Mr Coates raid the attitude be took up was that the department had to develop fho land, and if more water was required an Improvement must bo effected, but If lha capital cost was going to be heavy they might be costing the country mors than It was getting back. They must take tome medium course.

Mr M'Qulnnosn said tho people were chary about signing up for water, becausa they did not knew what they were going to get. Tho only way to relievo tho position waa to supply more water. Ho understood that the department guaranteed a perpetual flow of one head of water. That would affect tho water held by tho other users, and he did not think that was n fair deal. l{e was not against the other users, but they should bo entitled only to their proportion. Mr Marks stated that any water required was cut off from an unsettled area. Mr Horn said that when the Sandy Point water was acquired it was intended to irrigate a certain area. At that time the Blackman’s people, who had only a partial supply, were supposed to bo Included. Then tho Earnsclcugh water came In, and tho Blackman’s people were prepared to negotiate for that water, but they stood aside on the understanding that tho Government would get it, and that they would get a share. After ho returned from South Africa the' matter was threshed out with Mr M'T.eod, and the speaker was very much surprised to find that iho department had turned <down tho proposal for a dam because It would bo 100 costly. He thought Mr Marks quite understood rent every bit of land on the Earnscleugh Flat was to be irrigated. He had Been Mr Marks, who had stated that ho had another scheme, and that the original scheme would Increase the cost very much. Mr Iverson said the water coming from Conroy’s to the Blackman’s area was private water, and was not available for the settlers generally. Mr Fryer said that only a very limited number of settlors were given an opportunity of getting a double supply, 030 acres being excluded. Mr White expressed tho opinion that ."8 great deal of the trouble was due to the fact that part of the land was used for fruit end part for grazing, the requirements of tho two being totally different. He thought there was enough water for fruit growing, but not sufficient for grazing. At present he could not work half his land. x ~ , Mr Harks said the suggestion was to take water to land where the people could not carry on without it. He had never claimed that one heal was sufficient for 300 acres, but it was very much better than nothing,and it was up to the settlers to see what was avai’nble for the settled land until something better could be supplied. If Hie settlers offered sufficient inducement to the department to supplement the supply he had no doubt the officials would be able to make some satisfactory recommendations to the Minister. Mr J. H Hinton said that those who took up land 14 or 15 years ago had had tho prospect of getting a water supply hold out before thorn, but they had got no further. They had been pushing ahead to make a poor living out of the fruit industry, which had put thousands into the district, on tho promise that they would ultimately get some of the Fraser River water Some of the sections were now drifting back to desert, while tho owners of others were just holding on._ They desired ixi compliment tno Minister on his determination to fulfil tne pledges given to the people. Mr Coates said he could not put tne position any hotter than IVIr Marks had put it The department was anxious to relieve those who were having a struggle, and it was prepared to do more than that. Iho scheme had just been inaugurated, and more water must be provided for the area. It was a question of supplementing tho present minimum flow. The department had gone into tho question, but he was not prepared to make a statement then, bocause he had not received complete estimates of tho cost and the method m which it was pz'oposed to supplement the water going into this race. They were all anxious to achieve success. _ The department proposed to go on, but it would probably have to go along in a quiet way because overhead costs must bo considered. It had taken in a certain area, and was trying to assist those wno had no hope of carrying on without water. If they wanted more water and were prepared to pay for it the department was willing to deliver it. It had been suggested that a storage dam should be constructed on tho Fraser River, but that had been found to be very expen isve and beyond th likelihood of a reasonable return. The next idea was to put in a pumping plant. Mr Marks had already gone in the direction of approaching tho Power Board with the object of ascertaining at what hours power would he available for pumping water. The final estimates for a scheme of that sort had not been obtained, and therefore he could not decide definitely. That seemed to be a cheaper scheme by a good deal. The arrival of electricity opened up a new phase of tho question. The department was committed to the areas to which objection had been made, and there was no going hack on that. It would never do for the Government to encourage people to go in for irrigation and not give them tho water required, so they could feel certain that they were going to get water. He had every confidence in the officers of the department. They realised the position fully so far as Earnscleugh Flat was concerned, and they were now working out a scheme which might, prove satisfactory, and remove some of the apprehensions which tho settlers might bn vo. Mr Ritchie thanked the Minister for the patient hearing which the deputation had received, and said he knew Mr Coates would do his best to straighten matters out. Ho was satisfied that in tho end the Minister would see that they got water to work the whole area. Mr Fryer referred to the establishment of a rural mail delivery from Clyde. lie said that about 30 people had signed the nvtition for tho service, and they desired that a motor cycle should he used so that thev would got a daily service all tho year round. Mr Coates said ho would ho very glad to go into the matter and see what could be done. VISIT TO TARRAS. SETTLERS’ REQUIREMENTS. At Tarras Mr Coates was met hr a large number of settlers, who extended to liim a very cordial welcome. Mr Jenkins said they were always glad to see Mr Coates as they knew that his visits were productive of much that benefited the district. Mr Horn said they were very thankful for Mr Coates’s annual visit. Such

