VISIT OF THE MINISTER OF LANDS.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume I, Issue 14, 19 March 1892, Page 3

VISIT OF THE MINISTER OF LANDS.

The Hon. John McKenzie, paid this district a hurried vieit on Monday lest, arriving from Te Aroha at about 10 p.m. "and Waving for Thames about 2 hours later. He was accompanied by 001. Fraser, M.H.R., and Messrs W. A. Graham, Gore (private secretary), and Gerhard Mueller, Commissioner of- Crown Irads. On ai rival he was met by 't\e County Chairman, Crs Bobson, C ssrells and McGruer, Mr Little John (C mnty Engineer), Messrs C. F. Mitchell, Barrett, Elliott, and others. ■. ■.-■,. :

Mr, Edwin Edwards, on behalf of the County Council, l:;Td the following matters before the Minister : 1. The matter of the Komata< Waite kauri track for which £100 was voted by Government on condition that the grade be not morathan Tin 10. It was now asked that, as it was totally impossible to get that grade, the grant be made unconditionally as to grade,

the most expedient track being taken. To this the Minister cordially asserted. 2. It was requested that the balance of a sum of £1000 advanced by Government j assist the Council to pay off the Auditor-General's, award as between the Thames and Ohinemuvi oounti9s be remitted. The amount owing is £250, and is to be paid by monthly instalment* of. £22, sinking fund and interest. Mr McKenzie, while thinking it a ; oderate request, stated that such an i em would never pass. However he would propose that the request should be altered and that a sum of £250 be asked for road works within the County which would, of course, co.ne to the same thing. Cr Eobson said the "Waitoa ro d would be a fit subject. The 'ounty CbVrman thought that it would be better to put the matter before lac full Council before deciding on where the £250 should be expended. He himself would favour the goldfield'a road. Eventually it was agreed that the Minister would recommend a grant of £250, the Council to decide as. to where the money should be expended and - nd such decision to the Minister on his return to Wellington. 3. The constitution of the County as a Harbour district. This the Minister; said would hinge upon whether the County bordered upon an arm of the,sea. If so there would be no trouble in getting an Order-in-C -until gazetting the Council a Harbour Board under Sec. 242 "The County Act> 1886 v" .-■ -■ ':..!, !! t.

4. The rating of Native Lands. The Chairman pointed out the gross injustice inflicted on European landowners and ratepayers by having to construct roads, bridges, &c, through Native land. He said . that nearly three>fourths of the County was Native land and the ot'ier fourth had to pay for the improvement on such lai.d. The Minister fully coincided and stated that the matter was receiving the consideration of the Government and that the matter would be ventilated next session. • - ■ = The want of a local Wai den's Court, the alleged illegal cutting of timber on a large scale and other matters were brought up, .and Mr -McKenzie promised to give them his best attention. , .

After thanking the Minister for his courtesy the deputation withdrew. Mr McKenzie and his party left for Thames at-mid-night, and we understand that they proceed up the Piako river to inspect the Piako swamp with a view to the practicability of Mr W. A. Graham's great drainage scheme.