visits should be encouraged as they assisted a Minister to become thoroughly acquainted with the country. Mr Jenkins said they would like to get an idea when the water would bo available from the Tarras race.

Mr Marks said there was every reason to hope that water would bo available well before the next season. Fie did not think it could be made available in time to do much good this season. If some water was brought in before the end of this season, it would bo more for tho purpose of testing the race, but if tho department could givo them a supply tliis season it would assuredly do so. He had very little doubt about tho water being available by September. Mr Lethbridge referred to the question of a bridge over the Upper Lindis crossing. Ho said a bridge had been asked for for some time, and they would like to get a promise that there was some hope cf erecting one in the near future. He understood that there was a proposal to build a nfew bridge at the Lower Lindis crossing, and they thought they might got the present lower briage and sopio light timber for the upper crossing. A light traffic bridge would do. The mail coach ran round the Lindis Valley to Tarras three days a week, and for about six months in the year it had to return by the lower crossing, considerable extra cost being en-' tailed. _ He did not think that the cost of removing the lower bridge would be very considerable. A stable site could be got about 100 yards below tho present crossing, and ho would be prepared to givo tho necessary land. Mr Coates: We had it before us on the last Estimates. Mr Marks said tho bridge was placed in tho category of very desirable secondary items. Tho proposal was for a grant of £1 for £l. Mr Coates: We can offer you £1 for £1 for it, and you can see if the County Council will assist you. Air Lethbridge said he thought tho Arclgour settlers would be prepared to give a subsidy if tho County Council would assist. Mr Coates said there was no doubt a bridge was wanted. He would get an estimate pf tho cost of a light traffic bridge. Mr Marks said an estimate had already been made, but the proposed crossing might alter it slightly. Mr Coates said ho would bo pleased to render what assistance ho could. It was very encouraging to see what was being done, and he thought the State should do its best to push matters along. One could go up the Ardgour Valley feeling very pleased with what tho settlers had done in a very short time and encouraged to undertake bigger schemes in tho future. Ho sincerely hoped that the efforts being made in tho Tarras would he attended by complete success. Ho know that the settlors would do their very best, and if success was not attained it would not bo their fault. Ho hoped to got better results-in tho future, and with, that object in view ho was sending several officers abroad. Several fanners wished to travel with the nnrtv in order to got information about irrigation and so on. Mr Marks would make investigations in America, and ppssihlv another officer would do tho same in another country.

THE HAWEA DISTRICT. RAILWAY AND POSTAL MATTERS. Tho next stop was mode at Hawea, whom another deputation awaited tho arrival of tho Minister.

Mr Cotter said tho first question they wished to discuss was tho possibility of extending tho railway from Cromwell to liawoa. They wero also hopeful that the trains on the Contra! Otago railway would bo speeded up. This would give them an ideal service, and would bo of groat benefit to the district, as more passengers would travel by railway. Another point was that the mail service had boon altered without the residents of the district being consulted. They preferred u daily service leaving Cromwell about 10 n.m. ami arriving in Dunedin about the same time as at present. If the mails loft Dunedin a little earlier they would bo able to get to Pembroke and Hawea the same night. They understood that in Blenheim, Nelson, and Canterbury the Government had established a service of motor lorries in conjunction with tho railways. If that was the case tho residents of the Hawea district would like to get (ho benefit of such a service, They would like to know what tho position waa in regard to the taxation on traction engines, mills, trailers, and chaffcuttora. There wore two mills in the district, and ho understood that one had already paid £22 10s in taxation. Ho did not know if a mistake had been made. In that district traction engines wore used almost solely for threshing, and taxation meant that a burden was placed on tho farmers, who wore hit heavily enough at present. Mr Kano said it seemed hard that n threshing mill and chaffcutter should ho taxed when they were hardly on tho road at nil.

Mr Cotter said it appeared that if a man had an idle trailer on his place he had to pav taxation. Mr Coates said a man could have 20 machines in his yard without paying taxation so long as he did not put them on the road. Under the heavy Traffic Act a fanner was no different from anyone else. The Minister said lie could no 1. Tell them anything definite about the railway. ■ He had received a report from Mr Marks with reference to It, The proposal was that if u railway was built It should go to Luggate, and that roads should radiate from there. Careful surveys had been made, hut they had net been considered hy the departmental officers In 'Wellington of by himself. They had to go into tho economic aspect and decide whether (fere should in favour of n railway Instead of a road'.

Mr Cotter said (hey would lie quite satisfied with a railway to Luggate. The sentiment of the people In tho district was In favour of n railway stead of a road. Mr Contes said the question of haulage costs was involved. In connection with the linking up of motor am! railway services he said that in some cases ho had been able to make contracts In this direction. It was a question all over New Zealand how far (hey could link up the services. He lould not givo any definite pledge because he had to consider every case on its merits. If hi eould .mango :i thorough service to Dunedin or anywhere else he would do It. He wanted to link up the motor services with ths railways. He had done it in some cases, especially with wool ami wheat. Tho new mail contract saved the department between 1600 and £7OO per annum. Mr Cotter said it would cost the Railway Department a good deal more. Air Coates said the point was that the people wanted a mail service, and the Railway Department could not wry well be allowed to dictate as to the mail service which a district should have. They must nave the most expeditious service possible. Mr Cotter raid that before the last contract was let they ha 1 a better seivieo than they had now. The present hours wore most unsuitable for the district. Air Coates; You want the departure of the mail delayed fill about 30 a.m. That is what wo are trying to do. Air Connolly said that with tho new service they could not get a parcel away from Saturday until Wedneslay morning. Mr Cotter «aid he (houghtthey have have tho same treatment as Pembroke. Air Coates said that as far as the train service was concurred he was going into the question in order to seo if he could reduce the time occupied in travelling. Mr Cotter fnicl that if tho trains were accelerated and tho carriages were made comfortable tho people -would patronise them in preferenc to motors. Air Horn referred to the irrigation scheme from the head of tho river. Air Marks raid it would bo Investigated when the staff was available. About 20,000 acres would feme under the rchemo. Air Coates said he would go into the question raised regarding mills and chaffcutters. WAN AKA’S REQUIREMENTS. BRIDGE AND lake FACILITIES URGED. Tho Ministerial party then proceeded to Pembroke, and after partaking of luncheon Mr Coates was waited upon by several local residents, who placed a few requests before him. The deputation was introduced by Mr Horn. On behalf of tho residents of Pembroke and the surrounding districts Mr Scaifo extended a very cordial welcome, to the Minister. He proceeded to ask if Mr Coates could tell them what the present position was in regard to the extension of tho railway from Cromwell, and went on to say that it would be a great advantage if they had a daily mail service and got the train speeded up. Failing a daily mail service they would like to have tho existing mail time-table, altered. They wanted tho mails to leave later than at present, and in that respect the old time-table really suited the outlying districts better than the present one. Mr MTvor referred to tho wharves and jetties on Lake Wanaka. At present the wharf at" Pembroke generally used by tha

boating on the lake was in a very dilapidated condition. The wharf decking and foundations wore in such a bad condition that the wharf was unsafe for traffic and quite unsuitable for the handling of goods. Mo understood that 300 bales of wool had been carried on the lake since January 1, and that there wore prospects of a much larger output later on. He understood that tho cost of putting the wharf in good order would bo about £650. There was another wharf a little above the township, but tho approach to it was not suitable for lorry or wagon traffic. Ho understood that the lorrymen refused to take their vehicles to tho wharf. They wanted a straight-out grant for a new wharf and launch landings, and an extension of 15ft on the town wharf. There was at one time a. wharf on Pigeon Island for tho use of tourists, but it had been destroyed. They would like to get a new wharf, and also a jetty at tho neck between Lake Wan aka and Lake Hawea. Mr Cotes said ho thought tho jetty at tho neck should he regarded as belonging to the Tourist Department. Mr,Horn: There is no grant from the Lands Department because there is no road but that department got rentals from a vast area of land. Mr Rcaifo then referred to the question of a bridge over the Matatapu River. Mr Coates stated that Mr Marks was going to have estimates taken out fot the construction of a bridge, and if bo could assist when tho next Eetimates woro brought down he would do so. Mr Marks said the cost would be about £6OO. If tho settlers found £l5O and the County Council £l5O ho thought it would be a reasonable thing. Mr Scaifo said that if tho Government could givo them a straight-out grant without asking tho settlers to contribute they would be very pleased. Mr Coates: If you find £3OO wo can try to build a bridge. , The Minister went on to «ay that no had not had time to go into the figures regarding tho proposal to extend tho railway from Cromwell to Luggate. ihe question was a somewhat difficult one, t but it would bo decided as soon as possible, 13 eyond a certain distance from tho railway transport became a fairly heavy charge on a community. It appeared to him that they had a district which was capable tilth o gretost development in any part of New Zealand. Tho Public Works Department had carried out careful investigations and tho time had arrived for doing something. A very heavy expenditure would_ be involved, and lie would have to go into the matter with the Minister of ]mnance. Wlt.lout a railway it was not possible to remove heavy material, grain and produce, economically. Tho Railway Department was overhauling a number qf_ important services throughout (ho dominion, anf. tnn service in Central Otago was one ot them. There were difficulties owing to steep grades and many sharp curves. So dimcult were some of the curves and tunnels that the average main lino coach could not be nm on the lino. .. Ho hoped to ho able to curtail the lime snent in the carnages, and he felt sure (hat they could get. a nioro economical tvpo of engine on the lino. toe question of the mail service was already in hand, and ho hoped to arrange a timetable that would suit them. He would have a look at (ho wharf. He could not heln thinking that a wharf was necessary but' the question was to decide who shouu build it. However, he thought (hey wonh be able to get over (be difficulty. H‘ would see the Ministers in charge of Hie Tourist and Mines Departments, and nscertmn if pnvtliinf could l o done. Ino irnmediate demand, he understood, was foi a wharf at Pembroke.

AT AIinmVTOWN. IRRIGATION AND OTHER MATTERS At Arrowtown Mr Coates was mot by several of tho leading members of tho community. On behalf of (he residents of the district, Mr G. Romans extended a very hearty welcome to tho iMinislor, and said they appreciated the manner in which ho had pushed the local irrigation schemes ahead. Mr Coates returned thanks for tho welcome and uho appreciative remarks regarding his work. Mr Romans said they must recognise that Mr Coates had kept hi.s promise in regard to irrigation, ami he wished to express their thanks to lii»u and Mr Horn, who iiad always kept tiro ball rolling iu regard to irrigation schemes. They recognised that irrigation meant progress for tho district and was going lo help tho township to go ahead again. Mr Reid (chairman of the Lake County Council) also thanked tho Minister for having kept his promise so faithfully in regard to irrigation. Ho thought that with irrigation they would have almost a model district. Tho speaker urged tho erection of a, bridge over the Ma.tata.im River, mid said tho sooner it was pushed along the bettor the residents would bo pleased.

Mr Horn said that of all tho Ministers ho had met, Mr Coates was tho most willing to seo things for himself. He* was always willing to go wherever ho (Mr Horn) asked him to go Tho speaker said ho would like to express tho admiration .of the people in tho Wakatipu district for the way in which Air Coates carrier! out his duties. Mr Romans said they suffered under pretty stiff charges on the railways, both for passengers and goods. Tho freight on a case of kerosene from Dunedin to Frankton, via Ooro, was Os. Mr Coates: We have reduced the freight, but only down to ton lots. You liave quoted Die very highest tariff charged. Mr Romans eaid ho believed they would got more passengers if tho faros wore reduced. Mr Coates said it was always a pleasure to go through the country and note tho progress being made. He always found that unless a man could see the country he would have to form judgments in the dark. Tho speaker went on to pay a compliment to Mr Horn for tho attention ho paid to his constituency. With regard to the irrigation scheme Mr Coates said ho understood that hying surveys had been made. Mr Paterson was now making a survey. The people would ho asked to sign agreements, and Mr Marks would ask him for money to make a start. Ho was not sure that tho public realised tho extraordinary future before irrigation, and ho did not think the people as a whole realised the groat development in front of them in the Otago district. The process would be slow, us there was a lot to learn. Personally he had no doubts as to the future. They might make mistakes, but, they could learn us they went along, and as to tho ultimate result there was no doubt about that. It was possible that their development might bo ahead of settlement. There wore no difficulties ahead of them. It was a question of money for development and tho man to do tho job. The department had several big schemes in hand. As far as the local scheme was concerned apparently there was nothing to prevent them from going ahead. The question of railway freights was a difficult problem. During tho war period tho department never allowed tho tariff to follow tho expenses on the up grade. At present a complete review was being made, and should be completed in a week or 10 days. Mr Sterling, who had been permanently appointed as a member of the Railway Board, had tho matter in hand. Mr Coates said ho honed to bring tho new tariff as far as possible and a new system of accounting in operation on April 1. The department would allow tho chambers of commerce and business organisations to review the tariff and state what they thought of it. The lopartir.ent wanted tho public to understand what it was trying to do. Some of the tari f rates were high, but they had to cover tho ovoiliead expenses, interest and sinking fund, etc. He hoped to make the railways pay 4 per cent, when ho got (ho new accounting system in operation. He did not think that tho present rate (33 per cent.) was sufficient, lie'was very anxious to give the public a better service na cheaply a- possible, consistent with overhead charges. He wanted good men to do (ho work, and those men must tie adequately paid Tho department had find a wonderful response from tire men generally. .' !1 of them seemed to ho trying to do the best, and to adopt methods likely to please the public. Railway management was a difficult problem in all parts of the world. Barger engines had had the effect to some extent of increasing the load and reducing the services. Ho was trying to co-ordinate a number of tho motor services with the railways, so that people living away from a railway could book stuff right through to its destination. Ho wanted the people to realise chat the department had begun a big undertaking. With regard (o the Matntapu bridge the position was that if (he people concerned found £liiO and the county council £l5O the Public Works Department would find the liai.nice. If ho could do the work for less than was anticipated ho would try to meet them. Ho would discuss the question of wharf accommodation at Pembroke, and would let Hr Horn know what could no done. Mr Koid said that complaints had been made about the lack of comfort in tho railway carriages on the Kingston line. Mr Coates said there was no leasou why the carriages should not be made ns comfortable as possible, but at the moment that was not an urgent question.

EXCURSIONS TO QUEENSTOWN. The Minister reached Queenstown at 0.30, and a little later a deputation waited on him at Elehardt’s Hotel. Amongst tho matters discussed was the question of continuing the excursions to the town, the deputation pointing out the desirability of providing the greatest facilities for enjoying the pleasant climate and exploring the scenic beauties of the district, After the matter had been fully discussed the Minister agreed to continue the excursions in the meantime.

THE CROMWELL DISTRICT. DEMAND FOR WATER. NEW POST OFFICE WANTED. Mr Coates and his party left Queenstown about 8.30 yesterday morning, and after making an inspection of the Kawarau Gold Mining Company’s works at tho falls, where they were shown over the bcoihi of operations by Mr E. J. lies, they proceeded to Cromwell, where the Minister was met by another large deputation. Mr Coates was cordially welcomed by Mr Jolly (Mayor of Cromwell), who said thm regarded turn as a friend. As a Minister Air Coates had treated the district right royally, and any requests made had been received very reasonably. Tho deputation wished bo bring tho Roaring Meg water scheme and. a few other matters before the Minister. Mr Sanders emphasised the necessity for going ahead with the Meg scheme as soon as possible. Tho scheme had boon undo . - consideration of the Government for many years; in fact, it was one of the oldest promises >he authorities had on its hands in regard to Central Otago. He thought tin t imo had arrived when something should bo clone. Mr Horn said that Mr Millar had promised that; this would be tho second scheme to bo earned out. Mr Sanders .said ho thought the price run up to 32s 6d per aero. The now settlers at Moai.it. Pisa were waiting for tho water, and the laud set aside for closer settlement between the river and the road was useless until the water was available. A largo number of families could bo settled if hr gabion was in existence, but at present the residents could not provide for thenown families. The speaker wont on to refer to the scheme for boring for artesian water. The Minister of Miues hud offered to lend the boring rods if they did the work thorn selves. The County Council had offered to subsidise them in a very goncroys manner, and some of tho settlers were prepared tp boar tho brunt of prospecting. A Keystone borer was placed nt their disposal, but there was only 130 ft of piping, a lot of which was damaged and unsuitable for the work. Nothing had been done, and if the Minister could do anything to assist, them it would ho very much appreciated. They would like to sink at least fiOOft if necessary. Mr (Toates said ho did not think there would be any difficulty about getting pipes. Air Webb spoke in support of developing the Roaring Meg scheme. They really wanted this water, and ho was anxious to know if tho Government intended to go on with it. They had received no definite information about what. was going on. If tho Government was not going on with tho scheme there was quite a reasonable chance of tho people taking it up themselves. Ho thought the Government should do tho work, because it wouli,, increase the wealth of tho country. Thorn was no doubt about tho production of an inuiienso amount of stuff if tho water was iscd wisely. 'I ho question of water right* might bo gone into, so that, tne water could bo used to bettor advantage than at present. Mr Bradley said there woro a number of property owners in tho vicinity of the Roaring Meg, .so that rue output would bo very considerably increased. Ho urged the liccessily of reaching finality in the mat te r. Air Toivii, ono of the oldest lucerne growers in tho district, said there was room in the valley lor hundreds of settlors if tho Roaring Meg water was available for irrigation. At present they woro labouring under great difficulties. With water they would he producing thousands of pounds worth of stuff' where nothing was lining grown now. There was a good flow of weler going through the valley. _ He thong at it would be a good thing if tho Government could assail them in putting down a test boro for water. They were prepared to spend q, good deal of money, uml lie was sure that, water was there. Ah- Jolly said tho Borough Council had a very fiuo water right from tho Lowburn Creek, and it would be quite prepared to givo that, supply to the Government in consideration for getting a supply from tho Meg. Mr Horn said the late Sir John M’Kenzio hud promised them a boring plant which was then nt Eweburn. That plant got stuck after going down about, I'/'OOU, and they could not withdraw the pipes. It was at least 14 years, and probably 17 years, since ho signed on for tno Meg water.

In leply to a question by the Minister, it wan stated that the Cromwell Development Co.’s scheme would not, deal with tho land (bat would bo irrigated by tho Meg scheme. Mr Jolly then urged on tho Minister the need ’or a new post ollico. Ho said the business was incroasiii)? every day. unci tho officials were complaining bitterly about the conditions under which they had to work. There was a block of land which tho Atlion’seum Trust was prepared to sell to tho Government for a now site, but tlioro was a little difference in regard to the price. The t ’ust was prepared to hand over the land ond let tho price bo fixed by arbitration. It was a shame to let tho officials work under tho present conditions, and tho position would become worse as tho business would continue to increase. Mr .lolly then advocated tho speeding-up of the train service, which would bo a good proposition from t. business point of dew. Ho gaid tho Railwt.y Department was being boaton by tho motor services every day. The speed-ing-up of tho train and ft revision of tho charges would make the railway pay. Mr Coates; The prices are not coming down much, so you need not bother about that. Mr Spain, speaking on behalf of the set tier; at Wnenga, asked for the erection of a skelter shed at tho railway siding. In replying, Mr Coates said that surveys in regard to the Roaring Meg scheme had been completed, and had gone to tho head office. lie could not say anything definite until lio knew what the cost would he. When ho got estimates ho could go to tho Minister of Finance with proposals for dovelopin g the scheme. He would not tackle any scheme until ho knew what it was going to cost the settlers. It should not lake ir any weeks to lot them know exactly how they stood. Mr Murks said it would probably take two or three months to complete tho estimates. Mr Coates said, he would try to arrange with 1 lie Minister of Mines to get extra piping. He would havo to make inquiries about ii now post office. In connection with the railway, he was making a trial to see what could ho done in tho way of cutting down the running time. DEPUTATION AT RANFURLY. Tho party, which was joined at Cromwell by Mr West (district railway traffic manager) and Mr Benzoin (district engineer), left Cromwell by special train at 12.19. At Hnnturly Mr Coates was met by a deputation representing the Maniototo County Council and the residents of Ranfurly. Hr Morgan (chairman of the county council welcomed Mr Coates to tho district. He went on to stale that the expenses of the comty’s representative on tho Highways Board had to ho borne by tho council. They considered that ho should bo paid by the board, which had, however, refused to recognise rny liability. Mr Coates said the law would havo to bo altered, but he would go into tho matter. Mr Smith urged tho erection of an overhead bridge across tho railway lino. Ho said tho township was always growing, and as some of tho businesses wero on cno side of the Hue and some on the other it was vcy inconvenient without a bridge. Mr Bcnzoni said that ramps would be required, and the cost would bo about £1509. After the matter had boon discussed, Mr Morgan promised to ascertain if the County Council would bo prepared to pay portion of tho cost. AT MIDDLEMARCH. At Middlcmarch a deputation asked for a rearrangement of tho goods yard, and pointed out that there was a dangerous comer just above the station. Reference was made to a shortage in the staff at tho post of ice, especially between 12 o’clock and 2 o'clock, and it was staled that a girl was rcr uired to look after tho switchboard in the telephone exchange. The deputation also suggested (hat tho crossing above tlie stai ion should bo shifted a littlo further up- (ho line, and it was stated that this could be done easily if the County Council would erect a bridge over a small creek. Another request was that a special train should be run to Dunedin on Wednesdays for tho convenience of those wishing to attend the Burnside sales. The Minister promised to go carefully into tho matters brought before him. Tho Minister and party then continued their jo.imey, and reached Dunedin at 6.30 1 D.EO.